Communication Basics
What does PCR stand for?
Patient Care Report
When communicating with a patient who has difficulty hearing, should you shout to help them understand?
No. Speak clearly while facing the patient so they can see your lips and facial expressions
What type of question allows a patient to explain their symptoms in their own words?
Open-ended Questions
What does PCR stand for?
Patient Care Report
You arrive on scene and your patient is very upset and yelling at you. What would you do?
Remain calm, speak professionally, listen to the patient's concerns, and attempt to de-escalate the situation.
What type of question allows a patient to explain their symptoms in their own words?
Open-ended questions
Why is it important to use simple, age-appropriate language when communicating with pediatric patients?
To help the child understand what is happening and reduce fear and anxiety.
Why should EMTs ask one question at a time during a patient interview?
To avoid confusing the patient and ensure each question receives a clear answer.
Is a Patient Care Report considered a legal document?
Yes
You are interviewing a patient who is having difficulty hearing your questions. What would you do?
Face the patient, speak clearly without shouting, reduce background noise, and confirm they understand you.
What is the term for communication using facial expressions, gestures, and body language?
Nonverbal Communication
Why is it important for an EMT to verify that a patient understands the information being communicated?
To prevent misunderstandings and ensure the patient can make informed decisions about their care.
Why is silence sometimes beneficial when interviewing a patient?
It gives the patient time to think, process the question, and provide additional information.
Why should EMTs document objective findings instead of personal opinions?
Objective findings provide factual, observable information rather than assumptions or conclusions.
While interviewing a patient, their family member keeps interrupting and answering questions for them. What would you do?
Politely ask the family member to allow the patient to answer, explain the importance of hearing directly from the patient, and redirect questions to the patient.
What is the term for repeating information back to someone to confirm it was received and understood correctly?
Closed-loop communication
Why should an EMT avoid making promises to pediatric patients that they cannot guarantee?
Breaking a promise can cause the child to lose trust in the EMT.
Why should an EMT avoid telling a patient, "Everything is going to be okay"?
Because the EMT cannot guarantee the outcome, and false reassurance can damage patient trust.
Why is it important for an EMT to document the patient's condition before and after providing treatment?
To show whether the patient's condition improved, worsened, or stayed the same after treatment.
You are giving a radio report to the hospital when you realize you provided the wrong blood pressure. What would you do?
Immediately correct the information over the radio, clearly state the accurate blood pressure, and confirm the receiving provider understands the correction.
What is the difference between subjective and objective information when communicating patient findings?
Subjective information is what the patient tells you, while objective information is what the EMT can observe, measure, or assess.
An elderly patient is distracted because they are worried about their dog being left alone at home. What should the EMT do to improve communication?
Acknowledge the patient's concern and help address it appropriately so the patient can focus on their care.
An EMT asks, "Are you having chest pain, trouble breathing, or dizziness?" The patient answers "yes." What communication mistake did the EMT make?
Asking multiple questions at once, making it unclear which symptom the patient is experiencing.
A patient refuses ambulance transport. Why is obtaining a signature alone not enough to properly document the refusal?
The EMT must also document the assessment of decision-making capacity, risks explained, patient's understanding, refusal discussion, and other required information.
You respond to a 70-year-old female who fell at home. She is alert and oriented but refuses transport. She tells you, "I don't want to go to the hospital, just leave me alone." What would you do?
Assess the patient's decision-making capacity, explain the risks of refusing care, attempt to address her concerns, and ensure she understands the potential consequences. Respect an informed refusal, follow local protocols, and thoroughly document the assessment, discussion, refusal, and required signatures or witnesses.