Protocol 06 Medical Communications 07/31/2020

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Questions and Answers

What is the procedure for declaring a Trauma Alert?

The unit OIC must declare the alert without notifying the FAO.

The unit OIC must advise FAO of the number of patients and the receiving facility after declaring the alert. (correct)

The alert can be changed freely after being declared if conditions alter.

The FAO must determine the alert based on observed symptoms.

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for using Medical Communication Channels?

In situations requiring medical supervision.

When routine radio checks are conducted.

For administering medications beyond protocol. (correct)

When clarification of a diagnosis is needed.

What action must the unit OIC take immediately after determining a patient meets STEMI Alert Criteria?

Conduct a routine check with medical protocols.

Contact the family of the patient right away.

Declare a STEMI Alert and notify FAO. (correct)

Assess the patient's condition for further intervention.

When is it appropriate to change the receiving facility after declaring a Trauma Alert?

If the OIC determines a better facility based on new information. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly represents Priority I - Critical patients?

They have an immediately life-threatening illness or injury. Signup and view all the answers

In case of a Stroke Alert, when should the FAO be notified?

Immediately upon determining the patient meets Stroke Alert Criteria. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a valid reason for a paramedic to use the Medical Communication Channels?

To clarify a diagnosis in a complex situation. Signup and view all the answers

What should the unit OIC do after calling a Stroke Alert?

Contact the receiving facility to relay patient information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Priority II patients?

Patients requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent life-threatening conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What criteria needs to be communicated when establishing communications with a Trauma Center for a Trauma Alert?

Statement of 'This is a Trauma Alert' and specific Trauma Alert Criteria. Signup and view all the answers

Which priority is designated for patients that are stable and do not require immediate medical intervention?

Priority III - Stable Signup and view all the answers

When receiving medication orders, what is the protocol for paramedics?

They must repeat back the orders prior to administration. Signup and view all the answers

What information is not typically included in a communication to a receiving hospital?

Patient's favorite recreational activity. Signup and view all the answers

What should paramedics do if they receive treatment orders that violate established protocols?

Seek online intervention from a medical director if unresolved. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Priority IV communications from other priorities?

It encompasses all communications not related to direct patient care. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the purpose of the Stroke Alert?

Alerts hospital staff about a patient meeting Stroke Alert Criteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical component to include in a communication when notifying a receiving facility?

The caller’s rank and name along with the priority of the call. Signup and view all the answers

What should occur after the paramedic transmits information to the receiving facility?

They must wait for a response and follow further instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Information

All patient-related communications occur through the Fire Alarm Office (FAO) using recorded telecommunications and authorized equipment.
"Trauma Alert" is declared and transmitted to FAO upon meeting Trauma Alert Criteria (TAC); includes advising the number of patients and chosen receiving facility, which cannot be changed without reasons.
"STEMI Alert" is declared immediately when a patient meets STEMI Alert Criteria, with necessary notifications made by the FAO.
"Stroke Alert" is declared right away upon determining a patient meets Stroke Alert Criteria, with FAO handling notifications.
Using Medical Communication Channels is permitted for medical protocol requirements, diagnosis clarifications, treatment instructions, or when medical supervision is needed.
Routine radio checks also fall under authorized communication usage.

Medical Priorities

Priority I - Critical: Life-threatening conditions requiring urgent attention.
Priority II - Serious: Requires immediate intervention to prevent potential life threats.
Priority III - Stable: Conditions manageable without urgent intervention; also for patient arrival notifications.
Priority IV - Administrative: Involves non-patient care communications.
Trauma Alert, STEMI Alert, and Stroke Alert correspond to patients meeting their respective criteria.

Communications with a Receiving Facility

Establish communication with the receiving hospital; announce the hospital name followed by department and unit number.
After acknowledgment, state the caller’s rank and name, and inform the Priority of the call.
For Trauma Center communications, begin with "This is a Trauma Alert" and specify TAC.
Provide patient details: age, sex, weight (if relevant), chief complaint, brief history, level of consciousness, vital signs, physical findings, treatment given, and estimated arrival time.
Await acknowledgment from the hospital and be prepared to follow further patient management instructions from the emergency department.

Medication Orders

Paramedics must repeat medication orders received from the hospital before administration.
If treatment orders violate medical practices or protocols, paramedics should reconfirm and communicate concerns, seeking intervention if necessary.

Telephone Communications with Physicians

Physicians consulting with paramedics must provide a reachable phone number for immediate return calls on monitored lines.
Paramedics contact FAO to request conference calls, providing the physician’s number, with the option to include the receiving facility for three-way communication.
All conference calls are monitored by the FAO, with participants informed that the call is recorded.

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Description

This quiz covers the standard protocols for conducting medical communications through the Fire Alarm Office. It includes details on declaring a 'Trauma Alert', required communications equipment, and the responsibilities of the unit Officer-In-Charge (OIC). Test your knowledge on the procedures to ensure effective emergency response.