Paramedics Exam EMS Communications 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's ECG is transmitted to the hospital via telemetry. Which technology makes this possible?
- Simplex voice radio
- Biotelemetry over radio or cellular link (Correct answer)
- Bluetooth local area network
- Satellite-only uplink
Correct answer: Biotelemetry over radio or cellular link
Biotelemetry transmits physiologic data such as ECG waveforms from the field unit to the hospital using radio or cellular links.
Question 2: During a radio transmission, the paramedic says 'Be advised, patient is coding—stand by for update.' What communication technique is demonstrated?
- Unnecessary verbosity
- Flagging with a preparatory phrase to alert the listener (Correct answer)
- Using coded language to protect patient privacy
- Requesting radio silence from other units
Correct answer: Flagging with a preparatory phrase to alert the listener
'Be advised' is a preparatory phrase that alerts the receiver that important information is about to follow, improving situational awareness.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the squelch control on an EMS radio?
- Increase transmission power
- Eliminate background noise when no signal is being received (Correct answer)
- Switch between simplex and duplex modes
- Record all incoming transmissions automatically
Correct answer: Eliminate background noise when no signal is being received
The squelch control mutes the receiver's audio when no carrier signal is present, eliminating the constant static heard between transmissions.
Question 4: During a mass casualty incident, the incident commander assigns a 'Communications Unit Leader.' This person's primary role is to:
- Operate the dispatch center during the incident
- Establish and manage the communications plan for the incident (Correct answer)
- Handle all media inquiries about the incident
- Monitor patient vital signs and relay them to hospitals
Correct answer: Establish and manage the communications plan for the incident
Under ICS, the Communications Unit Leader (COML) is responsible for establishing, operating, and maintaining the incident communications plan.
Question 5: A paramedic receives a radio order from medical control to administer a medication. Before acting, the paramedic should:
- Administer immediately while still on the radio
- Echo the order back word-for-word and await confirmation (Correct answer)
- Ask the EMT partner to confirm the order independently
- Document the order and administer without verbal confirmation to save time
Correct answer: Echo the order back word-for-word and await confirmation
Repeating the order back (echo procedure) and receiving confirmation ensures accurate receipt of verbal medication orders before administration.
Question 6: Which of the following frequencies is designated as the national EMS calling/simplex channel in the United States?
- 155.340 MHz (Correct answer)
- 155.280 MHz
- 154.025 MHz
- 460.025 MHz
Correct answer: 155.340 MHz
155.340 MHz (MED 9) is the national EMS simplex calling channel designated by the FCC for use across the US.
Question 7: What is the recommended maximum duration for a single uninterrupted radio transmission in EMS?
- 10 seconds
- 30 seconds (Correct answer)
- 60 seconds
- No limit if the information is necessary
Correct answer: 30 seconds
EMS communications guidelines recommend transmissions of no longer than 30 seconds to keep the channel available and prevent listener fatigue.
Paramedics Exam EMS Communications 4
A patient's ECG is transmitted to the hospital via telemetry.
Which technology makes this possible?