NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamEMS OperationsMedium
An EMT is communicating a patient report to the receiving hospital via radio. The patient is a 70-year-old male with a history of heart failure, complaining of sudden onset shortness of breath. The EMT states, 'We are en route with a 70-year-old male, chief complaint shortness of breath. History of heart failure. Vitals are stable. ETA 10 minutes.' What crucial piece of information is MISSING from this initial radio report according to standard EMS communication protocols?
- ASpecific treatment interventions provided.
- BPatient's mental status.
- CDetailed SAMPLE history.
- DThe patient's name.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Patient's mental status.
Standard radio reports (often using an MIST or similar format) require the patient's mental status as it provides a rapid indication of the patient's neurological and overall perfusion status. While other options are important, mental status is a core component of the initial, concise radio report.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Specific treatment interventions are typically included, but mental status is a more fundamental initial piece of information.
- C. A detailed SAMPLE history is too extensive for an initial concise radio report, though key elements may be included.
- D. Patient's name is usually withheld for privacy during radio transmission and given upon arrival.
EMS Radio Report (MIST)
A concise, structured communication format used by EMS to report essential patient information to the receiving hospital.
- MIST stands for Mechanism/Medical, Injuries/Illness, Signs/Symptoms, Treatment.
- Often includes age, gender, chief complaint, mental status, and ETA.
- Designed for brevity and critical information transfer.
Memory trick: Age, Chief, Status, Vitals, ETA. MIST it up!