NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamEMS OperationsMedium
An EMT is communicating a patient report to the receiving hospital via radio. The EMT states, 'Patient is a 45-year-old male, conscious and alert, complaining of 8/10 chest pain, radiating to the left arm. Blood pressure 140/90, heart rate 98, respirations 18. Administered aspirin 324 mg orally. En route, ETA 10 minutes.' Which component of a comprehensive radio report is MISSING from this transmission?
- AEstimated weight and height.
- BChief complaint and severity.
- CPatient's name and date of birth.
- DMedical history and allergies.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Medical history and allergies.
While the report includes vital signs, interventions, and ETA, critical information like the patient's past medical history and any known allergies is essential for the receiving hospital to prepare for and continue appropriate care.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Estimated weight and height are less critical than medical history and allergies for an initial radio report in this scenario.
- B. The chief complaint ('chest pain') and severity ('8/10') were clearly stated in the report.
- C. Patient identifiers like name and DOB are generally not transmitted over unsecured radio channels due to HIPAA.
Radio Report Components (MIST/SAMPLE)
A structured method for providing a concise, yet comprehensive, patient report to medical control or the receiving facility via radio.
- Includes unit ID, patient age/sex, chief complaint, vital signs, pertinent history, interventions, and ETA.
- Often uses mnemonics like MIST (Mechanism, Injuries, Signs/Symptoms, Treatment) or a modified SAMPLE.
- Focuses on critical information for handoff and preparation.
Memory trick: Unit, Age, Chief, Vitals, History, Treatment, ETA - Don't forget history!