Paramedics Exam EMS Communications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which FCC-designated frequency band is most commonly used for EMS simplex operations in the United States?
- VHF low band (25–50 MHz)
- VHF high band (150–174 MHz) (Correct answer)
- UHF band (450–512 MHz)
- 800 MHz band
Correct answer: VHF high band (150–174 MHz)
VHF high band (150–174 MHz) is the most widely used frequency range for simplex EMS communications in the US.
Question 2: When transmitting a patient report to the receiving hospital, the paramedic should identify themselves by which of the following first?
- Patient's name and chief complaint
- Unit identifier and level of care (Correct answer)
- Hospital destination and ETA
- Crew size and vehicle type
Correct answer: Unit identifier and level of care
The unit identifier and level of care (ALS/BLS) are announced first so the hospital can route the call to the appropriate personnel.
Question 3: A paramedic uses a repeater system. What is the primary advantage of this configuration?
- Eliminates the need for a medical director
- Extends the communication range beyond line-of-sight limitations (Correct answer)
- Encrypts all transmissions automatically
- Reduces radio battery consumption
Correct answer: Extends the communication range beyond line-of-sight limitations
Repeaters receive a signal on one frequency and retransmit it on another at higher power, extending range beyond line-of-sight limits.
Question 4: Which term describes the condition where two units transmit simultaneously on the same frequency, making both transmissions unreadable?
- Dead air
- Kerchunking
- Capture effect
- Doubling (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Doubling
Doubling (also called 'walking on each other') occurs when two units transmit at the same time, causing mutual interference.
Question 5: Under HIPAA regulations, a paramedic transmitting a patient report over the radio should:
- Use the patient's full name to ensure accurate hospital preparation
- Use the patient's date of birth as the primary identifier
- Avoid using the patient's name whenever possible (Correct answer)
- Broadcast all identifying information on an open channel without restriction
Correct answer: Avoid using the patient's name whenever possible
Radio transmissions are not fully secure, so paramedics should avoid using the patient's name and minimize protected health information.
Question 6: The standard phonetic alphabet letter for 'M' is:
- Metro
- Mike (Correct answer)
- Mary
- Marco
Correct answer: Mike
In the NATO phonetic alphabet used in EMS communications, 'M' is represented by 'Mike.'
Question 7: A paramedic is unable to reach medical direction by radio in a rural area. The next best option is:
- Proceed without orders and document all actions
- Use a cellular phone to contact medical control (Correct answer)
- Return the patient to the closest populated area before contacting medical control
- Administer no medications until radio contact is re-established
Correct answer: Use a cellular phone to contact medical control
Cellular phones are an acceptable backup communication method when radio contact with medical direction cannot be established.
Paramedics Exam EMS Communications 2
Which FCC-designated frequency band is most commonly used for EMS simplex operations in the United States?