Closed Loop Communications
Arguably the most important skill an EMT can learn is how to observe and improve their own communication skills. Communication affects every other aspect of patient care and effective teamwork. There are many techniques to explore in this skill. One technique used commonly by medical professionals and pilots is called closed-loop communication. To start building the skill, let’s start with documenting when we observe ourselves or others demonstrate closed loop communication in class. Key aspects of closed-loop communication include:
Example Closed Loop Communication in Bleeding Control:
Team lead: *touches shoulder of teammate* please control the bleeding with a tourniquet
Team member: “controlling bleeding with a tourniquet now”
Team member: “Team lead” *waits for team leader attention* “bleeding controlled with a tourniquet, time noted”
Team lead: “thank you team member, standby for the next task”
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*Self-evaluation, candidate initials accepted
The original copy of this book resides at openoregon.pressbooks.pub/emslabmanual. If you are reading this work at an alternate web address, it may contain content that has not been vetted by the original authors and physician reviewers.
