EMS Training: The "7 C's" of communication in EMS

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

EMS Training: The "7 C's" of communication in EMS

Keep these points in mind when trying to get the message across

As EMS leaders, we spend a good amount of time interacting with others. Since we come in contact with so many people during our daily duties, it is vital we have the skills necessary to communicate effectively. From our employees, to hospital staff, first responders, and finally to patients and their families we are sending both verbal and nonverbal messages.

Once we return back to the office there is certainly no break from our need to communicate. We may need to return phone calls, deal with patient complaints and answer countless emails.

Being able to effectively communicate with others is imperative to our success as leaders. Effective communication is more than just being able to talk to someone. We have to be active listeners, understand what others are saying, and be able to read and interpret body language.

So, what is the best way to develop our communication skills? Let's take a look at the 7 C's of communication.

The 7 C's stand for clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete and courteous. When you follow the 7 C's they will give you the foundation you need to become the best communicator possible.

You can use the 7 C's with all modes of communication. Let's take a look at each word a little closer.

Clear - No matter what the task at hand, writing, speaking, or presenting to someone, we need to ensure our key points are as clear as possible. Just because we send our message out to the intended person does not mean they will understand it in the way it was planned. It is best to minimize the key points per sentence, so there is no need to read between the lines and misinterpret the message.
Concise - This is being as brief as possible to get your point across. Let's just look at when we write. No one likes to read long monotonous memos. One of the writing drills I do with leadership staff is that after they prepare a memo, the document is then reviewed. Once the review is complete, it is given back to the writer with the instructions, "Now say the same things with fewer words." We may do this drill a couple times. This ensures the workforce receives the clearest and concise message possible. It also teaches the leadership team to write as brief as possible to get the point across.
Concrete - There are so many definitions, uses and interpretations for the same words that it can become a bit overwhelming. It's important that we choose the most distinct words with the most precise meanings to get our message across. This will ensure we are painting the clearest picture, which in turn leads to the goal we want to achieve.
Correct - When writing, this deals not only with the facts of your message, but also the use of proper spelling and grammar. When speaking, it is using proper words, appropriate pauses and pronunciation.
Coherent - Whether we communicate through writing or speaking, ensure that the message is logical, that it flows and is relevant to the key points.
Complete - When your message is complete, the receiver has all the information necessary to be informed by your meaning and will be able to respond appropriately.
Courteous - Communicate politely, respectfully, openly, honestly, and professionally as possible. How do you want to be treated when someone is communicating with you? Keep that point of view in mind when you communicate with them.

Now that we have taken a "voyage" over the 7 C's of communication, it's time to practice. Being able to be an effective communicator is an important skill to master. Effective communications will assist us in building creditability, define our integrity and develop a true following of our workforce.

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Source: http://www.ems1.com/ems-products/Mobile-Computers/articles/1450448-The-7-Cs-of-communication/

CFN - California Fire News 2013

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How fires get their names

Every year in California thousands of wildfires start throughout the state. In most cases, the dispatch center sending the initial resources to a wildland fire will designate a name for the fire, but the first on scene engine or fire official can also name the incident. Fires are usually named for the area in which they start – a geographical location, local landmark, street, lake, mountain, peak, etc. Quickly naming the fire provides responding fire resources with an additional locater, and allows fire officials to track and prioritize incidents by name. For example during the Southern California Fire Siege of 2003, the largest wildland fire in California history, the Cedar Fire in San Diego County, was named after the Cedar Creek Falls area where it started. The destructive Old Fire, which burned during the same time period in San Bernardino County, was named after the road along which it started - Old Waterman Canyon Road.

CAL FIRE is the largest fire department in California and the second largest fire department in the United States. CDF - CAL FIRE Firefighters answer the call more than 300,000 times a year. CAL FIRE Firefighters make up the fire department for 30 of our 58 counties in California and more than 100 local communities. We serve as the incident command during many of California’s most serious disasters. CAL FIRE Firefighters respond to many various types and forms of calls ranging from structural fires, to auto accidents, to earthquakes, to floods, to the spilling of hazardous materials, to every conceivable disaster; CAL FIRE answer's the calls. CAL FIRE is the largest fire department in California and the second largest fire department in the United States . CAL FIRE firefighters protect 33 million acres of State Responsibility Area (SRA). We have over 4,000 members within CAL FIRE and CAL FIRE is associated with the California Professional Firefighters (CPF) and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).

CFN - CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS - CAL FIRE NEWS

Tuesday, May 28, 2013