A method for reviewing radio-telemetry paramedic calls

A method is presented for reviewing the taped radio-telemetry records of paramedic calls managed by hospital-based emergency medicine residents. All paramedic calls to the LAC/USC base station are reviewed by an emergency medicine resident using a special tape review form which focuses on communication skills, initial paramedic field assessment, sense of urgency of the case, and the completeness of the filed report. Additional emphasis is placed on the base station physician's interpretation of the field presentation and his choice of therapy. Tapes demonstrating particular skills or pitfalls in prehospital management are selected for monthly tape review conferences. Such conferences provide a method by which each side of the prehospital care team can perceive the position of the other, encouraging physicians and paramedics to enhance their respective roles in providing effective prehospital emergency care.