Describe the communication skills that should be used to interact with the patient, family, and bystanders while providing patient care.

Description should include

• the difference between communication skills used to interact with the patient and those used to interact with others.
• ways to adjust communication strategies for a patient’s age, stage of development, special needs, and cultural differences
• interview techniques
• communication with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ populations
• verbal defusing strategies
• family presence issues.

Process/Skill Questions:

• How do various stages of development affect communication with patients?
• What can the EMS provider discuss with the family concerning a patient and the patient’s care?
• How can the EMT communicate with a patient with special needs or with the patient’s caregiver?