Ep 13: The Write Stuff – Reassessment, Communication & Documentation
This week, the crew digs into one of the least glamorous but most critical parts of EMS: communication and documentation. From giving clear radio reports to writing legal patient charts, Mike, Max, and Jonathan explore how every word you say (and every note you write) can impact patient care and your career.
They break down what makes a solid patient report, why written narratives matter more than you think, and how good communication is the backbone of effective teamwork. Along the way, they compare old-school paper charting to today’s digital systems, share ride-along stories, and nerd out over the evolution of EMS radios—from “Johnny and Roy” to modern encrypted trunk systems.
Episode Breakdown
00:37 – Apollo 13 jokes and how NASA inspired this week’s theme
08:45 – Communication in EMS: why it matters more than any skill
14:00 – Medical Term of the Week: Patient Report (and the art of the handoff)
24:10 – How to stay calm and sound confident on the radio
35:00 – Legal documentation, accuracy, and “If it’s not written, it didn’t happen”
47:40 – Tools of the Trade: Radios 📻 – from Astro 25 to trunked digital systems
1:10:10 – Student Tip of the Week: Master your narrative style (SOAP, D-CHART, etc.)
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.
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