What is the purpose of pre-notification in EMS communications?

• A. To inform hospitals about incoming patients when Base Station contact is not required
• B. To arrange patient transfer between hospitals
• C. To notify EMS bureau of staffing changes
• D. To schedule follow-up appointments with patients

Answer: (A)

Pre-notification means alerting the receiving hospital ahead of arrival so they can mobilize the right teams and resources. The main goal is to speed up patient care by having the emergency department, imaging, trauma or specialty teams, and bed space ready as soon as the EMS unit arrives. This is especially important for time‑critical cases, where every minute counts.

The best choice captures this purpose by describing informing hospitals about an incoming patient, even in situations where base station contact isn’t required. That reflects how pre-notification functions as a direct heads-up to the hospital to prepare, rather than a step for coordinating transfers, internal staffing changes, or arranging follow-up appointments.