Which statement accurately describes the Field to Hospital Communication policy?

• A. It establishes guidelines for interfacility transport only.
• B. It establishes guidelines for on-scene patient care only.
• C. It establishes guidelines for prehospital patient care and ensures effective communication between EMS providers and hospitals.
• D. It prohibits any communication with hospitals until after patient arrival.

Answer: (C)

Field to Hospital Communication focuses on coordinating patient care from the scene with the receiving hospital through timely, two-way communication. The policy establishes guidelines for prehospital patient care and ensures effective communication between EMS providers and hospitals. By requiring pre-arrival notifications, sharing key data (presenting condition, vitals, suspected diagnosis), and coordinating hospital activation for protocols like stroke, STEMI, or trauma, it helps the hospital be ready and accelerates definitive treatment. This continuous exchange improves triage and reduces delays in care once the patient arrives. It isn’t limited to interfacility transport or on-scene care alone, and communication with hospitals before arrival is expected, not prohibited.