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Region II Communication SystemWhat is CMED?CMED (Central Medical Emergency Direction) relies on a network of radio towers set up strategically throughout Central Massachusetts (EMS Region II). Through these towers (see map) an ambulance can contact CMED via radio and request entry notification to a hospital of destination. This provides physician access and ensures that the emergency department is aware of the patient's pending arrival. CMED also plays an important role in coordinating EMS response to Mass Casualty Incidents and patient distribution from the scene to the hospital. CMED is crucial to the coordination of communications between ambulances and hospitals and ultimately contributes to optimal patient care. Region II CMED Operations Continuing Education Program, View Details...Technical designThe Central Massachusetts EMS communications system consists of radio base stations (towers) and dedicated telephone lines controlled by computer operated consoles at the CMED operations facility. This system was designed to provide communications over a wide and varied geographic region while minimizing radio frequency congestion. A standard ambulance radio and antenna operating on the UHF/VHF medical channels can access the system within the entire region with adequate communications quality. It's important to know the design limits of the system, and use appropriate equipment with the system in order to ensure satisfactory communications.
The CMED Operator
Entry NotificationsNo emergency patient should arrive by ambulance at a hospital without notification through CMED. Entry notifications should be early and brief, indicating an estimated time of arrival (ETA), the patient's age, sex and chief complaint. Only essential information needed for appropriate patient preparation should be relayed. A full patient report should be given to staff upon transfer of patient care at the hospital. Medical DirectionOn-line Medical Direction refers to direct radio or telephone communication with a medical control physician for patient management consultation. EMTs at all levels may request CMED facilitated medical control when indicated per protocol or when medical advice is needed. Medical control contact must be documented on the patient care report and the physician's signature must be obtained. Responsibilities of EMS Providers
Responsibilities of Hospital PersonnelHospital personnel who utilize the CMED system have an obligation to understand the EMS system and the skills and capabilities of the EMTs with whom they are communicating. Medical orders must be given directly by a physician who is identified as the medical control physician. All physicians providing medical direction should receive formal training in radio communications from the hospital, including the importance of concise, confidential transmissions. Medical Control Physicians are expected to have thorough knowledge of the most current Massachusetts Pre-Hospital Treatment Protocols and be willing to participate in case reviews. Priority Call Guidelines
Tower Map
Region 2 CMED Radio Tower Locations |
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| Updated: 27 Jan, 2012 |
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