Awareness
When a patient is in an ER24 ambulance, effective medical communication is vital, ensuring critical information is accurately shared during one of the most time-sensitive phases of emergency care.
“The quality of information exchange during patient transport is vital,” says Sonja Tonkin, Clinical Coordinator at ER24. “From the moment a patient enters an ambulance until arrival at the hospital is one of the most time-sensitive periods in emergency medicine.”
The patient transport window: a race against time
During patient transport, medical conditions can deteriorate rapidly. “A stroke patient's symptoms may worsen; a trauma victim may develop internal bleeding, or a cardiac patient may go into dangerous arrhythmias,” says Tonkin. “Effective communication during transport allows receiving hospitals to prepare for these evolving situations rather than just react on arrival. When crews share updates on a patient’s condition in real time, the hospital can prepare ahead by bringing in additional specialists or getting equipment ready before the patient arrives.”
For example, if a heart attack patient’s condition worsens during transport, crews can share real-time ECG changes and vital signs, allowing the hospital to activate the cardiac catheterisation lab before arrival rather than waiting.
“This communication can reduce door-to-balloon time – the critical measurement of how quickly blocked arteries are reopened – significantly improving survival rates and reducing heart muscle damage,” says Tonkin.
Turning transport time into treatment-ready time
The most important part of communication during transport is that it gives hospitals time to prepare before the patient arrives. Without it, teams are often forced to react instead of being ready.
For trauma patients, that time can make a real difference. Clear updates help doctors understand the injury and the patient’s condition, so they can prepare operating theatres, arrange blood, ready imaging, and bring in the right specialists while the patient is still on the way. This helps move critically injured patients to the care they need faster.
Medication management and protocol decisions
During transport, patients often need ongoing changes to their treatment. With clear communication, doctors and nurses can guide these decisions in real time – whether it’s giving additional medication for a seizure, adjusting a cardiac drip, or changing ventilator settings for a patient struggling to breathe.
“Without clear communication, crew members must rely solely on their own training and standing protocols, which may not address the specific complexities of individual patients,” says Tonkin. “Real-time doctor consultations during transport allow for personalised medical decision-making that can greatly improve patient outcomes.”
Keeping families informed and supported
Communication during transport also includes updating and supporting families where possible and appropriate. “When families understand what’s happening, they can decide where to go and be ready for possible outcomes,” says Tonkin. “It helps reduce anxiety and ensures the right people are there to make important decisions when the patient arrives.”
The ripple effect of quality communication
“When there is clear, ongoing communication with the receiving hospital during transport, emergency departments can manage patient flow better, specialists can prioritise their time, and resources can be used more efficiently,” says Tonkin. “This coordination reduces overall emergency department crowding and ensures all patients receive timely care.”