In the context of nursing emergency care, consider a scenario where a patient presents with severe shortness of breath and chest pain. Formulate a question that addresses the critical aspects of initial assessment and intervention strategies for nurses in emergency situations. 

What are the key steps that a nurse should prioritize in the initial assessment and intervention for a patient experiencing severe shortness of breath and chest pain in an emergency care setting, and how does effective communication play a role in coordinating a timely and efficient response?