Lesson 5 – Emergency Medical Services Specific Terminology

Slide 2 – EMS Equipment Terms

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Device used in cardiac emergencies to deliver shocks to the heart

Jump Bag

General-use portable kit, often called a first-in bag

Airway Bag

Kit specifically used to manage airway emergencies

Electrodes

Small adhesive pads used for ECGs

Defib Pads

Adhesive pads used with AEDs or monitors to deliver electric shocks

Nasal Atomizer

Device for delivering medication through the nose (e.g., Narcan)

Monitor

Cardiac monitor used for ECGs, BP, ETCO2, and other readings

Slide 3 – Medication Terms

IV

Intravenous; medication given directly into a vein

IM

Intramuscular; medication injected into a muscle

SQ

Subcutaneous; injected under the skin

PO

By mouth (orally)

IN

Intranasal; administered through the nose

Dose

Amount of medication given

Concentration

Strength of the medication

Contraindication

Reason why a medication should not be used

Side Effect

Unintended consequence of a medication

Slide 4 – Trauma Terminology

Mechanism of Injury (MOI)

The method by which trauma occurred

Blunt Trauma

Injury without penetration (e.g., car accident, fall)

Penetrating Trauma

Injury caused by an object piercing the body (e.g., gunshot)

Pneumothorax

Air in the chest cavity

Tension Pneumothorax

Life-threatening air buildup in the chest compromising breathing and circulation

Hemothorax

Blood in the chest cavity

Compartment Syndrome

Increased pressure in a muscle compartment causing tissue damage

Golden Hour

The first critical hour after a traumatic injury

Slide 5 – Documentation Terms

Chief Complaint

The patient’s main symptom or reason for calling EMS

HPI (History of Present Illness)

Details about the current problem or symptoms

AMA (Against Medical Advice)

When a patient refuses recommended care or transport

DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)

Legal order indicating the patient declines CPR/resuscitation

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)

Form detailing end-of-life care preferences

Slide 6 – Common EMS Abbreviations

LOC

Level of consciousness

SOB

Shortness of breath

N/V/D

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

BGL

Blood glucose level

MAP

Mean arterial pressure, a measure of overall blood pressure

TBI

Traumatic brain injury