EMT Acronyms and Mnemonics
AAA
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
ABD
Abdominal Dressing
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
AMS
Acute Mountain Sickness
AMI
Acute Myocardial Infarction
ARDS
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ACLS
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ALS
Advanced Life Support
ABCD
Airway Breathing Circulation Disability
ETOH
Alcohol
AVPU
Alert Verbal Painful Unresponsive
ALOC
Altered Level of Consciousness
AMR
American Medical Response
AC Space
Antecubital Fossa
APGAR
Appearance Pulse Grimace Activity Respirations
AED
Automatic External Defibrillator
AICD
Automatic Internal Cardiac Defibrillator
AVL
Automatic Vehicle Location
BVM
Bag Valve Mask
BLS
Basic Life Support
BP
Blood Pressure
BSI
Body Substance Isolation
PO
By Mouth
CHP
California Highway Patrol
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CDC
Centers for Disease Control
CNS
Central Nervous System
CVA
Cerebral Vascular Accident
CSF
Cerebrospinal Fluid
CHEMTREC
Chemical Transportation Emergency Response Center
C/C
Chief Complaint
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
CSM
Circulation Sensation Motor
C/O
Complaining Of
CBC
Complete Blood Count
CAD
Computer Aided Dispatch
CHF
Congestive Heart Failure
CPAP
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
CABG
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
CAD
Coronary Artery Disease
CISD
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
CISM
Critical Incident Stress Management
DCS
Decompression Sickness
DVT
Deep Vein Thrombosis
DCAPBTLS
Deformities Depressions, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations Paradoxical Motion, Bruising Bleeding Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling
DT's
Delirium Tremens
DOT
Department of Transportation
DERM
Depth of Coma Eyes Respiratory Motor
DKA
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
DM
Diabetic Mellitus
DNR
Do Not Resuscitate
GTTS
Drops
EKG/ECG
Electrocardiogram
EPCR
Electronic Patient Care Report
ED
Emergency Department
EMD
Emergency Medical Dispatch
EMS
Emergency Medical Services
EMSA
Emergency Medical Services Agency
ER
Emergency Room
ESRD
End Stage Renal Disease
ET(T)
Endotracheal Tube
ED
Erectile Disfunction
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival
FCC
Federal Communications Commision
FD
Fire Department
GI
Gastrointestinal
GCS
Glasgow Coma Scale
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
HgB
Hemoglobin
HAV
Hepatitis A Virus
HBV
Hepatitis B Virus
HACE
High Altitude Cerebral Edema
HAPE
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
HEPA
High Efficiency Particle Aspirator
HPI
History of Present Illness
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
ICS
Incident Command System
ICP
Intracranial Pressure
IM
Intramuscular
IV
Intravenous
JVD
Jugular Venous Distension
AEIOUTIPS
LOC Diagnostic Tool
LMP
Last Menstrual Period
LOC
Level of Consciousness
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
PR
Medications via Rectal route
MDC
Mobile Data Computer
MDT
Mobile Data Terminal
MVA
Motor Vehicle Accident
MCI
Multi casualty Incident
MI
Myocardial Infarction
NPA
Nasopharyngeal Airway
NFPA
National Fire Protection Administration
NHTSA
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NIH
National Institute of Health
NTG
Nitroglycerin
NS
Normal Saline
NPO
Nothing by Mouth
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OES
Office of Emergency Services
OPQRST
Onset, Provoking/Palliating, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, Time
OTC
Over the Counter
PMH
Past Medical History
PCR
Patient Care Report
PID
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PFD
Personal Flotation Device
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
PtL
Pharyngeotracheal Lumen Airway
PASG
Pneumatic Anti shock Garmet
PD
Police Department
PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PSI
Pound per Square Inch
PVC
Premature Ventricular Contraction
PMD
Private Medical Doctor
PIO
Public Information Officer
PSAP
Public Safety Answering Point
PMS
Pulse Motor Sensation
PERL
Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light
PTT
Push to Talk
RBC
Red Blood Cells
RPM
Respiratory Perfusion Mental Status
SLUDGE M
Salivation Lacrimation Urination Defecation GI upset Emesis Miosis
SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
SCUBA
Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
SART
Sexual Abuse Response Team
SOB
Shortness of Breath
SAMPLE
Sign/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past Medical History, Last oral intake, Events leading up to illness/injury
S/S
Signs and Symptoms
START
Simple Triage and Rapid Transport
SC
Subcutaneous
SOAP
Subjective Objective Assessment Plan
SL
Sublingual
SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
TIC
Tenderness Instability and Crepitus
TKO
To Keep Open
TBSA
Total Body Surface Area
TA
Traffic Accident
TC
Traffic Collision
TIA
Transient Ischemic Attack
TB
Tuberculosis
PPD
Tuberculosis Skin Test
UHF
Ultra High Frequency
UTI
Urinary Tract Infection
VF
Ventricular Fibrillation
VT
Ventricular Tachycardia
VHF
Very High Frequency
WBC
White Blood Cells