NREMT EMT 7: Medical Quizzes and Glossary - Abbreviations, Standard EMS Abbreviations for Documentation and Communication

What This Is: Standard EMS Abbreviations

Standard EMS abbreviations are like a secret language used by paramedics and EMTs to quickly document and communicate critical patient information. Imagine you're in a chaotic emergency situation – these abbreviations help ensure that everyone involved knows exactly what's happening. Think of it like a recipe for a lifesaving dish – if you don't have the right ingredients, the whole thing falls apart.

Key Steps / Core Facts:

• AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive): Assess a patient's level of consciousness by checking if they're alert, responding to voice, reacting to pain, or unresponsive. (Why it matters: helps determine the severity of a patient's condition.)
  • Example: A patient is unresponsive, so you start CPR.
• CPR compression depth: At least 2 inches – like pushing down a soda can. (Why it matters: ensures effective chest compressions.)
  • Example: 30:2 ratio (30 compressions to 2 breaths).
• OPQRSTI (Onset, Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Time, Insurance): A mnemonic to help you remember the key questions to ask a patient about their symptoms. (Why it matters: helps you gather crucial information.)
  • Example: "When did your symptoms start?" (Onset).
• SAMPLE (Size, Alliance, Mechanism, Allergies, Past medical, Last oral intake): A mnemonic to help you remember the key questions to ask a patient about their medical history. (Why it matters: helps you identify potential health risks.)
  • Example: "Do you have any allergies?" (Allergies).
• Vital signs: Temperature, pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. (Why it matters: helps you assess a patient's overall health.)
  • Example: Normal temperature range is 97.7°F to 99.5°F.
• Red flags: Danger signs that indicate a patient's condition is severe or life-threatening. (Why it matters: helps you prioritize treatment.)
  • Example: Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Medication abbreviations: Commonly used abbreviations for medications, such as "NPO" for "nothing by mouth." (Why it matters: helps you quickly document medication administration.)
  • Example: "NPO" means the patient is not allowed to eat or drink.
• Assessment sequence: A systematic approach to assessing a patient's condition, starting with the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). (Why it matters: helps you identify potential life-threatening issues.)
  • Example: Check the patient's airway first.

What Laypeople Can Do:

• If someone collapses: First check for danger (oncoming traffic, fire). Then shout and tap their shoulder.
• If someone is choking: Encourage them to cough or try to dislodge the object with your fingers.
• If someone is bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze.
• If someone is having a seizure: Keep them safe from injury and turn them onto their side.
• If someone is experiencing cardiac arrest: Call 911 and start CPR if you're trained to do so.

Common Mistakes:

• Mistake: Not using the correct medication abbreviation.
  • Fix: Use the standard medication abbreviation, such as "NPO" for "nothing by mouth."
• Mistake: Not assessing the patient's airway first.
  • Fix: Follow the assessment sequence and check the patient's airway first.
• Mistake: Not documenting vital signs.
  • Fix: Record the patient's vital signs as soon as possible.
• Mistake: Not using the correct CPR ratio.
  • Fix: Use the 30:2 ratio for CPR compressions and breaths.
• Mistake: Not checking for allergies.
  • Fix: Ask the patient about any allergies or medical conditions.

Quick Practice Scenarios:

1. A patient is experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. What should you do first? Answer: Call 911 and start CPR if you're trained to do so. Reason: This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
2. A patient is unconscious and not breathing. What should you do first? Answer: Start CPR and call 911. Reason: This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
3. A patient is experiencing a seizure and is safe from injury. What should you do first? Answer: Turn them onto their side and keep them safe. Reason: This will help prevent injury and allow them to breathe safely.

Last-Minute Exam Cram:

• Agonal breathing is NOT normal breathing – start CPR.
• Normal temperature range is 97.7°F to 99.5°F.
• The 30:2 ratio is used for CPR compressions and breaths.
• The AVPU mnemonic helps assess a patient's level of consciousness.
• The SAMPLE mnemonic helps you remember key questions to ask a patient about their medical history.
• The OPQRSTI mnemonic helps you remember key questions to ask a patient about their symptoms.
• Normal pulse range is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
• Normal blood pressure range is 90 to 120 systolic and 60 to 80 diastolic.
• The assessment sequence starts with the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
• Do NOT use the medication abbreviation "NPO" for "normal pulse."
• Do NOT use the medication abbreviation "BP" for "blood pressure."