NREMT EMR key terms

An airway that is open and clear so air can move in and out. It may need positioning, suction, or an airway device.

A curved plastic device placed in the mouth to keep the tongue from blocking the airway in an unresponsive patient who has no gag reflex.

A handheld device with a self-inflating bag and mask. It is used to give positive-pressure breaths to a patient who is not breathing adequately.

Using a suction device to remove blood, vomit, or secretions from the mouth and throat so the airway stays open.

A condition in which body tissues do not get enough oxygen. Signs can include restlessness, confusion, and a bluish skin color.

A bluish or gray color of the skin, lips, or nail beds caused by a low level of oxygen in the blood.

A high-pitched, harsh breathing sound often heard when the patient breathes in. It suggests a blockage in the upper airway.

A whistling sound made during breathing when the lower airways are narrowed, such as in asthma or an allergic reaction.

A noninvasive test using a device on the finger or earlobe to estimate how much oxygen is carried in the blood.

A mask with a reservoir bag that can give a high concentration of oxygen to a patient who is breathing adequately.

A maneuver that tilts the head back and lifts the chin to open the airway. It is used when a spinal injury is not suspected.

A condition in which the heart stops pumping effectively. The patient is unresponsive, is not breathing normally, and has no pulse.

A combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths that keeps blood and oxygen moving when the heart has stopped.

A portable device that checks the heart rhythm and delivers a shock to some cardiac arrest patients. It gives voice prompts to the user.

An electric shock delivered to the heart to stop a chaotic rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to return. It is used in some cardiac arrests.

A chaotic, ineffective heart rhythm that causes cardiac arrest. It is one rhythm that can be treated with an electric shock.

Rhythmic pressing on the lower half of the breastbone to pump blood through the body during CPR. They are a key part of CPR.

A series of actions, from early recognition and CPR to advanced care, that improves the chance of surviving cardiac arrest.

The escape of blood from blood vessels. Severe bleeding can lead to shock and death if it is not controlled quickly.

Firm pressure applied directly over a bleeding wound with a dressing or gloved hand to help stop hemorrhage. This is often the first method used.

A tight band placed around a limb above a severe bleeding site to stop blood flow when direct pressure does not work.

A life-threatening condition in which body tissues do not get enough blood flow and oxygen. Signs include pale skin, rapid pulse, and confusion.

A broken bone. It may cause pain, swelling, deformity, and trouble using the injured body part. Splinting can help stabilize it.

A device used to support and keep an injured body part still. This reduces pain and helps prevent further damage.

Low blood sugar. It can cause confusion, sweating, hunger, and fainting, and may be treated with sugar if the patient can swallow.

A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can change awareness, movement, or behavior. Protect the patient from injury.

A brain injury caused by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. Signs include face droop, arm weakness, and trouble speaking.

A severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing trouble, swelling, and low blood pressure. It is treated with epinephrine. This is an emergency.

A device that injects epinephrine into the thigh to treat a severe allergic reaction. It can help reverse serious breathing and blood pressure problems.

A medicine that reverses an opioid overdose by helping restore breathing. It can be given as a nasal spray or injection.

The process of childbirth. It includes contractions that help push the baby and placenta out of the uterus. Labor may last many hours.

The stage of birth when the baby's head first appears at the vaginal opening. Delivery is very close at this point.

Heavy bleeding from the uterus after childbirth. It can be life-threatening and needs urgent medical care. It is a serious obstetric emergency.

A serious pregnancy condition with seizures and high blood pressure. It requires emergency care for the mother and baby. It can be life-threatening.

The process of sorting patients by how urgent their needs are so limited resources go to those who need care most.

A standard organizational system used to manage emergency incidents and coordinate the work of responders. It sets roles and communication.

Gear such as gloves, masks, and eye protection that protects responders from body fluids and other hazards. It is used with standard precautions.

An emergency with more patients than the available resources can handle at once. It requires triage and incident command. Extra help must be requested.

A patient's permission for care. It may be expressed, implied in an emergency, or given by a parent or guardian.