* = Asterisk indicates acronym.

340		155.340 radio frequency, ambulance to hosp.
3TC		Lamivudine (Epivir) (1 part of triple therapy for HIV)
5-HT		5-hydroxytryptamine  (serotonin)
980	 	coroner or dead on arrival (local field term)
a (line over)	ante (before)
AA		Alcohol Anonymous
AAA		aortic abdominal aneurism
AAL		anterior axillary line
AAOS		American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
AAPS		ambulance accident prevention seminar        
Ab		abortion
abc		airway, breathing, circulation
abd		abdominal
ABG		arterial blood gas
ABLS		Advanced Burn Life Support
AC		antecubit
		alternating current
		ante cibos (before meals)
ACA		against clinical advice
ACE	*	angiotensin converting enzyme
ACEI		angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor
ACEP	*	American College Emergency Physicians
ACh		acetylcholine
AChE		acetylcholine esterase
ACLS		Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ACR		advanced care report
ACTH		adrenocorticotropic hormone
AD		auris dextra (right ear)
ad lib	*	at pleasure
ADH		antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)
ADP		adenosine diphosphate
AED		automated external defibrillation 
Af		atrial fibrillation
AF		atrial flutter
AFB		acid fast bacilli
Ag		antigen
		silver
AHA		American Heart Association
		autoimmune hemolytic anemia
AI		aortic insufficiency
AICD		automatic implantable cardioverter/ defibrillator
AIDS	*	acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
AIVR		accelerated idioventricular rhythm
AKA		alcoholic ketoacidosis
		also known as (alias)
ALS		advanced life support
		amyotrophic lateral sclerosis  (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
AM		ante meridian
		amplitude modulation
AMA		against medical advice
		American Medical Association
AMB		ambulance
		ambulatory
AMI		acute myocardial infarction
AMP		adenosine monophosphate
AMPLE	*	allergy, meds, past hx, last intake, events leading upto
AOB		alcohol on breath
AODM		adult onset Diabetes mellitus now called DM type II
A&P		anatomy and physiology
AP		Anterior/Posterior
		apical pulse
		angina pectoris
		alkaline phosphatase
APAP	*	acetaminophen, (Tylenol)
APC		atrial premature contraction
		ASA, acetophenetidin & caffeine
APCOR	*	advanced portable coronary observation radio
APE		acute pulmonary edema
APGAR	*	appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration
APLS	*	Advanced Pediatric Life Support
APSAC	*	Anastreptalase (Thrombolytic)
aq		water
ARB's		angiotensin receptor blockers
ARC	*	AIDS related complex (now called symptomatic HIV)
		American Red Cross
ARDS	*	adult respiratory distress syndrome
ARF		acute renal failure
ARFF		airport rescue fire fighter
AS		aortic stenosis
		auris sinistra (left ear)
ASA		acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
ASAP		as soon as possible
ASD		atrial septal defect
ASHD		arteriosclerotic heart disease
ATLS		Advanced Trauma Life Support (course for Drs)
ATP		adenosine triphosphate
Au		gold
AU		auris unitas (both ears)
AV		atrio ventricular
		arteriolar-venous
		audio visual
aVF		augmented voltage foot
AVHB		atrioventricular heart block
aVL		augmented voltage left
AVPU		alert, voice, pain, unresponsive  (mental status rating)
aVR		augmented voltage right
ax		axillary
AZT		Azidomithydine, Zidovudine
B		black
B1		thiamine
BAC		blood alcohol content
BAL		british anti-lewisite (dimercaprol)
		blood alcohol level
Batt		battery
BBB		bundle branch block
BE		base excess
		barium enema
B&E		breaking and entering (primarily law enforcement abbr.)
BG		blood glucose
BGH		Buffalo General Hospital
bib		bibe (to drink)
bicarb	*	bicarbonate (NaHCO3)
BID		bis in die (2 X a day)
BiPAP	*	EPAP and IPAP separate pressures can be selected
BLS		basic life support
BM		bowel movement
BMR		basal metabolic rate
BNDD		Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (now DEA)
BP		blood pressure
BPD		borderline personality disorder
BPH		benign prostatic hypertrophy
BS		bowel sounds
		Bachelor of Science or Surgery
BSA		body surface area
BSI		body substance isolation
BSN		Bachelor of Science in Nursing		
BTLS		Basic Trauma Life Support
BUFA		baby up for adoption
BUN	*	blood urea nitrogen
c (line over)	cum (with)
C		centigrade
Ca		cancer
		calcium
Ca++		calcium ion
CABG	*	coronary artery bypass graft
CAD	*	coronary artery disease
cAMP		cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CAOX3		conscious, alert, oriented to person, place, time
Cap		let him/her take
CAST	*	Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (Study)
CAT	*	computerized axial tomography (now called CT)
CBC		complete blood count
CBD		criteria-based dispatch
CC		chief complaint
cc		cubic centimeter (= to ml)
CCB		calcium channel blockers
CCEMTP		critical care emergency medical technician paramedic
CCU		coronary care unit
C/D		cup to disk ratio
CDC		Centers for Disease Control
CDE		Certified Diabetes Educator
CEN		Certified Emergency Nurse
CEO		chief executive officer
CF		cystic fibrosis
CFR		Certified First Responder
		crash fire rescue
CFS		chronic fatigue syndrome
cGMP		cyclic guanine monophosphate
CHB		complete heart block
CHF		congestive heart failure
CIC		certified instructor coordinator
		certified infection control
CISD		critical incident stress debriefing
CISM		critical incident stress management
CJPSTC		Criminal Justice Public Safety Training Center (now PSTC)
CK		creatine kinase
Cl		chloride
Cl-		chloride ion
CLI		certified lab instructor
CM		tomorrow morning
CME		continuing medical education
CMV		cytomegalo virus
		continuous mandatory ventilation
CN		cyanide
		cranial nerve
		tomorrow night
		phenyichloromenthylketone (CN Mace)
CNS		central nervous system
CO		carbon monoxide
		cardiac output
c/o		complaint of
CO2		carbon dioxide
COBRA	*	congress omnibus budget reconciliation act
COLD		chronic obstructive lung disease
COMT	*	catechol-o-methyltransferase
COPD		chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CP		cerebral palsy
CPAP	*	continuous positive airway pressure
CPD		cephalopelvic disproportion
CPK		creatine phosphokinase
CPO		Command Post Operations
CPR		cardio pulmonary resuscitation
CPS		cycles per second (now called hertz)
CPU		central processing unit
CREST	*	Calcinosis, Raynaud's, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, 	
		Telangiectasia (syndrome)
CRF		chronic renal failure
C/S		caesarean section
CSIC		cervical spine immobilization collar
CSF		cerebral spinal fluid
CSP		carotid sinus pressure
C-spine	*	cervical spine
CT		computerized tomography
CTA		clear to auscultation
CTC		Critical Trauma Care  (course)
CVA		cerebrovascular accident
CVP		central venous pressure
Cx		conscious
CXR		chest X-Ray
D4T		Stavudine (Zerit) (antiviral drug)
D5W		dextrose 5% and water
D50		dextrose 50%
DAI		diffuse axonal injury
DARE	*	Drug & Alcohol Resistance Education
DATF		Daybreak Alcoholic Treatment Facility
DAW		dispense as written
DBP		diastolic blood pressure
DC		discontinue
		direct current
		Doctor of Chiropractic
D&C		dilate and curettage
		Democrate and Chronical (local newspaper)
DCAP-BTLS	deformity, contusions, abrasions, punctures/penetrations
		burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling
DD		differential diagnosis
DDC		Zalcitabine (Hivid) antiviral drug
DDI		Didanosine (Videx) antiviral drug 
DDS		Doctor of Dental Surgery
DDx		differential diagnosis
DEA		Drug Enforcement Agency
DEC		Department of Environmental Conservation
defib	*	defibrillation
DER		died in emergency room
DIC		disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
DIFF	*	differential (leucocyte)
Dig		digitalis, lanoxin
DJD		degenerative joint disease
DKA		diabetic ketoacidosis
DLV		Delavirdine (Rescriptor) antiviral drug
DM		diabetes mellitus
DMD		Doctor of dental medicine
DMI		diaphragmatic myocardial infarction
DNA		deoxyribonucleic acid
DO		Doctor of Osteopathy
		director of operations
		designated officer
DOA		dead on arrival
DOE		dyspnea on exertion
DOH		Department of Health
DOT		Department of Transportation
DPL		diagnostic peritoneal lavage
DPT		diphtheria pertussis tetanus
Dr		doctor (Latin for teacher)
dr		drachma (dram)
DT		delirium tremens
		diphtheria tetanus
		defensive tactics
d/t		due to
DTMF		dual tone multi frequency (touch tone)
DTR		deep tendon reflexes
DVM		Doctor Veterinary Medicine
DVT		deep venous thrombosis
DWAI		driving while ability impaired
DWI		driving while intoxicated
Dx		diagnosis
EBV		Epstein-Barr virus
ECC		emergency cardiac care
		Erie Community College
ECG		electrocardiogram
ECF		extracellular fluid
ECMC		Erie County Medical Center
ED		emergency department
                erectile dysfunction
Ed.D		Doctor of Education
EDC		expected date of confinement
EDNA	*	emergency dept. nurses assoc. (now called ENA)
EEG		electroencephalogram
EENT		eyes ears nose & throat
EES		erythromycin ethylsuccinate
EF		ejection fraction
EFM		external fetal monitor
EFW		estimated fetal weight
eg		for example
EGA		estimated gestational age
EGTA		esophageal gastric tube airway
EJ		external jugular
EKG		electrocardiogram (ECG is more preferable)
ELISA	*	enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
EMG		electromyogram
EMD		emergency medical dispatcher
		electromechanical dissociation (now called PEA)
EMG		electromyogram
EMS		emergency medical service
EMT		emergency medical technician
EMT-B		EMT-Basic (same as EMT)
EMT-D		EMT-Defibrillation
EMT-I		EMT-Intermediate
EMT-CC		EMT-Critical Care
EMT-P		EMT-Paramedic
ENA	*	Emergency Nurses Association
ENT		ears nose & throat
EOA		esophageal obturator airway
EOC		Emergency Operations Center
EOM		extraocular movement
EOMI		extraocular movement intact
EPA		Environmental Protection Agency
ER		emergency room (old term now called ED)
esp		especially
ESR		erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD		end-stage renal disease
et		and
ET, ETT		endotracheal tube
ETA		estimated time of arrival
ETC		Entry to Care
ETOH		ethyl alcohol
F		fahrenheit
FACC		Fellow American College Cardiology
FACEP		Fellow of American College of Emergency Physicians
FACIT	*	Family Crisis Intervention Team (RPD)
FACP		Fellow American College Pediatrics
FACS		Fellow American College Surgery
FB		foreign body
		frank blood
FBS		fasting blood sugar
FCC		Federal Communications Commission
FD		fire department
FDA		Food and Drug Administration
FDIU		fetal death in utero
Fe		iron
FF		Firefighter
FiO2		fraction of inspired oxygen
FM		frequency modulation
		fetal movement
Fr		french
FSE		fetal scalp electrode
FSH		follicle stimulating hormone
FUD		frequency, urgency, dysuria
FUO		fever of unknown origin
Fx		fracture
G		gravida
G6P		glucose 6 phosphate
G6PD		glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase
GABA	*	gamma amino butyric acid
GC		gonococcal
GCS		glasgow coma scale
GDM		gestational diabetes mellitus
GERD	*	gastro-esophageal reflux disease
GFR		glomerular filtration rate
GI		gastrointestinal
gm		gram
Gr		grain
GSW		gunshot wound
gtts		guttae (drops)
GU		genitourinary
GUSTO	*	global utilization of strepto (Study)
GVA  		Greece Volunteer Ambulance (local abbreviation)
GYN	*	gynecology
H		hydrogen
		hora (hour)
H+		hydrogen ion
H2CO3-		carbonic acid
H2O		water
H2O2		hydrogen peroxide
HACE	*	high altitude cerebral edema
HAPE	*	high altitude pulmonary edema
HAV		hepatitis A virus
HAZMAT	*	hazardous materials
HBP		high blood pressure
HBV		hepatitis B virus
Hcl		hydrochloride
HCO3-		bicarbonate
Hct		hematocrit
HCTZ		hydrochlorothiazide
HDL		high density lipoprotein
HEAR	*	Hospital Emergency Ambulance Radio (155.340) "340"
HEENT		head eyes ears nose throat
HELLP	*	hemolysis elevated liver enzymes, low platelets
HEPA	*	high efficiency particulate airfilter
Hg		mercury
Hgb, Hb		hemoglobin
HHA		home health aid
HHNC		hypertonic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma
HID		head immobilization device
HIV		human immunodeficiency virus
HOH		water
Hosp	*	hospital
HPI		history of present illness
HPV		human papilloma virus
HR		heart rate
hr, h		hour
HRF		health related facility
HS		hora somni (before sleep)
HSV		herpes simplex virus (I and II)
ht		height
HTN		hypertension
Hx		history
Hz		hertz (formerly CPS)
IABC		intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation
IABP		intra-aortic balloon pump
IAC-CPR		interposed abdominal counterpulsation - CPR
IC		intracardiac
ICD		implantable cardioverter/defibrillator
		intrauterine contraceptive device
		ischemic cardiac disease
ICF		intracellular fluid
ICP		intracranial pressure
ICS		intercostal space
		incident command system
ICU		intensive care unit
ID		intradermal
I&D		incise and drain
IDDM		insulin dependant diabetes mellitus
IDV		Indinavir (Crixivan) antiviral drug
ie		for example
Ig_		Immunoglobulin A, G, E, M
IGT		impaired glucose tolerance
IHSS		idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
IM		intramuscular
IMV		intermittent mandatory ventilation
INH		isoniazid
IO		intraosseous
IP		intraperitoneal
IPPB		intermittent positive pressure breathing
IPPV		intermittent positive pressure ventilation
IQ		intelligence quotient
IR		infra red
IRRC		International Resuscitation Research Center-Pittsburgh
ISIS	*	International Study of Infarct Survival (1, 2, 3, 4)
IU		international unit
IUD		intrauterine device
IUFD		intrauterine fetal death
IUGR		intrauterine growth retardation
IUPC		intrauterine pressure catheter
IV		intravenous
IVP		IV push
		IV pyelogram
IVPB		IV piggyback
IVR		idioventricular rhythm
J		joule
JAMA	*	Journal of the American Medical Association
JD		Juris Doctor (Lawyer)
JODM		juvenile onset diabetes mellitus (now called DM type I)
JVD		jugular venous distention
K+		potassium ion
KCl		potassium chloride
KED		Kendrick Extrication Device
Kg		kilogram
KTD		Kendrick Traction Device
KUB		kidneys, ureters and bladder (X-ray of)
L (circled)	left
L		liter
		lente (insulin)
LA		left atrium
		left arm
LAD		left anterior descending
		left axis deviation
LAE		left atrial enlargement
LASER	*	Light Amplification Stimulated Emission of Radiation
LBBB		left bundle branch block
LCX		left circumflex artery
LD50		lethal dose of 50% of the test animals
LDH		lactate dehydrogenase
LDL		low density lipoprotein
LE		lupus erythematosus
LFT		liver function tests
LGL		Lown Ganong Levine syndrome
LH		luteinizing hormone
LL		left leg
LLL		left lower lung
LLQ		Left lower quadrant
LMA             laryngeal mask airway
LMH		Lakeside Memorial Hospital
LMP		last menstrual period
LOA		left occiput anterior
LOC		loss of consciousness
LP		lumbar puncture
LP5		Lifepak model 5  (portable monitor/defibrillator)
LP10		Lifepak 10  (portable monitor/12lead/pacer/defibrillator)
LPN		licensed practical nurse
LR		lactated ringers
LSD		lysergic acid diethylamide
LSFT		large spill fire trainer
L-Spine		lumbar spine
LTH		luteotropic hormone
LUL		left upper lobe of lung
LUQ		Left upper quadrant
LV		left ventricle
LVAD    *       Left ventricular assist device (internal blood pump)
LVH		left ventricular hypertrophy
mA		milliampere
MADIT	*	Multicenter Automatic Defib. Implant Trial (Study)
MAE		moves all extremities
MAO		monoamine oxidase inhibitors
MAP	*	mean arterial pressure
MAST	*	medical antishock trousers (registered trademark) or PASG
MB		myocardial band
MCC		Monroe Community College
MCI		mass casualty incident
MCL		modified chest left (MCL1 approximates V1, MCL2 V2 etc)
		midclavicular line
MCH		mean corpuscular hemoglobin
MCSO		Monroe County Sheriff's Office
MCV		mean corpuscular volume
MD		Medical Doctor
		muscular dystrophy
MDI		metered dose inhaler
MDL		multidisipline laboratory
MDPIT	*	Multi Center Diltiazem Post Infarction Trial (Study)
MDU		medical detoxification unit
ME		Medical Examiner
mEq		milliequivalent
MERT	*	medical emergency response team
mfe		multi function electrodes (pace/defib/cardiovert/monitor)
mg, mgm		milligram
Mg		magnesium
Mg++		magnesium ion
MgSO4		magnesium sulfate
MHA		mental hygiene arrest
MI		myocardial infarction
		mitral insufficiency
MICN		mobile intensive care nurse
MICP		mobile intensive care paramedic
MICU	*	medical intensive care unit
		mobile intensive care unit
Min	*	minute
MLD		minimum lethal dose
MLREMSC		Monroe/Livingston Regional EMS Council
mm		millimeters
MM (circled)	murmur
mmol		millimoles
MMR		measles mumps rubella
M&M		morbidity and mortality
MoCoHo	*	Monroe Community Hospital
MOI		mechanism of injury
MOM	*	milk of magnesia
MONA	*	morphine oxygen nitrates aspirin
Mono	*	mononucleosis
mOsm		milliosmoles
MP		mitral prolapse
MPH		Master of Public Health
MR		mental retardation
		mitral regurgitation
MRA		magnetic resonance angiography
MRI		magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA	*	methicillin resistant staph aureus
MS		multiple sclerosis
		morphine sulfate
		Master of Science
mS		millisecond
MSN		Master of Science in Nursing
MSW		Master in Social Work
mV		millivolt
MVA		motor vehicle accident
MVO2		myocardial oxygen consumption
MVP		mitral valve prolapse
N		normal
		nitrogen
		north
Na		natrium (sodium)
Na+		sodium ion
N/A		not applicable
NAD		no acute distress
NAF		nursing assessment form
NC		nasal cannula
NCAT	*	normocephalic atraumatic
NDA		no drug allergy
NG		nasogastric
NH		nursing home
NHTSA		National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NICU	*	neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM		non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus
NIH		National Institutes of Health
NKA		no known allergy
NKDA		no known drug allergy
NO2		nitrous oxide
NOI		nature of illness
NP		Nurse Practitioner
NPA		nasopharyngeal airway
NPH		intermediate acting form of insulin
NPO		nil per os (nothing by mouth)
NREMT		National Registry of EMTs
NRM		non-rebreathing mask
NS		normal saline
NSAID	*	non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug
NSR		normal sinus rhythm
NTG		nitroglycerin
NTID		National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT)
NT/ND		non-tender, non-distended
NTP		nitro paste
N/V		nausea and vomiting
N/V/D		nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
NYPHREM5*	New York Prospective Hospital Reimbursement Methodology
NYS		New York State
O2		oxygen
O3		ozone
OB		obstetrics
		occult blood
OBS		organic brain syndrome
OC  		oral contraceptives
		oleoresin capsicum (OC Mace)
OCD		obsessive compulsive disorder
OD		overdose
		oculus dexter (right eye)
		Doctor of Optometry
OEC		Office of Emergency Communications (911)
OEP		Office of Emergency Preparedness
OH-		hydroxyl ion
OLMC		on-line medical control
OOH		out of hospital  (rapidly replacing the term prehospital)
OPA		oropharyngeal airway
OPQRST		onset, provocation, quality, radiation, severity, time
OR		operating room
ORSA	*	same as MRSA
OS		oculus sinister (left eye)
OSHA	*	Occupational Safety & Health Administration
OSS		on site scoring (method of immediate certification)
OT		occupational therapy
OTC		over the counter
OU		oculi unitas (both eyes)
P		pulse
		para
p (line over)	post (after)
PA		Physician Assistant
		posterior anterior
		pulmonary artery
PAC		premature atrial contraction
PaCO2		partial pressure arterial carbon dioxide
PACO2		partial pressure alveolar carbon dioxide
PACTAC	*	Police And Citizens Together Against Crime
PALS	*	Pediatric Advanced Life Support
PAO		Psychiatric Assignment Officer
PaO2		partial pressure arterial oxygen
PAO2		partial pressure alveolar oxygen
PAP	*	peak airway pressure
		Papanicolaou test (Pap Smear)
PASG		pneumatic anti-shock garment
PAT		paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
PB		piggyback
Pb		lead
PBC		primary biliary cirrhosis
PCA             patient controlled analgesia
PC		post cibum (after meals)
		personal computer
2PC		Two physician committal
PCD		pacing cardioverter/defibrillator (implanted)
PCI		percutaneous intervention
PCN		penicillin
PCP		phencyclidine
		pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
PCR		patient care report
PCTA		percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
PCV		packed cell volume (Hematocrit)
PCWP		pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
PD		police department
PDA		patent ductus arteriosus
PDR		Physicians Desk Reference
PE		physical exam
		pulmonary embolus
PEA		pulseless electrical activity 
PEARL	*	pupils = & reactive to light
PEARLA	*	pupils = & reactive to light & accommodation
PEEP	*	positive end expiratory pressure
PEP		post exposure Prophylaxis (meds to prevent HIV seroconversion)
PERRLA	*	pupils = & round, reactive to light & accommodation
PESH	*	Public Employee Safety and Health
PET	*	positron emission tomography
PFD		personal flotation device (life jacket)
PFT		pulmonary function tests
PH		past history
ph		phone
pH		the inverse log of the hydrogen ion concentration
PhD		Doctor of Philosophy
PHTLS		Prehospital Trauma Life Support
PI		present illness
PICC	*	peripherally inserted central catheters
PICU	*	pediatric intensive care unit
PID		pelvic inflammatory disease
PIP		peak inspiratory pressure
PIT	*	Pitocin, Oxytocin
PJC		premature junctional contraction
PJU		Physicians Journal Update (LMT on cable)
PKU		phenylketonuria
PM		post meridian
PMD		private medical doctor
P-MELT	*	pacemaker mediated endless loop tachycardia
PMH		past medical history
PMI		point of maximal impulse
PMP		previous menstrual period
PMR		Puritan Manual Resuscitator  (type of bag valve mask)
PMS		premenstrual syndrome
		pulse/motor/sensory
PND		paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
PO		per os (by mouth)
POV		privately owned vehicle
PP		pulse pressure
		pulsus paradoxus
PPD		purified protein derivative (TB test)
ppd		packs per day
PPD#1		postpartum day one
PPD#2		postpartum day two
PPE		personal protection equipment
PPM		parts per million
PQRST		provocation, quality, radiation, severity, time
PR		per rectum
prand	*	meal
PRH		Parkridge Hospital
prn		pro re nata (as needed)
PROM	*	premature rupture of membranes
psi		pounds per square inch
PSIM		Public Safety Incident Management
PSVT		paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
PT		prothrombin time (protime)
		physical therapy
Pt		patient
pt		pint
PTA		prior to arrival
PTCA		percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PTH		parathyroid hormone 
PTL		pharyngeal tracheal lumen (airway)
		preterm labor
PTT		partial thromboplastin time
		push to talk
PUD		peptic ulcer disease
PVC		premature ventricular contraction
PVD		peripheral vascular disease
PVR		peripheral vascular resistance now called SVR
PWA		person with AIDS
PWI		practice work instructor
PZI		protamine zinc insulin (long acting insulin)
q		quaque (every)
QA		quality assurance  (quality assessment is newer term)
qd		quaque die (every day)
Qh		quaque hora (every hour)
QI		quality improvement
QID		quarter in die (4 X a day)
qod		every other day
qv		quantum vis (as much as you need)
R (circled)	right
R		respiration
		regular (fast acting insulin)
		resistance (electrical)
RA		right atrium
		right arm
		rheumatoid arthritis
RAAS	*	renin angiotensin aldosterone system
RAD		right axis deviation
RAE		right atrial enlargement
RAM		random access memory
RAS		reticular activating system
RBBB		right bundle branch block
RBC		red blood cell
RCA		right coronary artery
RD		Registered Dietitian
REMAC	*	Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee
RF		radio frequency
RFD		Rochester Fire Department
r/i		rule in
RIND	*	reversible ischemic neurologic deficit
RK		radial keratotomy
RL		right leg
RLL		right lower lobe
RLQ		right lower quadrant
RMA		refusing medical attention
RML		right middle lobe
RN		registered nurse
RNA		ribonucleic acid
r/o		rule out
ROM	*	rupture of membranes
		read only memory
ROPD		reversible obstructive pulmonary disease
RPC		Rochester Psychiatric Center
RPD		Rochester Police Department
RSI		rapid sequence induction (pharm assisted intubation)
RSR		regular sinus rhythm
RTS		regional test site
RTV		Ritonavir (Norvir) antiviral drug
RUL		right upper lobe of lung
RUQ		right upper quadrant
RV		right ventricle
RVH		right ventricular hypertrophy
Rx		treatment, recipe, prescription
		receive (radio)
S1		first heart sound  (lub)
S2		second heart sound (dub)
S3		third heart sound (ventricular gallop)
S4		forth heart sound (atrial gallop)
s  (line over)	san (without)
ss (line over)	semis (half)
SA		sino atrial
SAFT		specialized aircraft fire trainer
SAH		subarachnoid hemorrhage
SaO2		Saturation of arterial blood with oxygen
SB		sinus bradycardia
SBP		systolic blood pressure
SEMAC	*	State Emergency Medical Advisory Committee
SEQ		South East Quadrant (local term)
SGOT		serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
SGPT		serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase
SIADH		syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
SICU		surgical intensive care unit
SIDS	*	sudden infant death syndrome
Sig		let it be written
SK		streptokinase (thrombolytic)
SL		sublingual
SLE		systemic lupus erythematosus
SMA	*	sequential multiple analyzer 6, 12 (out dated)
SMAC	*	sequential multiple analyzer computer
SMH		Strong Memorial Hospital
SMZ		sulfamathoxazole
SNF	*	skilled nursing facility
SOB		short of breath
soln		solution
SOLVED	*	Studies of LV dysfunction, 8/91 study NEJM on CHF & ACEI
S/P		status post
sp gr		specific gravity 
SpO2		pulse oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry)
SQ		subcutaneous
SQV		Saquinavir (Invirase) antiviral drug
SROM		spontaneous rupture of membranes
SRSA		slow releasing substance of anaphylaxis
SS		social security
S-Spine		sacral spine
SSS		sick sinus syndrome
ST		sinus tachycardia
STD		standardize
		sexually transmitted disease
STEP	*	Society for Total Emergency Programs
STM		St. Mary's Hospital
SV		stroke volume
SVD		spontaneous vaginal delivery
SVR		systemic vascular resistance
SVT		supraventricular tachycardia
SWAT	*	special weapons and tactics
Sx		sign or symptom
sync	*	synchronization
SZ		seizure
T3		thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine)
T4		thyroid hormone (thyroxine)
		WBCs attacked by HIV. 
T&A		tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy
tab	*	tablet
TAMI	*	Thrombolysis & Angioplasty in MI (Study)
TB		tuberculosis
TBA		to be announced
tbsp		tablespoon
TBW		total body water
TC		total cholesterol
TCA		tricyclic antidepressant
TCP		transcutaneous pacer
TDP		torsades de pointes
TEAM	*	Training for Emergency Action Management
TEE		transesophageal echo
TFTC		too fast to count
TGH		The Genesee Hospital (historical use)
THH		The Highland Hospital
TIA		transient ischemic attack
TID		ter in die (3 X a day)
TIMI	*	Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (Study)
TM		tympanic membrane
TMJ		temporomandibular joint
TMP-SMZ		Trimethaprim sulfamathoxazole
TNT		Trinitrotoluene
TNTC		too numerous to count
tPA		tissue plasminogen activator (thrombolytic)
TPN		total parenteral nutrition
T-POD		Trauma Pelvic Orthotic Device (new device to stabilize pelvic Fxs)
TPR		temperature, pulse, respiration
TQM		total quality management
Tr		transport
TS		trauma score
TSH		thyroid stimulating hormone
tsp		teaspoon
T-Spine	*	thoracic spine
TSS		toxic shock syndrome
TURP	*	trans urethral radical prostatectomy
TV		tidal volume
		television
Tx		transmit
		transport
		traction
U		Ultralente (long acting insulin)
U-100		100 units/cc
UA, U/A		urinalysis
		unstable angina
UFT		utility fire trainer
UHF		ultra high frequency
ung		ointment
URI		upper respiratory infection
USP		United States Pharmacopeia
UTI		urinary tract infection
UV		ultraviolet
VBAC		vaginal birth after caesarean section
VD		venereal disease
VDG		venereal disease gonorrhea
VDRL		venereal disease research laboratory
VDS		venereal disease syphilis
VEB		ventricular ectopic beat
Vf		ventricular fibrillation
VHF		very high frequency
vol		volume
VOO		Fixed rate ventricular pacing
VPC		ventricular premature contraction
V/Q		ventilation/perfusion
VS		vital signs
VSD		ventricular septal defect
VT		ventricular tachycardia
VVI		Ventricular inhibited mode of pacing
W		white
WBC		white blood cell
WCT		wide complex tachycardia  (VT vs. SVT with aberration)
WD		well developed
WN		well nourished
WNL		within normal limits
WPW		Wolf Parkinson White syndrome
WS		Watt second
wt		weight
X-RAY		radiograph
yo		year old
ZDV		Zidovudine, AZT
ZED		Zee Extrication Device  (like KED)