EMS & Medical Abbreviations
Numeric
| * = 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | ||
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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 |
| CJPSTF | Criminal Justice Public Safety Training Facility (now PSTF) |
| 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 |
D
d/tdue to
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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 | |
| 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 |
E
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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) |
I
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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 |
M
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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 |
O
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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) | |
S
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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 |
T
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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 |
V
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| 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
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| X-RAY | radiograph |
Y
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| yo | year old |
Z
| * = Asterisk indicates acronym. | |
| ZDV | Zidovudine, AZT |
| ZED | Zee Extrication Device (like KED) |