NREMT Paramedic Glossary
Key terms and definitions for the Paramedic exam.
RSI (Rapid Sequence Intubation)
A technique using sedation and neuromuscular blockade to facilitate endotracheal intubation in patients who are not in cardiac arrest.
Capnography
The continuous monitoring of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) concentrations in exhaled air, used to confirm tube placement and monitor ventilation status.
Cardioversion
The delivery of a synchronized electrical shock to convert an organized tachyarrhythmia (such as atrial fibrillation or stable V-tach) to a normal sinus rhythm.
Defibrillation
The delivery of an unsynchronized electrical shock to terminate ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Intraosseous (IO) Access
Insertion of a needle into the bone marrow cavity (typically the proximal tibia or humeral head) for rapid vascular access when IV access is not obtainable.
STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack identified by ST-segment elevation on a 12-lead ECG, indicating complete coronary artery occlusion requiring emergent reperfusion therapy.
ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation)
The restoration of a perfusing cardiac rhythm during resuscitation from cardiac arrest, indicated by a palpable pulse and rising ETCO2.
Pneumothorax
The presence of air in the pleural space causing partial or complete lung collapse. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate decompression.
Hemothorax
The accumulation of blood in the pleural space, typically caused by chest trauma, which can compromise ventilation and circulation.
Cricothyrotomy
A surgical airway procedure involving an incision through the cricothyroid membrane to establish an emergency airway when other methods have failed.
Epinephrine
A sympathomimetic drug with alpha and beta adrenergic effects used in cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, and severe bronchospasm.
Amiodarone
An antiarrhythmic medication used to treat ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia refractory to defibrillation.
Adenosine
A rapid-acting antiarrhythmic drug used to convert supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) to normal sinus rhythm. Must be given as a rapid IV push followed by a saline flush.
Atropine
An anticholinergic drug used to treat symptomatic bradycardia and organophosphate poisoning by blocking vagal stimulation of the heart.
12-Lead ECG
A diagnostic tool that records the electrical activity of the heart from 12 different angles, used to identify myocardial ischemia, injury, and infarction.
Vasopressor
A class of medications that cause vasoconstriction and increase blood pressure, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and vasopressin.
Sedation
The administration of medications to reduce anxiety, agitation, or awareness, commonly using midazolam, ketamine, or fentanyl in the prehospital setting.
Needle Decompression
The insertion of a large-bore needle into the pleural space (typically the second intercostal space, midclavicular line) to relieve a tension pneumothorax.
Pericardiocentesis
The aspiration of fluid from the pericardial sac using a needle, performed to relieve cardiac tamponade.
Permissive Hypotension
A resuscitation strategy for trauma patients that targets a lower-than-normal blood pressure (systolic 80 to 90 mmHg) to reduce ongoing hemorrhage while maintaining perfusion.