- Perfusion
- The circulation of oxygenated blood through the body's tissues and organs. Inadequate perfusion is the underlying problem in shock (hypoperfusion).
- Scaled Score
- A statistically adjusted score that lets the exam compare candidates fairly across different question sets of varying difficulty. On the NREMT EMT cognitive exam, a scaled score of 950 marks the passing point.
- Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)
- A testing format where each question's difficulty adapts to your previous answers, so the exam narrows in on your ability level. Because of this, the number of questions you see can vary from candidate to candidate.
- Scope of Practice
- The set of skills, procedures, and interventions an EMT is legally authorized to perform, defined by state regulations and medical direction. Acting outside this scope can constitute negligence.
- Medical Direction
- The physician oversight, whether written protocols (offline) or real-time orders by radio or phone (online), under which an EMT operates. It authorizes and supervises the care EMTs deliver in the field.
- Standard of Care
- The level of treatment a reasonably prudent EMT with similar training would provide under similar circumstances. It is the benchmark used to judge whether care was adequate.
- Implied Consent
- The legal assumption that an unconscious or incapacitated patient would agree to lifesaving care if they were able to respond. It allows EMTs to treat patients who cannot give express consent.
- Primary Assessment
- The initial, rapid evaluation of a patient to find and treat immediate life threats, typically covering airway, breathing, and circulation. It sets priorities before any detailed exam.
- SAMPLE History
- A memory aid for gathering patient history: Signs/symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events leading to the incident. It structures the questions an EMT asks during assessment.
- Shock (Hypoperfusion)
- A life-threatening condition in which the circulatory system fails to deliver enough oxygenated blood to meet the body's needs. Early recognition and treatment are critical because it can rapidly become fatal.
- START Triage
- Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment, a system for quickly sorting multiple patients by the severity of their condition during a mass-casualty incident. It categorizes patients so limited resources reach those most in need.
- Body Substance Isolation (BSI)
- The practice of using personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, and masks to prevent contact with a patient's blood and body fluids. It protects both the EMT and the patient from disease transmission.