Question: advanced EMT (AEMT)

Answer: An individual who has training in specific aspects of advanced life support, such as intravenous therapy, and the administration of certain emergency medications.

Question: advanced life support (ALS)

Answer: Advanced lifesaving procedures.

Question: American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Answer: Comprehensive legislation that is designed to protect individuals with disabilities against discrimination.

Question: automated external defibrillator (AED)

Answer: A device that detects treatable life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia and delivers the appropriate electrical shock to the patient.

Question: certification

Answer: A process in which a person, an institution, or a program is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain predetermined standards to provide safe and ethical care.

Question: continuous quality improvement (CQI)

Answer: A system of internal and external reviews and audits of all aspects of an EMS system.

Question: emergency medical dispatch (EMD)

Answer: A system that assists dispatchers in selecting appropriate units to respond to a particular call for assistance and in providing callers with vital instructions until the arrival of EMS crews.

Question: emergency medical responder (EMR)

Answer: The first trained individual, such as a police officer, fire fighter, lifeguard, or other rescuer, to arrive at the scene of an emergency to provide initial medical assistance.

Question: emergency medical services (EMS)

Answer: A multidisciplinary system that represents the combined efforts of several professionals and agencies to provide prehosptial emergency care to the sick and injured.

Question: emergency medical technician (EMT)

Answer: An individual who has training in basic life support, including automated external defibrillation, use of a definitive airway adjunct, and assisting patients with certain medications.