Are flashcards effective for the AEMT exam?

Yes. Flashcards use active recall — retrieving an answer from memory — which research shows is one of the most effective ways to make information stick, especially in short sessions spread over several days. That matters for facts like CPR parameters, the rule of nines, drug doses, and the AEMT scope of practice.

What topics do the AEMT flashcards cover?

Every NREMT domain: Clinical Judgment (the largest at 31–35%), Medical/Obstetrics & Gynecology (25–29%), Cardiology & Resuscitation, Airway, Respiration & Ventilation, Trauma, and EMS Operations — plus a deck on AEMT scope of practice and the medication formulary. Pediatric content is woven throughout.

Do these flashcards reflect the AEMT (not Paramedic) level?

Yes. Every card is written to the Advanced EMT scope the exam actually tests — IV/IO access, IV fluids, supraglottic airways, and a limited drug list — and clearly separates AEMT skills from Paramedic-only ones like endotracheal intubation, cardiac rhythm interpretation, and manual defibrillation.

How should I study with these flashcards?

Mix the modes: flip to learn, type to test recall, match for speed, and quiz to check yourself. Spend the most time on Clinical Judgment (31–35%) and Medical/OB-GYN (25–29%) — together they are over half the exam — and keep pediatric considerations in mind across every deck.

Are the AEMT flashcards free?

Yes — 100% free, all four study modes, no paywall.

AEMT vs EMT vs Paramedic

EMT = basic life support; AEMT adds IV/IO, fluids, supraglottic airways & select meds; Paramedic adds intubation, cardiac monitoring/manual defib & most IV drugs.

AEMT scope of practice

Basic + IV/IO access, IV crystalloids, supraglottic (blind-insertion) airways, and a limited medication formulary — but NOT intubation, manual defibrillation, or cardiac rhythm interpretation.

Can an AEMT interpret ECG rhythms?

No. Cardiac monitoring, rhythm interpretation, and manual defibrillation are Paramedic-level. AEMTs apply an AED for cardiac arrest.

AEMT medication formulary (typical)

Oxygen, oral glucose, aspirin, nitroglycerin (assist/admin), epinephrine (auto-injector/anaphylaxis), albuterol, naloxone, dextrose (D10/D50), glucagon, and nitrous oxide — per state/medical direction.

Can an AEMT start an IV?

Yes. Peripheral IV access and IV crystalloid fluid administration are core AEMT skills (EMTs cannot).

Can an AEMT give IV/IO dextrose?

Yes. AEMTs may give IV/IO dextrose (D10 or D50) for hypoglycemia — an advanced skill beyond the EMT oral-glucose-only level.

National EMS Scope of Practice Model

The NHTSA document that defines the four nationally recognized EMS levels (EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic) and the skills/meds each may perform.

Who certifies the AEMT nationally?

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

AEMT certification eligibility

Current EMT certification + completion of a state-approved (often CAAHEP/CoAEMSP-accredited) AEMT course, including didactic, lab, and clinical/field competencies.

AEMT recertification cycle

Valid 2 years; recertify through the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) continuing-education model + a current state EMS license.

Medical direction: online vs offline

Offline (indirect) = written standing orders/protocols. Online (direct) = real-time orders from a physician by radio/phone.

Protocols that let the AEMT perform interventions without contacting medical control first.

Scope of practice vs standard of care

Scope = what your level/state authorizes you to do; standard of care = how a reasonable provider of your level would act in the same situation.

The legal obligation to provide care while on duty (or when a pre-existing relationship/protocol requires it).

Stopping care without transferring the patient to someone of equal or higher training — a legal liability.

Negligence (4 elements)

Duty, breach of duty, damages/harm, and causation — all four must be present.

A blind-insertion airway (King LT, i-gel, Combitube) seated in the hypopharynx above the glottis to ventilate without visualizing the cords — an AEMT advanced airway.

A supraglottic airway with a soft non-inflatable gel cuff that molds to the laryngeal inlet; fast to place, no cuff to inflate.

A supraglottic dual-cuff tube; one cuff seals the esophagus, one the oropharynx, directing air to the trachea.

Capnography (EtCO₂)

Continuous measurement of exhaled CO₂; confirms ventilation/airway placement and detects respiratory depression earlier than SpO₂.

Waveform capnography in cardiac arrest

A sudden rise in EtCO₂ suggests return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); persistently low EtCO₂ suggests poor compressions or poor perfusion.

Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) goal

At least 94% for most patients; titrate oxygen to maintain it — avoid both hypoxia and unnecessary hyperoxia.

Respiratory distress from pulmonary edema (CHF) or COPD/asthma in an awake, cooperative patient who can protect the airway.

CPAP contraindications

Apnea/respiratory arrest, hypotension, decreased LOC/can't protect airway, vomiting, pneumothorax, or facial trauma.

An inhaled beta-2 agonist (nebulized) that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle for wheezing/bronchospasm in asthma and COPD.

BVM ventilation rate (adult)

1 breath every 5–6 seconds (about 10–12/min); avoid over-ventilation, which raises intrathoracic pressure and lowers cardiac output.

BVM rate (child/infant)

1 breath every 2–3 seconds (about 20–30/min).

Oxygen delivery: non-rebreather

10–15 L/min delivering ~90% FiO₂ — for the hypoxic, adequately breathing patient.

Nasal cannula flow/FiO₂

1–6 L/min gives about 24–44% FiO₂ — for mild hypoxia.

Signs of inadequate breathing

Rate 24, shallow/irregular effort, accessory-muscle use, cyanosis, altered mentation, 1–2 word dyspnea.

Sitting upright leaning forward on the hands — a sign of severe respiratory distress.

Silent chest in asthma

Loss of wheezing/air movement in a tiring asthmatic — an ominous sign of impending respiratory failure.

A high-pitched inspiratory sound = upper-airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, foreign body, anaphylaxis).

Airway management priority

Position, suction, basic adjuncts (OPA/NPA), and BVM first; advance to a supraglottic airway only when basic measures fail.

OPA (oral) only for an unresponsive patient with no gag reflex; NPA (nasal) tolerated by patients with an intact gag — avoid NPA with suspected basilar skull fracture.

Sellick maneuver / cricoid pressure

Posterior pressure on the cricoid cartilage to reduce gastric insufflation/aspiration — no longer routinely recommended.

Adequate vs inadequate respiration

Adequate = normal rate/rhythm with good chest rise and clear lungs; inadequate = abnormal rate, poor tidal volume, or hypoxia — assist with BVM.

Suctioning limit (adult)

No more than 15 seconds per attempt (children/infants shorter) to avoid hypoxia.

Cardiac chain of survival

Early recognition/activation → early CPR → early defibrillation → advanced care → post-arrest care (+ recovery).

Adult CPR compression depth

At least 2 inches (5 cm), no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm); allow full recoil.

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AEMT Flashcards

AEMT vs EMT vs Paramedic: EMT = basic life support; AEMT adds IV/IO, fluids, supraglottic airways & select meds; Paramedic adds intubation, cardiac monitoring/manual defib & most IV drugs.
AEMT scope of practice: Basic + IV/IO access, IV crystalloids, supraglottic (blind-insertion) airways, and a limited medication formulary — but NOT intubation, manual defibrillation, or cardiac rhythm interpretation.
Can an AEMT intubate?: No. Endotracheal intubation is a Paramedic skill. AEMTs use supraglottic/blind-insertion airway devices (King LT, i-gel, Combitube).
Can an AEMT interpret ECG rhythms?: No. Cardiac monitoring, rhythm interpretation, and manual defibrillation are Paramedic-level. AEMTs apply an AED for cardiac arrest.
AEMT medication formulary (typical): Oxygen, oral glucose, aspirin, nitroglycerin (assist/admin), epinephrine (auto-injector/anaphylaxis), albuterol, naloxone, dextrose (D10/D50), glucagon, and nitrous oxide — per state/medical direction.
Can an AEMT start an IV?: Yes. Peripheral IV access and IV crystalloid fluid administration are core AEMT skills (EMTs cannot).
Can an AEMT give IV/IO dextrose?: Yes. AEMTs may give IV/IO dextrose (D10 or D50) for hypoglycemia — an advanced skill beyond the EMT oral-glucose-only level.
National EMS Scope of Practice Model: The NHTSA document that defines the four nationally recognized EMS levels (EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic) and the skills/meds each may perform.
Who certifies the AEMT nationally?: The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
AEMT certification eligibility: Current EMT certification + completion of a state-approved (often CAAHEP/CoAEMSP-accredited) AEMT course, including didactic, lab, and clinical/field competencies.
AEMT recertification cycle: Valid 2 years; recertify through the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) continuing-education model + a current state EMS license.
Medical direction: online vs offline: Offline (indirect) = written standing orders/protocols. Online (direct) = real-time orders from a physician by radio/phone.
Standing orders: Protocols that let the AEMT perform interventions without contacting medical control first.
Scope of practice vs standard of care: Scope = what your level/state authorizes you to do; standard of care = how a reasonable provider of your level would act in the same situation.
Duty to act: The legal obligation to provide care while on duty (or when a pre-existing relationship/protocol requires it).
Abandonment: Stopping care without transferring the patient to someone of equal or higher training — a legal liability.
Negligence (4 elements): Duty, breach of duty, damages/harm, and causation — all four must be present.
Supraglottic airway: A blind-insertion airway (King LT, i-gel, Combitube) seated in the hypopharynx above the glottis to ventilate without visualizing the cords — an AEMT advanced airway.
i-gel airway: A supraglottic airway with a soft non-inflatable gel cuff that molds to the laryngeal inlet; fast to place, no cuff to inflate.
King LT airway: A supraglottic dual-cuff tube; one cuff seals the esophagus, one the oropharynx, directing air to the trachea.
Capnography (EtCO₂): Continuous measurement of exhaled CO₂; confirms ventilation/airway placement and detects respiratory depression earlier than SpO₂.
Normal EtCO₂: 35–45 mmHg.
Waveform capnography in cardiac arrest: A sudden rise in EtCO₂ suggests return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); persistently low EtCO₂ suggests poor compressions or poor perfusion.
Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) goal: At least 94% for most patients; titrate oxygen to maintain it — avoid both hypoxia and unnecessary hyperoxia.
CPAP indications: Respiratory distress from pulmonary edema (CHF) or COPD/asthma in an awake, cooperative patient who can protect the airway.
CPAP contraindications: Apnea/respiratory arrest, hypotension, decreased LOC/can't protect airway, vomiting, pneumothorax, or facial trauma.
Albuterol: An inhaled beta-2 agonist (nebulized) that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle for wheezing/bronchospasm in asthma and COPD.
BVM ventilation rate (adult): 1 breath every 5–6 seconds (about 10–12/min); avoid over-ventilation, which raises intrathoracic pressure and lowers cardiac output.
BVM rate (child/infant): 1 breath every 2–3 seconds (about 20–30/min).
Oxygen delivery: non-rebreather: 10–15 L/min delivering ~90% FiO₂ — for the hypoxic, adequately breathing patient.
Nasal cannula flow/FiO₂: 1–6 L/min gives about 24–44% FiO₂ — for mild hypoxia.
Signs of inadequate breathing: Rate <8 or >24, shallow/irregular effort, accessory-muscle use, cyanosis, altered mentation, 1–2 word dyspnea.
Tripod position: Sitting upright leaning forward on the hands — a sign of severe respiratory distress.
Silent chest in asthma: Loss of wheezing/air movement in a tiring asthmatic — an ominous sign of impending respiratory failure.
Stridor: A high-pitched inspiratory sound = upper-airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, foreign body, anaphylaxis).
Airway management priority: Position, suction, basic adjuncts (OPA/NPA), and BVM first; advance to a supraglottic airway only when basic measures fail.
OPA vs NPA: OPA (oral) only for an unresponsive patient with no gag reflex; NPA (nasal) tolerated by patients with an intact gag — avoid NPA with suspected basilar skull fracture.
Sellick maneuver / cricoid pressure: Posterior pressure on the cricoid cartilage to reduce gastric insufflation/aspiration — no longer routinely recommended.
Adequate vs inadequate respiration: Adequate = normal rate/rhythm with good chest rise and clear lungs; inadequate = abnormal rate, poor tidal volume, or hypoxia — assist with BVM.
Suctioning limit (adult): No more than 15 seconds per attempt (children/infants shorter) to avoid hypoxia.
Cardiac chain of survival: Early recognition/activation → early CPR → early defibrillation → advanced care → post-arrest care (+ recovery).
Adult CPR compression rate: 100–120 per minute.
Adult CPR compression depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm), no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm); allow full recoil.
CPR compression-to-ventilation (adult, 1 rescuer): 30:2.
Child/infant CPR ratio (2 rescuers): 15:2.
AED use: Apply as soon as available, ensure no one is touching the patient, and deliver a shock if advised; resume compressions immediately after.
Aspirin in chest pain: 162–324 mg chewed for suspected ACS (no allergy/active GI bleed) — it reduces platelet aggregation.
Nitroglycerin: A vasodilator for ischemic chest pain; reduces preload/myocardial workload. Sublingual, may repeat every 5 min up to 3 doses.
Nitroglycerin contraindications: SBP <90–100 mmHg, recent PDE-5 inhibitor (sildenafil 24 h / tadalafil 48 h), and suspected right-ventricular/inferior MI.
STEMI: ST-elevation MI — a fully occluded coronary artery; needs rapid transport for reperfusion (PCI). AEMTs cannot interpret the 12-lead but acquire/transmit it where equipped.
Classic ACS presentation: Crushing substernal chest pressure radiating to the arm/jaw, dyspnea, diaphoresis, nausea — may be atypical in women, elderly, and diabetics.
OPQRST: Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, Time — the pain assessment for chest pain.
Cardiogenic shock: Pump failure (often after large MI): hypotension, pulmonary edema, cool clammy skin — supportive care and rapid transport.
Acute pulmonary edema (CHF): Dyspnea, crackles, pink frothy sputum, JVD; sit upright, high-flow O₂/CPAP, nitroglycerin per protocol.
Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC): A palpable pulse returns after arrest; a sudden EtCO₂ rise is an early clue — then focus on oxygenation, ventilation, and transport.
High-quality CPR elements: Rate 100–120, depth at least 2 in, full recoil, minimal interruptions (under 10 s), avoid over-ventilation.
When to withhold/stop CPR: Obvious death (rigor, lividity, decomposition, decapitation) or a valid DNR — otherwise begin and continue.
Epinephrine in cardiac arrest: A Paramedic-level drug in arrest; AEMT epinephrine use is for anaphylaxis, not as a routine arrest med (per scope/protocol).
Hypotension definition (adult): SBP < 90 mmHg (or signs of poor perfusion) — a marker of shock.
Rule of nines (adult): Head 9%, each arm 9%, each leg 18%, anterior trunk 18%, posterior trunk 18%, genitals 1%.
How to treat a burn: Stop the burning, remove jewelry/clothing, cover with a dry sterile dressing, keep warm, and manage airway/fluids; do not pop blisters or apply ice.
When to use a tourniquet: Life-threatening extremity hemorrhage not controlled by direct pressure — apply high and tight, note the time.
Hemorrhage control order: Direct pressure → tourniquet (extremity) or wound packing/hemostatic gauze (junctional) for severe bleeding.
Tension pneumothorax: Air trapped in the pleural space: severe dyspnea, absent breath sounds (one side), JVD, tracheal deviation (late), hypotension — needs decompression.
Flail chest: Two or more adjacent ribs broken in two or more places, causing paradoxical chest-wall movement; support ventilation, give O₂.
Sucking chest wound: Open pneumothorax — seal with an occlusive (vented) dressing; burp it if a tension pneumothorax develops.
Spinal motion restriction: Manual stabilization and limiting movement for suspected spinal injury, guided by selective immobilization criteria — not automatic for every trauma.
NEXUS criteria (clear spine): No midline tenderness, no focal deficit, normal alertness, no intoxication, no distracting injury — if all met, immobilization may be unnecessary.
Signs of internal bleeding: Tachycardia, hypotension (late), distended/rigid abdomen, bruising, pallor, altered mentation — high index of suspicion in trauma.
Hypovolemic (hemorrhagic) shock: Volume loss → tachycardia, narrow pulse pressure, cool/clammy skin; control bleeding, give O₂, IV fluids cautiously, keep warm, rapid transport.
Permissive hypotension: Titrating fluids to a lower target BP in uncontrolled hemorrhage to avoid disrupting clots — per protocol.
Golden hour / golden period: The principle that definitive surgical care soon after major trauma improves survival — minimize on-scene time for critical trauma.
Trauma triage decision: Use mechanism, vitals, and anatomy to decide transport to a trauma center; limit scene time for the critical patient.
Beck's triad (cardiac tamponade): Hypotension, JVD, muffled heart sounds — from blood compressing the heart after chest trauma.
Pelvic fracture risk: Major internal hemorrhage; use a pelvic binder, handle gently, treat for shock.
Head injury / increased ICP signs: Decreasing LOC, unequal pupils, Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations) — maintain oxygenation/perfusion.
Crush injury concern: Prolonged compression releases potassium and myoglobin on extrication → hyperkalemia/renal injury; IV fluids before release per protocol.
Impaled object: Do not remove (except cheek/airway obstruction); stabilize in place and transport.
Evisceration: Cover exposed abdominal organs with a moist sterile dressing; do not push them back in.
Signs of preeclampsia: New hypertension after 20 weeks with headache, visual changes, edema, and upper-abdominal pain; risk of seizures (eclampsia).
What is placenta previa?: The placenta covers the cervical opening → painless, bright-red third-trimester vaginal bleeding; do not perform a vaginal exam, transport on the left side.
What is abruptio placentae?: Premature separation of the placenta → painful vaginal bleeding (may be concealed) with a rigid/tender uterus; a true emergency.
APGAR score: Newborn assessment at 1 & 5 min — Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration; each 0–2 (max 10).
Normal newborn heart rate: At least 100/min; if under 100 despite warming, drying, stimulation, and positioning, begin positive-pressure ventilation.
Eclampsia: Seizures in pregnancy from severe preeclampsia — protect the airway, position left lateral, transport rapidly.
What is anaphylaxis?: A severe, rapid, life-threatening allergic reaction with airway swelling, wheezing, hypotension, hives, and GI symptoms across multiple systems.
Epinephrine in anaphylaxis: First-line: epinephrine 1:1,000 IM (auto-injector 0.3 mg adult / 0.15 mg child) into the lateral thigh; may repeat in 5–15 min.
Signs of hypoglycemia: Altered mentation, diaphoresis, tachycardia, tremor, slurred speech, seizures — rapid onset; check glucose.
Hypoglycemia treatment by route: Conscious & can swallow → oral glucose; AEMT may give IV/IO D10/D50 or IM glucagon if unable to swallow.
How to give oral glucose: Only to a conscious patient with an intact gag reflex who can swallow; place between the cheek and gum.
DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis): Hyperglycemia with ketosis/acidosis: Kussmaul (deep rapid) breathing, fruity breath, dehydration, abdominal pain; IV fluids and rapid transport.
Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale: Three signs — facial droop, arm drift, abnormal speech; any one suggests stroke.
Stroke priorities: Identify last-known-well time, keep airway/oxygenation/glucose normal, and transport rapidly to a stroke-capable center.
Naloxone (Narcan): An opioid antagonist that reverses respiratory depression/sedation from opioids; give IN/IM/IV and support ventilation first.
Signs of opioid overdose: Pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and decreased LOC — the classic toxidrome.
Seizure care: Protect from injury, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth, position to protect airway after, give O₂, check glucose.
Status epilepticus: A seizure lasting 5 min or longer, or repeated seizures without recovery — a true emergency; rapid transport (benzodiazepines are usually Paramedic-level).
Glucagon: A hormone that raises blood glucose by mobilizing liver glycogen; given IM/SQ for hypoglycemia when IV access/oral glucose isn't possible.
SAMPLE history: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading up.
Sepsis recognition: Suspected infection plus signs of poor perfusion (fever/hypothermia, tachycardia, hypotension, altered mentation) — give O₂/fluids, rapid transport.
Imminent delivery signs: Crowning, urge to push, frequent strong contractions <2 min apart — prepare to deliver on scene.
Nuchal cord: Umbilical cord around the newborn's neck — gently slip it over the head; if tight, clamp and cut.
Prolapsed cord: Cord presents before the baby — relieve pressure (knee-chest/Trendelenburg, gloved hand off the cord), high-flow O₂, rapid transport.
START triage: Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment — sort by Respirations, Perfusion, Mental status into Immediate (red), Delayed (yellow), Minor (green), Deceased/expectant (black).
Triage: red (immediate): Life threat needing immediate care — RR >30, no radial pulse/cap refill >2 s, or can't follow commands.
Triage: black (expectant/deceased): No respirations even after airway repositioning.
Incident Command System (ICS): The standardized NIMS management structure for organizing personnel and resources at an incident.
Cold/warm/hot zones (hazmat): Hot = contamination/danger; Warm = decontamination corridor; Cold = safe support/command area. EMS stages in the cold zone.
Scene size-up: Scene safety, BSI/PPE, MOI/NOI, number of patients, and need for additional resources — done before patient contact.
Standard precautions (BSI): Gloves, eye protection, gown, and mask as needed — treat all blood/body fluids as infectious.
Air-medical (helicopter) activation: For critical trauma/time-sensitive patients with prolonged ground transport; set up a safe, clear landing zone.
Stages of extrication: Gain access, perform rapid assessment/stabilization, disentangle, and remove — patient care priorities drive the process.
CISM / mental-health support: Critical Incident Stress Management — recognizing and addressing provider stress after difficult calls.
Mass-casualty incident (MCI): An event whose patient needs exceed available resources — triage, ICS, and resource requests are key.
Ambulance operation safety: Use due regard with lights/siren, slow at intersections, and wear seatbelts — most crashes happen at intersections.
Decontamination priority: Protect yourself first; do not enter the hot zone without proper PPE/training; decon before transport.
Documentation (PCR) importance: The patient care report is a legal record, supports continuity of care, and protects the provider — accurate and objective.
Refusal of care: A competent adult may refuse; ensure they understand risks (informed), document thoroughly, and encourage care/follow-up.
Clinical judgment model (NREMT): Recognize cues → analyze cues → form a hypothesis → generate solutions → take action → evaluate outcomes.
Primary assessment (XABCDE): Address life threats in order: (exsanguinating) bleeding, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure.
General impression: The immediate sick/not-sick judgment formed on first sight that drives urgency.
Reassessment interval: Every 5 minutes for an unstable patient; every 15 minutes for a stable patient.
AVPU scale: Alert, responds to Verbal, responds to Pain, Unresponsive — a quick mental-status check.
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): Scores Eye (4), Verbal (5), Motor (6); 3 (worst) to 15 (best); 8 or less = severe, can't protect airway.
How to read GCS: Add the best Eye + Verbal + Motor responses; a falling GCS signals deterioration.
Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT): A from-the-doorway check of Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation to the skin — rapid sick/not-sick in kids.
Cushing's triad: Hypertension (widening pulse pressure), bradycardia, and irregular respirations — a late sign of rising intracranial pressure.
Shock (compensated vs decompensated): Compensated = tachycardia, anxiety, narrowing pulse pressure with normal BP; decompensated = falling BP and altered mentation (late, ominous).
Cap refill normal: <2 seconds — prolonged suggests poor perfusion (most reliable in children).
Pulse pressure: Systolic minus diastolic BP; a narrowing pulse pressure is an early shock sign.
Vital sign trends > single readings: Track changes over time — a worsening trend identifies deterioration before any single number looks abnormal.
Pediatric vital sign rule: Children compensate well then crash suddenly; bradycardia in a child usually means hypoxia until proven otherwise.
Normal adult vital signs: HR 60–100, RR 12–20, SBP about 90–140, SpO₂ at least 94%.
Normal infant vital signs: HR 100–160, RR 30–60 — much faster than adults.
Transport decision (load and go vs stay and play): Critical/unstable patients = rapid transport with care en route; stable patients allow more on-scene assessment.
Index of suspicion: Anticipating injuries/illness based on mechanism, presentation, and history — drives a thorough assessment.
Closed-loop communication: Repeating back orders/handoffs to confirm understanding — reduces errors during care and transfer.
Hand-off report (MIST/SBAR): A structured patient handoff: Mechanism/Injuries/Signs/Treatment, or Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation.
EMR (Emergency Medical Responder): The most basic EMS level: initial care, CPR, AED, hemorrhage control, and basic airway — below the EMT.
Consent: expressed vs implied: Expressed = a competent patient agrees to care; implied = an unconscious/incompetent patient is assumed to consent to life-saving care.
Minor consent: A minor generally needs a parent/guardian's consent; emancipated minors and true emergencies are exceptions (implied consent).
HIPAA: Federal law protecting patient health information — share only with those involved in care or as legally required.
Advance directive / DNR: A legal document stating a patient's wishes to limit resuscitation; honor a valid DNR.
Good Samaritan laws: Provide limited legal protection for those who help in good faith within their training, off-duty.
Quality improvement (QI/CQA): Ongoing review of care (chart audits, run reviews) to improve EMS system performance.
Mandatory reporting: AEMTs must report suspected abuse/neglect, certain injuries, and infectious-disease exposures per state law.
End-tidal CO₂ in shock: A falling EtCO₂ can reflect worsening perfusion (less CO₂ delivered to the lungs) even with good ventilation.
Apneic patient: No breathing — begin BVM positive-pressure ventilation immediately and consider an advanced airway.
Gastric distension during BVM: From over-ventilation/too-fast squeezing; raises aspiration risk — ventilate slowly with good seal.
Hypoxic drive (COPD): A theoretical concern; still give oxygen to a hypoxic COPD patient — never withhold needed O₂.
Cyanosis: Bluish skin/mucous membranes from poor oxygenation — a late sign of hypoxia.
Accessory muscle use: Use of neck/intercostal muscles to breathe — a sign of increased work of breathing/distress.
Pulse oximetry limitations: Falsely high in carbon monoxide poisoning; unreliable with poor perfusion, cold, or nail polish.
Croup vs epiglottitis: Croup = barky cough, gradual, viral (kids); epiglottitis = rapid, drooling, tripoding, high fever — keep the child calm, do not inspect the throat.
Foreign body airway obstruction (conscious adult): Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) until relieved or the patient becomes unresponsive, then begin CPR.
Asystole vs PEA: Asystole = no electrical activity (flatline); PEA = organized rhythm with no pulse — both: high-quality CPR.
Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib): Disorganized quivering ventricles, no pulse — the AED shocks it; AEMTs apply the AED, Paramedics manually defibrillate.
Defibrillation goal: Stop chaotic electrical activity so the heart's natural pacemaker can resume an organized rhythm.
AED on a wet/metal surface: Move the patient to a dry surface and dry the chest before applying pads to avoid arcing.
AED on a patient with a pacemaker: Place pads at least 1 inch away from the implanted device.
Nitroglycerin and inferior MI: Avoid — an inferior/RV MI is preload-dependent and nitro can cause profound hypotension.
Chest pain that is cardiac vs not: Cardiac pain is often pressure-like, exertional, with diaphoresis/dyspnea; reproducible/positional pain is less likely cardiac — but treat suspicious pain as ACS.
Compression fraction: The percentage of arrest time spent doing compressions — keep it high (>60-80%) by minimizing pauses.
Switch compressors: Every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue and keep compressions effective.
MOI (mechanism of injury): How the injury occurred — guides the index of suspicion for hidden injuries (e.g., high-speed crash, fall >20 ft).
Kinematics of trauma: The study of energy transfer in injury — predicts injury patterns from the MOI.
Compartment syndrome: Rising pressure in a fascial compartment after injury: pain out of proportion, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness — a surgical emergency; do not elevate or ice.
Amputation care: Control bleeding; wrap the part in moist sterile gauze, seal in a bag, and keep it cool (not directly on ice); transport with the patient.
Eye injury / chemical exposure: Irrigate the eye copiously with saline/water from the inner to outer canthus; cover both eyes for a penetrating injury.
Hypothermia: Lowered core temperature; handle gently (rough movement can trigger V-fib), remove wet clothing, rewarm passively, give warm O₂.
Heat stroke: Hot skin, altered mentation, possible loss of sweating — a true emergency; rapid active cooling and transport.
Burn severity referral: Significant/critical burns: airway burns, large BSA, full-thickness, circumferential, hands/face/genitals, or with trauma → burn/trauma center.
Airway burn signs: Singed nasal hair, soot in the mouth, hoarseness, stridor, facial burns — anticipate rapid airway swelling.
Traction splint indication: Isolated mid-shaft femur fracture without pelvic/lower-leg fracture — reduces pain and bleeding.
Open vs closed fracture: Open = bone breaks the skin (infection/bleeding risk); closed = skin intact. Splint, check distal CMS (circulation, motor, sensory).
Distal CMS check: Assess Circulation, Motor, and Sensory function distal to an injury before and after splinting.
Toxidrome: cholinergic (SLUDGE): Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI distress, Emesis — from organophosphates/nerve agents.
Toxidrome: sympathomimetic: Tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, agitation, dilated pupils — from stimulants (cocaine, meth).
Carbon monoxide poisoning: Headache, nausea, confusion; SpO₂ reads falsely normal — give high-flow O₂ and remove from the source.
Activated charcoal: Binds some ingested poisons; give only per medical direction to an alert patient who can protect the airway.
Asthma vs COPD: Asthma = reversible bronchospasm, often younger, triggers; COPD = chronic (emphysema/bronchitis), older smokers — both wheeze and respond to albuterol.
Allergic reaction (mild vs anaphylaxis): Mild = local hives/itching; anaphylaxis = multi-system with airway/breathing/circulation compromise → epinephrine IM.
Hyperglycemia vs hypoglycemia: Hyper = gradual, dehydration, fruity breath, Kussmaul; hypo = rapid, diaphoretic, altered/combative — both: check glucose.
Stroke vs hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia can mimic stroke — always check blood glucose in any altered/focal-deficit patient.
AEIOU-TIPS: A mnemonic for altered mental status: Alcohol, Epilepsy, Insulin, Overdose, Uremia, Trauma, Infection, Psych, Stroke.
Behavioral emergency safety: Ensure scene safety, stay calm, set limits, and use restraints only when necessary, monitored, and per protocol — never prone/positional asphyxia.
Excited delirium: Severe agitation, hyperthermia, and superhuman strength — high risk of sudden death; minimize struggle, monitor, rapid transport.
Postpartum hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after delivery — uterine fundal massage and rapid transport.
Meconium-stained fluid: Greenish amniotic fluid; if the newborn is not vigorous, suction the airway before stimulating breaths.
Breech presentation: Buttocks/feet first — support the body, avoid pulling; if the head doesn't deliver, create an airway and transport immediately.
Supine hypotensive syndrome: In late pregnancy the uterus compresses the vena cava when supine — transport the patient tilted to the left side.
DCAP-BTLS: Trauma exam findings: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling.
JumpSTART triage: The pediatric version of START triage, accounting for children's physiology (includes 5 rescue breaths for an apneic child with a pulse).
Secondary triage / re-triage: Patients are re-assessed and may be re-categorized as their condition changes at an MCI.
Staging area: Where incoming units wait for assignment at a large incident — keeps the scene organized.
Decontamination of equipment: Clean/disinfect the stretcher and reusable gear after each call; dispose of sharps in approved containers.
Exposure incident: After a needlestick/body-fluid exposure: wash the area, report immediately, and follow post-exposure protocol.
Lifting/moving: power lift: Keep the back straight, lift with the legs, keep the load close — prevents provider injury.
Emergency vs non-emergency move: Emergency move only when there's immediate danger, you can't reach a critical patient, or you must access another patient.
Recovery position: Lateral recumbent position for an unresponsive breathing patient without trauma — protects the airway.
Recognize cues: Identify relevant signs, symptoms, and history that matter — the first step of clinical reasoning.
Analyze cues: Connect and prioritize the findings to figure out what is most likely happening.
Take action: Implement the highest-priority intervention within scope, then reassess its effect.
Evaluate outcomes: Reassess after every intervention to confirm it helped or to change the plan.
Sick vs not-sick: The rapid global judgment that determines transport urgency and the depth of assessment.
Secondary assessment: A head-to-toe (or focused) exam plus vitals and history, done after life threats are addressed.
Rapid trauma assessment: A quick head-to-toe survey for a significant MOI to find life threats.
Focused assessment: An exam targeted to the chief complaint for a stable patient with an isolated problem.
Pertinent negatives: Expected findings that are absent — documenting them strengthens clinical reasoning.
Capnography for trending: Use waveform EtCO₂ to monitor ventilation, CPR quality, and detect deterioration over time.

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By Career EmployerUpdated Sep 12, 2026

200+ free AEMT flashcards — 4 ways to study

AEMT Flashcard of the DayNew daily

The classic card. Do you know this one?

Click Study Flashcards above to open the flashcard hub — hundreds of AEMT cards you can flip, match, type, or quiz yourself on. Every card is drawn from the NREMT content areas and written to the Advanced EMT scope, so you study exactly what the AEMT certification exam tests.^[1] Pair them with our free practice questions and study guide.

AEMT Flashcard Study Modes

Flip mode lets you study a card front, think, then turn it over. Match times you as you pair terms with definitions. Type shows the definition and asks you to produce the term, so a prompt for Stridor has to come from memory. Quiz turns the same 210 cards into multiple choice for a quick check on recall.

Free AEMT flashcards from Career Employer — active recall for the NREMT Advanced EMT exam

Why Flashcards Work for the AEMT

The largest block is Medical, Obstetrics & Gynecology at 40 cards, which puts drug names, assessment mnemonics, and delivery complications in one place. You get pharmacology prompts such as Glucagon, altered mental status frameworks like AEIOU-TIPS, obstetric emergencies including Eclampsia and Prolapsed cord, and newborn scoring through APGAR score.

Airway, Respiration & Ventilation carries 32 cards on abnormal findings, adjuncts, and capnography, with fronts like Stridor, OPA vs NPA, and Normal EtCO₂ pushing you to separate what you see from what you place. Trauma matches it at 32 cards, where Flail chest, Evisceration, and Distal CMS check drill the finding and the immediate action that follows it.

Clinical Judgment holds 30 cards on the reasoning steps the National Registry tests through scenarios, so Recognize cues, Analyze cues, and Take action sit beside bedside tools such as Cushing’s triad and Sick vs not-sick. Cardiology & Resuscitation adds 28 cards spanning chest pain assessment and arrest management, from OPQRST and Nitroglycerin to Asystole vs PEA.

AEMT Scope & Foundations contributes 25 cards of legal and ethical vocabulary, including Abandonment, Standing orders, and Good Samaritan laws, plus the card that asks Can an AEMT intubate?, which forces you to state scope limits rather than guess at them. EMS Operations closes the deck with 23 cards on scene and multiple-casualty work, where START triage, Scene size-up, and Refusal of care cover the calls that go wrong before patient care even starts.

That matters on the AEMT, where facts like CPR parameters, the rule of nines, epinephrine and glucose dosing, and the AEMT drug list must be instantly available. Used alongside our practice questions and study guide, flashcards turn review time into measurable progress.

AEMT Flashcards by Topic

The cards are organized by the NREMT content areas. Weight your study toward the heaviest ones — Clinical Judgment (the largest domain at 31–35%) and Medical/OB-GYN (25–29%) together are over half the exam:^[1]

AEMT domains and NREMT weighting
NREMT content area	Weight
Clinical Judgment	31–35%
Medical, Obstetrics & Gynecology	25–29%
Cardiology & Resuscitation	11–15%
Airway, Respiration & Ventilation	9–13%
Trauma	7–11%
EMS Operations	6–10%

How to Get the Most Out of These Flashcards

Start with the biggest block. Medical, Obstetrics & Gynecology runs 40 cards and mixes pharmacology with obstetric emergencies, so it pays back the most recall per session across the whole deck.
Type-drill the exact wording. Terms like Normal EtCO₂ and Eclampsia are easy to half-remember, and typing them forces the precise value or definition instead of a vague sense of the concept.
Use Match for mnemonics. Short lettered tools such as DCAP-BTLS and OPQRST pair fast under time pressure, which is exactly how you will need to recall them on a scenario question.
Move to the practice test once recall holds. When Quiz results stay steady across Trauma and Airway, Respiration & Ventilation, switch to the practice test and the study guide for scenario-length reasoning.
Keep the cadence small and repeated. Take one or two domains per sitting, re-Flip anything you missed the next day, and cycle back through Clinical Judgment often since its 30 cards support every other topic.

AEMT Flashcards FAQ

Hundreds of free AEMT flashcards, organized across the six NREMT content areas tested on the Advanced EMT cognitive exam — from airway and cardiology through clinical judgment — plus AEMT scope and the medication formulary. They're free to use with no account required.

References

1.NREMT. “Advanced EMT Examination Specifications (effective July 1, 2024).” NREMT.org. ↑
2.NHTSA, Office of EMS. “National EMS Scope of Practice Model.” ems.gov. ↑
3.American Heart Association. “CPR & Emergency Cardiovascular Care Guidelines.” cpr.heart.org. ↑

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