British EMS Terminology
This is the British term for an ambulance.
What is an ambulance? (No trick—same word!)
If someone says they're "knackered," they mean this.
What is exhausted?
This is the British equivalent of a stretcher.
What is a trolley?
The NHS stands for this.
What is the National Health Service?
A patient who "had a funny turn" most likely experienced this.
What is a syncopal episode, dizziness, or brief medical event?
This is what British providers call the Emergency Department.
What is A&E (Accident & Emergency)?
A "punter" is this type of person.
What is a patient or member of the public?
A rapid response vehicle (RRV) is primarily used by this provider.
Who is a solo paramedic?
This number is used to call emergency services in the UK.
What is 999?
If a patient "collapsed in Tesco," they collapsed here.
What is a grocery store?
This abbreviation refers to the highest-priority emergency response.
What is Category 1 (Cat 1)?
If a patient is "off their trolley," they are...
What is confused, intoxicated, or acting irrationally?
The carry chair is more commonly called this.
What is a carry chair (or stair chair)?
This service provides non-emergency medical advice over the phone.
What is NHS 111?
A patient with "pins and needles" is describing this.
What is tingling or paresthesia?
Instead of saying "dispatch," British EMS often refers to this center.
What is Control (or Ambulance Control)?
A "brew" during a shift refers to this.
What is a cup of tea (or coffee)?
Instead of "oxygen tank," crews commonly say this.
What is an oxygen cylinder?
A GP is this type of physician.
What is a General Practitioner?
omeone complaining of "the loo won't flush" probably isn't calling EMS for plumbing—they're referring to this room.
What is the bathroom (toilet)?
British paramedics document a patient's "obs."
What are observations (vital signs)?
If a crew is "blue-lighting," they're doing this.
What is responding with lights and sirens?
This portable monitor/defibrillator is commonly found on UK ambulances.
What is a LIFEPAK or Corpuls monitor?
Instead of saying "hospital admission," British providers often say a patient is...
What is admitted under a team or admitted to a ward?
"Control to Bravo Oscar One: Category One, male collapsed outside the off licence. Caller reports he's off his trolley after several pints at the pub."
What is: Dispatch to an ambulance for a highest-priority response to a man who collapsed outside a liquor store and is intoxicated or confused after drinking at a bar?