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Test your knowledge: Can you ace this medical terminology quiz?

Show off the strength of your medical vocabulary with this 10-question quiz of medical terms every EMT should know

Editor’s Note: This quiz contains medical terms taken from the Instructional Guidelines in 2015 that accompany the National EMS Education Standards. Each of the terms in this quiz was found within that document and are within the scope of an EMT to know, then and now.

Whether you’re fresh out of EMT school or a seasoned first responder who just hasn’t had to think about the word “helminth” in a while, brushing up on medical terminology is never a bad idea. These words aren’t just fancy vocab — they’re tools of the trade that help you communicate quickly and clearly, especially when the pressure’s on.

In the fast-paced world of EMS, knowing your terms can make the difference between confusion and confidence. From anatomy to common abbreviations, the right language helps you paint the picture for hospital staff, document calls accurately and keep your team on the same page.

So, let’s keep it simple — and fun. We’ve put together a quick quiz to test your medical terminology knowledge. Think of it as a brain warm-up between calls or a friendly challenge to share with your crew. No pressure, no judgment — just a solid refresher that might make you go, “Oh yeah, I remember that one!”

Ready to test your EMT terminology smarts? Let’s begin!

Well, how did you do? Make sure to share your results and challenge your EMS colleagues to match or beat your score.

Do you have a favorite medical term that every EMT should know and use? Share it with us in an email to editor@ems1.com. We might use it in another medical terminology quiz.

Prepare for the EMT Exam

This quiz, originally published in October 2015, has been updated.

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