NATO AMEDP-13 PDF

1. The purpose of the NATO Terminology Standardization Programme is to promote mutual understanding throughout NATO, through the standardization of terminology by:

a. Coordinating the development of the NATO terminology by adopting or amending existing terms and producing new terms to ensure consistency throughout NATO, and to preclude duplication.

b. Publishing in the official NATO languages a glossary entitled the "NATO Glossary of Medical Terms and Definitions" (AMedP-13), to include:

(1) Medical terms for use in NATO medical correspondence and staff work and their definitions.

(2) Other medical terms and their definitions which are to be found in existing Allied Publications (AAP 6, AMedPs) and STANAGs.

(3) Regular updating of AMedP-13 as a NATO UNCLASSIFIED Allied Publication.

2. The glossary includes a relatively small number of words and phrases. It concentrates on key terms and definitions commonly used in NATO medical planning and on those which have already been agreed. There are, however, some new ones. Some proposed definitions have been excluded on the grounds that they are self-evident.

3. It is important that terms and definitions are not created for the sake of it and that new ones are produced only when there is proven need. The glossary will of course be a dynamic one, including new terms and discarding old ones as the situation changes.

4. Nations are not being asked to change their own national terms and definitions, but to use the glossary terms when corresponding with another NATO nation or command. If this basic principle is accepted then there will be less need to refine or change the terms to meet individual national views.

5. The purpose of the glossary will be totally negated if nations and commands do not use it. If nations and commands agree to the concept, then it is essential that their medical staff planners use the glossary when they communicate with other nations or commands.