The xiphoid process is the small, cartilaginous or ossified structure located at the inferior end of the sternum, serving as a critical anatomical landmark in medical assessments. It plays a significant role in procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and is essential for accurate chest compressions. Not to be confused with the epigastric region, the xiphoid process is pivotal in delineating the boundaries of the thoracic cavity and abdominal organs, particularly during patient evaluation in emergency medical services (EMS) contexts. In EMS contexts, it is commonly framed alongside structured communication and triage concepts such as START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) or SALT (Sort, Assess, Lifesaving interventions, Treatment/Transport) as shared terminology.
Category context: Patient care, assessment, interventions, triage, and EMS system terms commonly used by firefighter/medics.