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487 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Abandonment
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Leaving a patient after care has been initiated and before the patient has been transferred to someone with equal or greater medical training.
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Abdominal Quadrants: Definition
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Four divisions of the abdomen used to pinpoint the location of a pain or injury.
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Abdominal Quadrants: List
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Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ) |
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Abortion
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Spontaneous (miscarriage) or induced termination of pregnancy.
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Abrasion
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A scratch or scrape.
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Abruptio Placentae
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A condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall; a cause of prebirth bleeding.
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Absorbed Poisons
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Poisons that are taken into the body through unbroken skin.
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Acetabulum
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The pelvic socket into which the ball at the proximal end of the femur fits to form the hip joint.
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Acromioclavicular Joint
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The joint where the acromion (highest point of the shoulder) and the clavicle meet.
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Acromion Process
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The highest portion of the shoulder.
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Activated Charcoal
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A powder, usually pre-mixed with water, that will ADsorb some poisons and help prevent them from being ABsorbed by the body.
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Active Rewarming
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Application of an external heat source to rewarm the body of a hypothermic patient. (See also Passive Rewarming)
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Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)
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The condition in which a portion of the myocardium dies as a result of oxygen starvation; a heart attack.
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Afterbirth
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The placenta, membranes of the amniotic sac, part of the umbilical cord, and some tissues from the lining of the uterus that are delivered after the birth of the baby.
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Air Embolism
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Gas bubble in the bloodstream. The plural is Air Emboli. The more accurate term is Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE).
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Airway: Definition
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The passageway by which air enters or leaves the body.
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Airway, Structures Of
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Nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
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Allergen
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Sometime that causes an allergic reaction.
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Allergic Reaction
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An exaggerated immune response.
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Alveoli
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The microscopic sacs of the lungs where gas exchange with the bloodstream takes place.
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Amniotic Sac
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The "bag of waters" that surrounds the developing fetus.
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Amputation
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The surgical removal or traumatic severing of a body part, usually an extremity.
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Anaphylaxis / Anaphylactic Shock
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A severe or life-threatening allergic reaction in which the blood vessels dilate, causing a drop in BP, and the tissues lining the respiratory system swell, interfering with the airway.
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Anatomical Position
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The standard reference position for the body in the study of anatomy. The body is standing erect, facing the observer, w/ arms down at the sides and palms forward.
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Anatomy
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The study of the body structure.
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Aneurysm
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The dilation, or ballooning, of a weakened section of the wall of an artery.
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Angina Pectoris
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Pain in the chest, occurring when blood supply to the heart is reduced and a portion of the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen.
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Anterior
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The front of the body or body part. Opposite of Posterior.
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Antidote
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A substance that will neutralize the poison or its effects.
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Aorta
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The largest artery in the body. It transports blood from the left ventricle to begin systemic circulation.
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Apnea
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Absence of breathing.
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Appendix
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A small tube located near the junction of the small and large intestines in the RLQ of the abdomen, the function of which is not well understood. Its inflammation, called appendicitis, is a common cause of abdominal pain.
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Arterial Bleeding
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Bleeding from an artery, which is characterized by bright red blood and is rapid, profuse, and difficult to control.
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Arteriole
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The smallest kind of artery.
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Arteriosclerosis
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A condition in which artery walls become hard and stiff due to calcium deposits.
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Artery
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Any blood vessel carrying blood AWAY from the heart.
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Artificial Ventilation
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Forcing air or oxygen into the lungs when a patient has stopped breating or has inadequate breathing. Also called Positive Pressure Ventilation.
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Asystole
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A condition in which the heart has ceased generating electrical impulses.
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Atherosclerosis
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A build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of arteries.
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Atria
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The two upper chambers of the heart. There is a right atrium (which receives unoxygenated blood returning from the body) and a left atrium (which receives oxygenated blood returning from the lungs).
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Auscultation
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Listening. A stethoscope is used to auscultate for characteristic body sounds.
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Auto-Injector
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A syringe pre-loaded with medication that has a spring-loaded device which pushes the needle through the skin when the tip of the device is pressed firmly against the body.
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Automaticity
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The ability of the heart to generate and conduct electrical impulses on its own.
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Autonomic Nervous System
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The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary motor functions.
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AVPU
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A memory aid for classifying a patient's level of responsiveness, or mental status. The letters stand for Alert, Verbal response, Painful response, Unresponsive.
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Avulsion
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The tearing away or tearing off of a piece or flap of skin or other soft tissue. This term also may be used to an eye pulled from its socket or a tooth dislodged from its socket.
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Bag-Valve Mask (BVM)
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A hand-held device with a face mask and self-refilling bag that can be squeezed to provide artificial ventilations to a patient. Can deliver air from the atmosphere or oxygen from a supplemental oxygen supply system.
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Bandage
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Any material used to hold a dressing in place.
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Base Station
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A two-way radio at a fixed site such as a hospital or dispatch center.
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Behavior
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The manner in which a person acts.
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Behavioral Emergency
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When a patient's behavior is not typical for the situation; when the patient's behavior is unacceptable or intolerable to the patient, his family, or the community, or when the patient may harm himself or others.
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Bilateral
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On both sides.
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Blood Pressure (BP)
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The pressure caused by blood exerting force against the walls of blood vessels. Usually arterial blood pressure (the pressure in an artery) is measured. See also Diastolic Blood Pressure and Systolic Blood Pressure.
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Blunt-Force Trauma
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Injury caused by a blow that does not penetrate the skin or other body tissues.
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Body Mechanics
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The proper use of the body to facilitate lifting and moving and prevent injury.
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Body Substance Isolation (BSI)
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A form of infection control based on the presumption that all body fluids are infectious. BSI calls for using appropriate barriers to infection at the emergency scene, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and protective eyewear.
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Bones
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Hard but flexible living structures that provide support for the body and protection to vital organs.
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Brachial Artery
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The major artery of the upper arm.
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Brachial Pulse
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The pulse flet in the upper arm; the pulse checked during infant CPR.
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Bradycardia
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A slow heart rate; any pulse rate below 60 beats per minute (BPM)
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Breech Presentation
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When the baby appears buttocks or both legs first during birth.
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Bronchi
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The two large sets of branches that come off the trachea and enter the lungs. There are right and left bronchi. Singular: Bronchus.
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Bronchoconstriction
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Constriction, or blockage, of the bronchi that lead from the trachea to the lungs.
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Calcaneus
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The heel bone.
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Capillary
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A thin-walled, microscopic blood vessel where the oxygen/carbon dioxide and nutrient/waste exchange with the body's cells takes place.
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Capillary Bleeding
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Bleeding from capillaries, which is characterized by a slow, oozing flow of blood.
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Cardiac Compromise
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A blanket term for any heart problem.
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Cardiac Conduction System
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A system of specialized muscle tissues which conduct electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to beat.
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Cardiac Muscle
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Specialized involuntary muscle found only in the heart.
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Cardiogenic Shock
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Shock, or lack of perfusion, brought on not by blood loss, but buy inadequate pumping action of the heart. It is often the result of a heart attack or congestive heart failure.
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Cardiovascular System
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The system made up of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular); the circulatory system.
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Carina
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The fork at the lower end of the trachea where the two mainstem bronchi branch.
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Carotid Pulse
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The pulse felt along the large carotid artery on either side of the neck.
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Carpals
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The wrist bones.
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Cartilage
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Tough tissue that covers the joint ends of bones and helps to form certain body parts such as the ear.
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Cellular Phone
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A phone that transmits through the air instead of over wires so that the phone can be transported and used over a wide area.
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Central Nervous System (CNS)
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The brain and spinal cord.
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Central Pulses
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The carotid and femoral pulses, which can be felt in the central part of the body.
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Central Rewarming
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Application of heat to the lateral chest, neck, armpits, and groin of a hypothermic patient.
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Cephalic Presentation
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When the baby appears head first during birth. This is the normal presentation.
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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
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The fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
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Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
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See: Stroke.
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Cervix
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The neck of the uterus at the entrance to the birth canal.
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Chief Complaint
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In emergency medicine, the reason EMS was called, usually in the patient's own words.
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Circulatory System
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See: Cardiovascular System.
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Clavicle
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The collarbone.
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Closed Extremity Injury
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An injury to an extremity with no associated opening in the skin.
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Closed Wound
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An internal injury with no open pathway from the outside.
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Cold Zone
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Area where the Incident Command Post and support functions are located.
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Colostomy
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Similar to an ileostomy. A surgical opening in the wall of the abdomen with a bag in place to collect excretions from the digestive system.
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Compensated Shock
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When the patient is developing shock but the body is still able to maintain perfusion. See: decompensated shock; shock.
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Concussion
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Mild closed head injury without detectable damage to the brain. Complete recovery is usually expected.
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Conduction
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The transfer of heat from one material to another through direct contact.
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Confidentiality
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The obligation not to reveal information obtained about a patient except to other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care, or under subpoena, or in a court of law, or when the patient has signed a release of confidentiality.
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Congestive Heart Failure
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The failure of the heart to pump efficiently, leading to excessive blood or fluids in the lungs, the body, or both.
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Consent
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Permission from the patient for care or other action by the EMT-B. See also: expressed consent; implied consent.
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Constrict
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Get smaller.
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Contamination
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The introduction of dangerous chemicals, disease, or infectious materials. See also: decontamination.
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Contraindications
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Specific signs or circumstances under which it is not appropriate and may be harmful to administer a drug to a patient.
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Contusion
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A bruise; in brain injuries, a bruised brain caused when the force of a blow to the head is great enough to rupture blood vessels.
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Convection
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Carrying away of heat by currents of air of water or other gases or liquids.
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Coronary Arteries
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Blood vessels that supply the muscle of the heart (myocardium).
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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
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Diseases that affect the arteries of the heart.
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Cranium
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The bony structure making up the forehead, top, back, and upper sides of the skull.
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Crepitation
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The grating sound or feeling of broken bones rubbing together. Also called: crepitus.
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Cricoid Cartilage
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The ring-shaped structure that circles the trachea at the lower edge of the larynx.
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Cricoid Pressure
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Pressure applied to the cricoid cartilage to suppress vomiting and bring the vocal cords into view. Also called: Sellick's Maneuver.
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Crime Scene
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The location where a crime has been committed or any place that evidence relating to a crime may be found.
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Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
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A process in which teams of professional and peer counselors provide emotional and psychological support to EMS personnel who are or have been involved in a critical (highly stressful) incident.
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Crowning
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When part of the baby is visible through the vaginal opening.
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Crush Injury
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An injury caused when force is transmitted from the body's exterior to its internal structures. Cones can be broken, muscles, nerves and tissues damaged, and internal organs ruptures, causing internal bleeding.
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Cyanosis
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A blue or gray color resulting from lack of oxygen in the body.
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Danger Zone
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The area around the wreckage of a vehicle collision or other incident within which special safety precautions should be taken.
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DCAP-BTLS
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A memory aid to remember Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Puncture/Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, and swelling -- symptoms of injury found by inspection or palpation during patient assessment.
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Dead Space
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Areas of the lungs outside the alveoli where gas exchange with the blood does not take place.
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Decompensated Shock
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Occurs when the body can no longer compensate for low blood volume or lack of perfusion. Late signs such as decreasing blood pressure become evident. See also: Compensated Shock; Shock.
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Decompression Sickness
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A condition resulting from nitrogen trapped in the body's tissues caused by coming up too quickly from a deep, prolonged dive. A symptom of decompression sickness is "the bends," or deep pain in the muscles or joints.
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Decontamination
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The removal or cleansing of dangerous chemicals and other dangerous or infectious materials. See also: Contamination.
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Delirium Tremens
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A severe reaction that can be part of alcohol withdrawal, characterized by sweating, trembling, anxiety, and hallucinations. Severe alcohol withdrawal with the DT's can lead to death if untreated.
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Dermis
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The inner (second) layer of the skin found beneath the epidermis. It is rich in blood vessels and nerves.
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Designated Agent
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An EMT-B or other person authorized by a Medical Director to give medications and provide emergency care. The transfer of such authorization to a designated agent is an extension of the Medical Director's license to practice medicine.
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Detailed Physical Exam
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An assessment of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, and posterior of the body to detect signs and symptoms of injury. It differs from the rapid trauma assessment only in that it also includes examination of the face, ears, eyes, nose, and mouth during the examination of the head, it may be done less rapidly, and it may be done en route to the hospital after earlier on-scene assessments and interventions are completed.
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Also called "sugar diabetes" or just "diabetes," the condition brought about by decreased insulin production or the inability of the body cells to use insulin properly. The person with this condition is a diabetic.
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Diaphragm
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The muscular structure that divides the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. A major muscle of respiration.
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Diastolic Blood Pressure
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The pressure remaining in the arteries when the left ventricle of the heart is relaxed and refilling.
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Digestive System
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System by which food travels through the body and is digested, or broken down into absorbable forms.
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Dilate
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Get larger.
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Dilution
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Thinning down or weakening by mixing with something else. Ingested poisons are sometimes diluted by drinking water or milk.
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Direct Carry
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A method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher, during which two or more rescuers kneel, curl the patient to their chests, stand, then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher.
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Direct Ground Lift
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A method of lifting and carrying a patient from ground level to a stretcher in which two or more rescuers kneel, curl the patient to their chests, stand, then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher.
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Disaster Plan
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A predefined set of instructions for a community's emergency responders.
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Dislocation
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the disruption or "coming apart" of a joint.
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Dissemination
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Spreading.
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Distal
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Farther away from the torso. Opposite of: Proximal.
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Distension
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A condition of being stretched, inflated, or larger than normal.
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Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
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A legal document, usually signed by the patient and his physician, which states that the patient has a terminal illness and does not wish to prolong life through resuscitative efforts.
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Domestic Terrorism
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Terrorism directed against the government or population without foreign direction. See also: terrorism; international terrorism.
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Dorsal
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Referring to the back of the body or the back of the hand or foot. Synonym for: Posterior.
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Dorsalis Pedalis Artery
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Artery supplying the foot, lateral to the large tendon of the big toe.
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Downers
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Depressants, such as barbituates, that depress the central nervous system, often used to bring on a more relaxed state of mind.
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Draw-Sheet Method
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A method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher by grasping and pulling the loosened bottom sheet of the bed.
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Dressing
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Any material (preferably sterile) used to cover a wound that will help conrol bleeding and help prevent additional contamination.
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Drowning
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Death caused by changed in the lungs resulting from immersion in water. See also: near-drowning.
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Duty to Act
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An Obligation to provide care to a patient.
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Dyspnea
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Shortness of breath; labored or difficult breathing.
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Dysrhythmia
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A disturbance in heart rate and rhythm.
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Eclampsia
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A severe complication of pregnancy that produces seizures and coma. See also: preeclampsia.
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Ectopic Pregnancy
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When implantation of the fertilized egg is not in the body of the uterus, occurring instead in the oviduct (fallopian tube), cervix, or abdominopelvic cavity.
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Edema
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Swelling resulting from a buildup of fluid in the tissues.
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Embolism
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Blockage of a vessel by a foreign material brought to the site by the blood current.
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EMS Command
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The senior EMS person on scene who oversees medical aspects of a multiple-casualty incident.
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Endocrine System
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System of glands that produce chemicals called hormones that help to regulate many body activities and functions.
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Endotracheal (ET) Tube
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A tube designed to be inserted into the trachea. Oxygen, medication, or a suction catheter can be directed into the trachea through an endotracheal tube.
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Epidermis
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The outer layer of the skin.
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Epiglottis
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A leaf-shaped structure that prevents food and foreign matter from entering the trachea.
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Epilepsy
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A medical condition that causes seizures.
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Epinephrine
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A hormone produced by the body. As a medication, it constricts blood vessels and dilates respiratory passages and is used to relieve severe allergic reactions.
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Esophagus
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The tube that leads from the pharynx to the stomach.
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Evaporation
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The change from liquid to gas. When the body perspires or gets wet, evaporation of the perspiration or other liquid into the air has a cooling effect on the body.
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Evisceration
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An intestine or other internal organ protruding through a wound in the abdomen.
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Exhalation
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A passive process in which the intercostal (rib) muscles and the diaphragm relax, causing the chest cavity to decrease in size and air to flow out of the lungs. Also called: Expiration.
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Expiration
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See: Exhalation.
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Exposure
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The dose or concentration of an agent multiplied by the time, or duration.
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Expressed Consent
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Consent given by adults who are of legal age and mentally competent to make a rational decision in regard to their medical well-being. See also: Consent; Implied Consent.
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Extremities
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The portions of the skeleton that include the clavicles, scapulae, arms, wrists, and hands (upper extremities) and the pelvis, thighs, legs, and ankles (lower extremities).
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Extremity Lift
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A method of lifting and carrying a patient during which one rescuer slips hands under the patient's armpits and grasps the wrists, while another rescuer grasps the patient's knees.
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Femoral Artery
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The major artery supplying the thigh and leg.
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Femur
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The large bone of the thigh.
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Fetus
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The baby as it develops in the womb.
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Fibula
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The lateral and smaller bone of the lower leg.
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Flowmeter
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A valve that indicates the flow of oxygen in liters per minute.
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Flow-Restricted, Oxygen-Powered Ventilation Device (FROPVD)
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A device that uses oxygen under pressure to deliver artificial ventilations. It has automatic flow restriction to prevent over-delivery of oxygen to the patient.
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Focused History and Physical Exam
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The step of a patient assessment that follows the initial assessment and includes the patient history, physical exam, and vital signs.
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Fowler's Position
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A sitting position.
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Fracture
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Any break in a bone.
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Full-Thickness Burn / Third-Degree Burn
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A burn in which all the layers of the skin are damaged. There are usually areas that are charred black or areas that are dry and white.
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Gag Reflex
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Vomiting or retching that results when something is placed in the back of the pharynx.
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Gallbladder
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A sac on the underside of the liver that stores bile produced by the liver.
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General Impression
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Impression of the patient's condition that is formed on first approaching the patient, based on the patient's environment, chief complaint, and appearance.
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Glottic Opening
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The opening to the trachea.
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Glucose
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A form of sugar, the body's basic form of energy.
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Golden Hour
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The optimum limit of one hour between time of injury and surgery at the hospital. See also: platinum ten minutes.
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Good Samaritan Laws
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Laws, varying in each state, designed to provide limited legal protection for citizens and some health-care personnel when they are administering emergency care.
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Hallucinogens
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Mind-affecting or mind-altering drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce excitement and distortion of perceptions.
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Hazardous Material
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Any substance or material in a form which poses an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce.
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Hazardous-Material Incident
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The release of a harmful substance into the environment.
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Head-Tilt, Chin-Lift Maneuver
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A means of correcting blockage of the airway by the tongue by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Used when no trauma, or injury, is suspected. See also: Jaw-Thrust Maneuver
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Hematoma
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A swelling caused by the collection of blood under the skin or in damaged tissues as a result of an injured or broken blood vessel; in a head injury, a collection of blood within the skull or brain.
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Hemorrhage
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Bleeding, especially severe bleeding.
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Hemorrhagic Shock
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Shock resulting from blood loss.
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HIPAA
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The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law protecting the privacy of patient-specific health care information and providing the patient with control over how this information is used and distributed.
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Hives
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Red, itchy, possibly raised blotches on the skin that often result from allergic reactions.
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Hot Zone
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Area immediately surrounding a hazmat incident; extends far enough to prevent adverse effects outside the zone.
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Humerus
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The bone of the upper arm, between the shoulder and the elbow.
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Humidifier
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A device connected to the flowmeter to add moisture to the dry oxygen coming from an oxygen cylinder.
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Hyperglyciemia
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High blood sugar.
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Hyperthermia
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An increase in body temperature above normal, life-threatening in its extreme.
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Hyperventilate
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To provide ventilations at a higher rate than normal.
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Hypoglycemia
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Low blood sugar.
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Hypoperfusion
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Shock; inadequate perfusion of the cells and tissues of the body caused by insufficient flow of blood through the capillaries. See also: perfusion; shock.
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Hypopharynx
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The area directly above the openings of both the trachea and the esophagus.
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Hypothermia
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Generalized cooling that reduces body temperature below normal, life-threatening in its extreme.
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Hypovolemic Shock
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Shock resulting from blood or fluid loss.
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Hypoxia
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An insufficiency of oxygen in the body's tissues.
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Ileostomy
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See: colostomy.
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Ilium
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The superior and widest portion of the pelvis.
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Implied Consent
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The consent it is presumed a patient or patient's parent or guardian would give if they could, such as for an unconscious patient or a parent who cannot be contacted when care is needed. See also: consent; expressed consent.
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Incident Command
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The person or persons who assume overall direction of a large-scale incident.
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Incident Command System (ICS)
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See: Incident Management System
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Incident Management System (IMS)
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A system used for the management of a multiple-casualty incident.
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Index of Suspicion
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Awareness that there may be injuries.
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Indications
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Specific signs or circumstances under which it is appropriate to administer a drug to a patient.
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Induced Abortion
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Expulsion of a fetus as a result of deliberate actions taken to stop the pregnancy.
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Inferior
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Away from the head; usually compared with another structure that is closer to the head (e.g., the lips are inferior to the nose). Opposite of: superior.
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Ingested Poisons
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Poisons that are swallowed.
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Inhalation
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An active process in which the intercostal (rib) muscles and the diaphragm contract, expanding the size of the chest cavity and causing air to flow into the lungs. Also called: Inspiration.
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Inhaler
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A spray device with a mouthpiece that contains an aerosol form of a medication that a patient can spray into his airway.
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Initial Assessment: Definition
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The first elecemt in assessment of a patient; steps taken for the purpose of discovering and dealing with any life-threatening problems.
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Initial Assessment: Six Parts
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1. Forming a general impression; 2. assessing mental status; 3. assessing airway; 4. assessing breathing; 5. assessing circulation; 6. determining the priority of the patient for treatment and transport to the hospital.
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Injected Poisons
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Poisons that are inserted hrough the skin, for example by needle, snake fangs, or insect stinger.
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Inspiration
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See: Inhalation.
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Insulin
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A hormone produced by the pancreas or taken as a medication by many diabetics.
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International Terrorism
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Terrorism tht is foreign-based or -directed. See also: Terrorism, Domestic Terrorism.
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Interventions
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Actions taken to prevent a patient's problems.
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Intubation
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Insertion of a tube.
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Involuntary Muscle
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Muscle that responds automatically to brain signals but cannot be consciously controlled.
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Irreversible Shock
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When the body has lost th ebattle to maintain perfusion to vital organs. Even if adequate vital signs return, the patient may die days later due to organ failure.
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Ischium
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The lower, posterior portions of the pelvis.
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Jaw-Thrust Maneuver
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A means of correcting blockage of the airway by moving the jaw forward without tilting the head or neck. Used when trauma, or injury, is suspected to open the airway witout causing further injury to the spinal cord in the neck. See also: Head-Tilt, Chin-Lift Maneuver.
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Joints
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Places where the bones articulate, or meet.
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Jugular Vein Distention (JVD)
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Bulging of the neck veins
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Labor
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The three stages of the delivery of the baby that begin with the contractions of the uterus and end with the expulsion of the placenta.
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Laceration
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A cut; in brain injuries, a cut to the brain.
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Large Intestine
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The muscular tube that removes water from waste products received from the small intestine and removes anything not absorbed by the body toward excretion from the body.
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Laryngoscope
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An illuminating instrument that is inserted into the pharynx to permit visualization of the pharynx and larynx.
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Larynx
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The voice box.
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Lateral
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To the side, away from the midline of the body.
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Liability
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Being held legally responsible.
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Ligaments
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Connective tissues that connect bone to bone.
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Limb Presentation
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When an infant's limb protrudes from the vagina before the appearance of any other body part.
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Liver
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The largest organ of the body, produces bile to assist in breadown of fats and assists in the metabolism of various substances in the body.
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Local Cooling
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Cooling or freezing of particular (local) parts of the body.
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Lungs
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The organs where exchange of atmospheric oyxgen and waste carbon dioxide take place.
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Mainstem Bronchi
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See: bronchi.
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Malar
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The cheek bone; also called: the Zygomatic Bone
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Malleolus
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Protrusion on the side of the ankle. The lateral malleolus, at the lower end of the fibula, is seen on the outer ankle; the medial mallelous, at the lower end of the tibia, is seen on this inner ankle.
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Mandible
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The lower jaw bone.
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Manual Traction
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The process of applying tension to straighten and realign a fractured limb before splinting. Also called: Tension.
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Manubrium
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The superior portion of the sternum.
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Maxillae
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The two fused bones forming the upper jaw.
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Mechanism of Injury
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A force or forces that may have caused injury.
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Meconium Staining
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Amniotic Fluid that is greenish or brownish-yellow rather than clear as a result of fetal defecation; an indication of possible maternal or fetal distress during labor.
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Medial
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Toward the midline of the body.
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Medical Direction
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Oversight of the patient-care aspects of an EMS system by the Medical Director. Two types: Off-line and On-line.
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Off-Line Medical Direction
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Consists of standing orders issued by the Medical Director that allow EMTs to give certain medications or perform certain procedures without speaking to the Medical Director or another physician.
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On-Line Medical Direction
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Consists of orders from the on-duty physician given directly to an EMT-B in the field by radio or telephone.
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Medical Director
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A physician who assumes ultimate responsibility for the patient care aspects of the EMS system.
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Mental Status
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Level of responsiveness.
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Metacarpals
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The hand bones.
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Metatarsals
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The foot bones.
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Mid-Axillary Line
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A line drawn vertically from the middle of the armpit to the ankle.
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Mid-Clavicular Line
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The line through the center of each clavicle.
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Midline
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An imaginary line drawn down the center of the body, dividing it into right and left halves.
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Minute Volume
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The amount of air breathed in during each respiration multiplied by the number of breaths per minute.
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Miscarriage
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See: Spontaneous Abortion.
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Mobile Radio
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A two-way radio that is used or affixed in a vehicle.
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Multiple Birth
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When more than one baby is born during a single delivery.
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Multiple-Casualty Incident
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Any medical or trauma incident involving multiple patients.
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Muscles
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Tissues or fibers that cause movement of body parts and organs.
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Musculoskeletal System
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The system of bones and skeletal muscles that support and protect the body and permit movement.
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Narcotics
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A class of drugs that affect the nervous system and change many normal body activities. Their legal use is for the relief of pain. Illicit use is to produce an intense state of relaxation.
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Nasal Bones
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The bones that form the upper third, or bridge, of the nose.
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Nasal Cannula
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A device that delivers low concentrations of oxygen through two prongs that rest in the patient's nostrils.
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Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube)
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A tube designed to be passed through the nose, nasopharynx, and esophagus. It is used to relieve distension of the stomach in an infant or child patient.
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Nasopharyngeal Airway
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A flexible breathing tube inserted through the patient's nose into the pharynx to help maintain an open airway.
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Nasopharynx
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The area directly posterior to the nose.
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Nature of the Illness
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What is medically wrong with a patient.
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Near-Drowning
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The condition of having begun to drown but still able to be resuscitated. See also: Drowning.
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Negligence
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A finding of failure to act properly in a situation in which there was a duty to act, needed care as would reasonably be expected of the EMT-B was not provided, and harm was caused to the patient as a result.
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Nervous System
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Provides overall control of thought, sensation, and the voluntary and involuntary motor functions of the body. The major components of the nervous system are the brain and the spinal cord. See also: Central Nervous System; Peripheral Nervous System; Autonomic Nervous System.
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Neurogenic Shock
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Hypoperfusion due to nerve paralysis (sometimes caused by spinal cord injuries) resulting in the dilation of blood vessels that increases the volume of the circulatory system beyond the point where it can be filled.
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9-1-1 System
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A system for telephone access to reposrt emergencies. A dispatcher takes the information and alerts EMS or the fire or police departments as needed.
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Nitroglycerin
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A drug that helps to dilate the coronary vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood.
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Nonrebreather Mask
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A face mask and reservoir bag device that delivers high concentrations of oxygen. The patient's exhaled air escapes through a valve and is not rebreathed.
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Occlusion
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Blockage, as of an artery by fatty deposits.
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Occlusive Dressing
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Any dressing that forms an air-tight seal.
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Ongoing Assessment
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A procedure for detecting changes in a patient's condition. It involves four steps: repeating the initial assessment, repeating and recording vital signs, repeated the focused assessment, and checking interventions.
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Open Extremity Injury
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An extremity injury in which the skin has been broken or torn through from the inside by an injured bone or from the outside by something that has caused a penetrating wound with associated injury to the bone.
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Open Wound
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An injury in which the skin is interrupted, exposing the tissue beneath.
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OPQRST
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A memory device for the questions asked to get a description of the present illness: Onset, Provokes, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time.
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Oral Glucose
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A form of glucose (a kind of sugar) given by mouth to treat an awake patient (who is able to swallow) with an altered mental status and a history of diabetes.
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Orbits
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The bony structures around the eyes; the eye sockets.
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Organ Donor
|
A person who has completed a legal document that allows for donation of organs an dtissues in the event of death.
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Oropharyngeal Airway
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A curved device inserted through the patient's mouth into the pharynx to help maintain an open airway.
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Oropharynx
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The area directly posterior to the mouth.
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Orotracheal Intubation
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Placement of an endotracheal tube through the mouth and into the trachea.
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Oviduct
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Fallopian tube; tubee that carries eggs from an ovary to the uterus.
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Oxygen
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A gas commonly found in the atmosphere. Pure oxygen is used as a drug to treat any patient whose medical or traumatic condition may cause them to be hypoxic, or low in oxygen.
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Oxygen Cylinder
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A cylinder filled with oxygen under pressure.
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Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)
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The ratio of the amount of oxygen present in the blood to the amount that could be carried, expressed as a percentage.
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Palmar
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Referring to the palm of the hand.
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Palpation
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Touching or feeling. A pulse or blood pressure may be palpated with the fingertips.
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Pancreas
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A gland located behind the stomach that produces insulin and produces juices that assist in digestion of food in the duodenum of the small intestine.
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Paradoxical Motion
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Movement of a part of the chest in the opposite direction to the rest of the chest during respiration.
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Parietal Pain
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A localized, intense pain that arises from the parietal peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.
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Partial-Thickness (2nd-Degree) Burn
|
A burn in which the epidermis (first layer of skin) is burned through and the dermis (second layer) is damaged. Burns of this type cause reddening, blistering, and a mottled appearance.
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Passive Rewarming
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Covering a hypothermic patient and taking other steps to prevent further heat loss and help the body rewarm itself. See also: active rewarming.
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Patella
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The kneecap.
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Patent Airway
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An airway (passage from nose or mouth to lungs) that is open and clear and will remain open and clear, without interference to the passage of air into and out of the body.
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Pathogens
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The organisms that cause infection, such as viruses and bacteria.
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Pedal Edema
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Accumulation of fluid in the feet or ankles.
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Pelvis
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The basin-shaped bony structure that supports the spine and is the point of proximal attachment for the lower extremities.
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Penetrating Trauma
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Injury caused by an object that passes through the skin or other body tissues.
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Pefusion
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The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from the cells and tissues of the body as a result of the flow of blood through the capillaries. See also: Hypoperfusion.
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Perineum
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The surface area between the vagina and anus.
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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
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The nerves that enter and leave the spinal cord and travel between the brain and organs without passing through the spinal cord.
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Periperhal Pulses
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The radial, brachial, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedalis pulses, which can be felt at peripheral (outlying) points of the body.
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Peritoneum
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The membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (the Parietal Peritoneum) and covers the organs within it (the Visceral Peritoneum).
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Permeation
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The movement of a substance through a surface or, on a molecular level, through intact materials; penetration, or spreading.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
|
Equipment that protects the EMS worker from infection and/or exposure to the dangers of rescue operations.
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Phalanges
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The toe bones and finger bones.
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Pharmacology
|
The study of drugs, their sources, characteristics, and effects.
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Pharynx
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The area directly posterior to the mouth and nose. It is made up of the oropharynx and the nasopharynx.
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Physiology
|
The study of body function.
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Placenta
|
The organ of pregnancy where exchange of oxygen, foods, and wastes occurs between a mother and fetus.
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Placenta Previa
|
A condition in which the placenta is formed in an abnormal location (low in the uterus and close to or over the cervical opening) that will not allow for a normal delivery of the fetus; a cause of excessive prebirth bleeding.
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Plane
|
A flat surface formed when slicing though a solid object.
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Plantar
|
Referring to the sole of the foot.
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Plasma
|
The fluid portion of the blood.
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Platelets
|
Components of the blood; membrane-enclosed fragments of specialized cells.
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Platinum Ten Minutes
|
Refers to an optimum limit of ten minutes at the scene with a serious trauma patient.
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Pocket Face Mask
|
A device, usually with a one-way valve, to aid in artificial ventilation. A rescuer breathes through the valve when the mask is placed over the patient's face. Also acts as a barrier to prevent contact with a patient's breath or body fluids. Can be used with supplemental oxygen when fitted with an oxygen inlet.
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Poison
|
Any substance that can harm the body by altering cell structure or functions.
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Portable Radio
|
A hand-held two-way radio.
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Positional Asphyxia
|
Death of a person due to a body position that restricts breathing for a prolonged time.
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Positive Pressure Ventilation
|
See: Artificial Ventilation
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Posterior
|
The back of the body or body part. Opposite of: Anterior.
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Posterior Tibial Artery
|
Artery supplying the foot, behind the medial ankle.
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Power Grip
|
Gripping with as much hand surface as possible in contact with the object being lifted, all fingers bent at the same angle, hands at least 10 inches apart.
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Power Lift
|
A lift from a squatting position with weight to be lifted close to the body, feet apart and flat on the ground, body weight on or just behind balls of feet, back locked in. The upper body is raised before the hips. Also called: the squat-lift position.
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Preeclampsia
|
A complication of pregnancy where teh woman retains large amounts of fluid and has hypertension. She may also experience seizures and/or coma during birth, which is very dangerous to the infant. See also: eclampsia.
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Premature Infant
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Any newborn weighing less than 5 1/2 pounds or born before the 37th week of pregnancy.
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Pressure Dressing
|
A bulky dressing held in position with a tightly wrapped bandage to apply pressure to help control bleeding.
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Pressure Point
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A site where a main artery lies near the surface of the body and directly over a bone. Pressure on such a point can stop distal bleeding.
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Pressure Regulator
|
A device connected to an oxygen cylinder to reduce cylinder pressure to a safe pressure for delivery of oxygen to a patient.
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Priapism
|
Persistent erection of the penis that may result from spinal injury and some medical problems.
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Priority
|
The decision regarding the need for immediate transport of the patient vs. further assessment and care at the scene.
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Prolapsed Umbilical Cord
|
When the umbilical cord presents first and is squeezed between the vaginal wall and the baby's head.
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Prone
|
Lying face down. Opposite of: Supine.
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Protocols
|
Lists of steps, such as assessments and interventions, to be taken in different situations. Protocols are developed by the Medical Director of an EMS system.
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Proximal
|
Closer to the torso. Opposite of: Distal.
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Pubis
|
The medial anterior portion of the pelvis.
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Pulmonary Arteries
|
The vessels that carry blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.
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Pulmonary Edema
|
Accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
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Pulmonary Veins
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The vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.
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Pulse
|
The rhythmic beats felt as teh heart pumps blood through the arteries.
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Pulse Oximeter
|
An electronic device for determining the amount of oxygen saturation or SpO2.
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Pulse Quality
|
The rhythm (regular or irregular) and force (strong or weak) of the pulse.
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Pulse Rate
|
The number of pulse beats per minute.
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Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)
|
A condition in which the heart's electrical rhythm remains relatively normal, yet the mechanical pumping activity fails to follow the electrical activity, causing cardiac arrest.
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Puncture Wound
|
An open wound that tears through the skin and destroys underlying tissues. A Penetrating Puncture Wound can be shallow or deep. A Perforating Puncture Wound has both an entrance and an exit wound.
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Pupil
|
The black center of the eye.
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Quality Improvement
|
A process of continuous self-review with the purpose of identifying and correcting aspects of the system that require improvement.
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Radial Artery
|
Artery of the lower arm. It is felt when taking the pulse at the wrist.
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Radial Pulse
|
The pulse felt at the wrist.
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Radius
|
The lateral bone of the forearm.
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Radiation
|
Sending out energy, such as heat, in waves into space.
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Rapid Trauma Assessment
|
A rapid assessment of the head, neck, chest abdomen, pelvis, extremities, and posterior of the body to detect signs and symptoms of injury.
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Reactivity
|
In the pupils of the eyes, reacting to light by changing size.
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Recovery Position
|
Lying on the side. Also called: Lateral Recumbent Position.
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Red Blood Cells
|
Components of the blood. They carry oxygen to and carbon dioxide away from the cells.
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|
Referred Pain
|
Pain that is felt in a location other than where the pain originates.
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Rem
|
roentgen equivalent (in) man; a measure of radiation dosage.
|
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Repeater
|
A device that picks up signals from lower-power radio units, such as mobile and portable radios, and retransmits them at a higher power. It allows low-power radio signals to be transmitted over longer distances.
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Respiration
|
Breathing.
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Respiratory Arrest
|
When breathing completely stops.
|
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Respiratory Failure
|
The reduction of breathing to the point where oxygen intake is not sufficient to support life.
|
|
|
Respiratory Quality
|
The normal or abnormal (shallow, labored, or noisy) character or breathing.
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|
Respiratory Rate
|
The number of breaths taken in one minute.
|
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|
Respiratory Rhythm
|
The regular or irregular spacing of breaths.
|
|
|
Respiratory System
|
The system of nose, mouth, throat, lungs, and muscles that brings oxygen into the body and expels carbon dioxide.
|
|
|
Routes of Entry
|
Pathways into the body, generally by absorption, ingestion, injection, or inhalation.
|
|
|
Rule of Nines
|
A method for estimating the extent of a burn. For an adult, each of the following areas represents 9% of the body surface: the head and neck, each upper extremity, the chest, the abdomen, the upper back, the lower back and buttocks, the front of each lower extremity, and the back of each lower extremity. The remaining 1% is assigned to the genital region. For an infant or child the percentages are modified so that 18% is assigned to the head, 14% to each lower extremity.
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Rule of Palm
|
A method for estimating the extent of a burn. The palm of the patient's hand, which equals about 1% of the body's surface area, is compared with the patient's burn to estimate its size.
|
|
|
SAMPLE History
|
The present and past medical history of a patient, so called because the elements of the history begin with the letters of the word "Sample."
|
|
|
SAMPLE, Acronym
|
Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent past history, Last oral intake, Events leading to the injury or illness.
|
|
|
Scapula
|
The shoulder blade.
|
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Scene Size-Up
|
Steps taken by an ambulance crew when approaching the scene of an emergency call: checking scene safety, taking body substance isolation (BSI) precautions, noting the mechanism of injury or nature of the patient's illness, determining the number of patients, and deciding what, if any, additional resources to call for.
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|
|
Scope of Practice
|
A set of regulations and ethical considerations that define the scope, or extent and limits, of the EMT-B's job.
|
|
|
Secondary Devices
|
Destructive devices, such as bombs, placed to be activated after an initial terrorist attack and timed to injure emergency responders and others who rush in to help care for those targeted by an initial attack.
|
|
|
Seizure
|
A sudden change in sensation, behavior, or movement. The most severe form of seizure produces violent muscle contractions called convulsions.
|
|
|
Sellick's Maneuver
|
See: Cricoid Pressure
|
|
|
Shock
|
See: Hypoperfusion. See also: Cardiogenic Shock; Compensated Shock; Decompensated Shock; Irreversible Shock; Hemorrhagic Shock; Hypovolemic Shock; Neurogenic Shock.
|
|
|
Side Effect
|
Any action of a drug other than the desired action.
|
|
|
Sign
|
An indication of a patient's condition that is objective, or can be observed by another person; an indication that can be seen, heard, smelled, or felt by the EMT-B or others.
|
|
|
Skeleton
|
The bones of the body.
|
|
|
Skin
|
The layer of tissue between the body and the external environment.
|
|
|
Small Intestine
|
The muscular tube between the stomach and the large intestine, divided into the duodenum, the jejunum, and ileum, which receives partially-digested food from the stomach and continues digestion. Nutrients are absorbed by the body through its walls.
|
|
|
Sphygmomanometer
|
The cuff and gauge used to measure blood pressure.
|
|
|
Spinous Process
|
The bony bump on a vertebra.
|
|
|
Spleen
|
An organ located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen that acts as a blood filtration system and a reservoir for reserves of blood.
|
|
|
Spontaneous Abortion
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When the fetus and placenta deliver before the 28th week of pregnancy; Also Called a miscarriage.
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Sprain
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The stretching and tearing of ligaments.
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Staging Officer
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Person responsible for overseeing ambulances and ambulance personnel at an MCI.
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Staging Sector
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The area where ambulances are parked and other resources are held until needed.
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Standing Orders
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A policy or protocol issued by a Medical Director that authorized EMT-Bs and others to perform particular skills in certain situations.
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Status Epilepticus
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A prolonged seizure or when a person suffers two or more convulsive seizures without regaining full consciousness.
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Sternum
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The breastbone.
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Stillborn
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Born dead.
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Stoma
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A permanent surgical opening in the neck through which the patient breathes. See Also: Tracheostomy.
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Stomach
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Muscular sac between the esphagus and the small intestine where digestion of food begins.
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Strain
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Muscle injury resulting from over-stretching or over-exertion of a muscle.
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Strategies
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Broad general plans designed to achieve desired outcomes.
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Stroke
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A condition of altered function caused when an artery in the brain is blocked or ruptured, disrupting the supply of oxygenated blood or causing bleeding into the brain. Also Called: a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
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Stylet
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A long, thin, flexible metal probe.
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Subcutaneous Layers
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The layers of fat and soft tissues found below the dermis.
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Sucking Chest Wound
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An open chest wound in which air is "sucked" into the chest cavity.
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Suctioning
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use of a vacuum device to remove blood, vomitus, and other secretions or foreign materials from the airway.
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Sudden Death
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A cardiac arrest that occurs within two hours of the onset of symptoms. The patient may have no prior symptoms of coronary artery disease.
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Superficial Burn
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A burn that involves only the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. It is characterized by reddening of the skin and perhaps some swelling. An example is a sunburn. Also Called: a first-degree burn.
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Superior
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Toward the head (e.g., the chest is superior to teh abdomen). Opposite Of: Inferior.
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Supine
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Lying on the back. Opposite Of: Prone.
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Supine Hypotensive Syndrome
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Dizziness and a drop in blood pressure caused when the mother is in a supine position and the weight of the uterus, infant, placenta, and amniotic fluid compress the inferior vena cava, reducing return of blood to the heart and cardiac output.
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Symptom
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An indication of a patient's condition that cannot be observed by another person but rather is subjective, or felt and reported by the patient.
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Syncope
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Fainting
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Systolic Blood Pressure
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The pressure created when the heart contracts and forces blood out into the arteries
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Tachycardia
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A rapid heart rate; any pulse rate above 100 beats per minute.
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Tactics
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Specific operational actions to accomplish assigned tasks.
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Tarsals
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The ankle bones.
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Tearing Pain
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Sharp pain that feels as if body tissues are being torn apart.
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Temporal Bone
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Bone that forms part of the side of the skull and floor of the cranial cavity. There is a right and a left temporal bone.
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Temporomandibular Joint
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The movable joint formed between the mandible and the temporal bone, Also Called: the TMJ.
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Tendons
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Tissues that connect muscle to bone.
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Terrorism
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A violent act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any segment to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. (U.S. Dep't of Justice definition)
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Thorax
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The chest.
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Thrombus
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A clot formed of blood and plaque attached to the inner wall of an artery or vein.
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Tibia
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The medial and larger bone of the lower leg.
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Torso
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The trunk of the body; the body without the head and extremities.
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Tourniquet
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A device used for bleeding control that constricts all blood flow to and from an extremity.
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Toxin
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A poisonous substance secreted by bacteria, plants, or animals.
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Trachea
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The "windpipe"; the structure that connects the pharynx to the lungs.
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Tracheostomy
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A surgical incision held open by a metal or plastic tube. See Also: Stoma.
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Traction Splint
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A splint that applies constant pull along the length of a lower extremity to help stabilize the fractured bone and to reduce muscle spasm in the limb. Traction splints are used primarily on femoral shaft fractures.
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Transportation Officer
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Person responsible for communicating with sector officers and hospitals to manage transportation of patients to hospitals from an MCI.
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Treatment Officer
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Person responsible for overseeing treatment of patients to hospitals from an MCI.
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Treatment Sector
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The area in which patients are treated at an MCI.
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Trendelenburg Position
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A position in which the patient's feet and legs are higher than the head. Also Called: Shock Position.
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Trending
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Changes in a patient's condition over time, such as slowing respirations or rising pulse rate, that may show improvement or deterioration, and that can be shown by documenting repeated assessments.
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Triage
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The process of quickly assessing MCI patients and assigning each a priority for receiving treatment; from a French word meaning "to sort."
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Triage Officer
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The person responsible for overseeing triage at an MCI.
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Triage Sector
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The area in which secondary triage takes place at an MCI.
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Triage Tag
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Color-coded tag indicating the priority group to which a patient has been assigned.
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Ulna
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The medial bone of the forearm.
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Umbilical Cord
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The fetal structure containing the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the placenta.
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Universal Dressing
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A bulky dressing.
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Uppers
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Stimulants such as amphetamines that affect the central nervous system to excite the user.
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Uterus
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The muscular abdominal organ where the fetus develops; the womb.
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Vagina
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The birth canal.
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Vallecula
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A groove-like structure anterior to the epiglottis.
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Valve
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A structure that opens and closes to permit the flow of a fluid in only one direction.
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Vein
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Any blood vessel returning blood to the heart.
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Venae Cavae
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The superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. There two major veins return blood from the body to the right atrium. [singular: vena cava]
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Venom
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A toxin (poison) produced by certain animals such as snakes, spiders, and some marine life forms.
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Venous Bleeding
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Bleeding from a vein, which is characterized by dark red or maroon blood and as a steady flow, easy to control.
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Ventilation
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The breathing in of air or oxygen or providing breaths artificially.
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Ventral
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Referring to the front of the body. Synonym for: Anterior.
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Ventricles
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The two lower chambers of the heart. There is a right ventricle (which sends oxygen-poor blood to the lungs) and a left ventricle (which sends oxygen-rich blood to the body).
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Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
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A condition in which the heart's electrical impulses are disorganized, preventing the heart muscle from contracting normally.
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Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach)
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A condition in which the heartbeat is quite rapid; if rapid enough, ventricular tachycardia will not allow the heart's chambers to fill with enough blood between beats to produce blood flow sufficient to meet the body's needs.
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Venule
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The smallest kind of vein.
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Vertebrae
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The 33 bones of the spinal column. (Singular: Vertebra.)
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Visceral Pain
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A poorly localized, dull or diffuse pain that arises from the abdominal organs, or viscera.
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Vital Signs
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Outward signs of what is going on inside the body, including: respiration; pulse; skin color, temperature, and condition (plus capillary refill in infants and children); pupils; and blood pressure.
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Vocal Cords
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Two thin folds of tissue within the larynx that vibrate as air passes between them, producing sounds.
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Volatile Chemicals
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Vaporizing compounds, such as cleaning fluid, that are breathed in by the abuser to produce a "high."
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Voluntary Muscle
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Muscle that can be consciously controlled.
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Warm Zone
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Area where personnel and equipment decontamination and hot zone support take place; it includes control points for the access corridor and thus assists in reducing the spread of contamination.
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Water Chill
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Chilling caused by conduction of heat from the body when the body or clothing is wet.
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Watt
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The unit of measurement of the output power of a radio.
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Weaponization
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Packaging or producing a material, such as chemical, biological, or radiological agent, so that it can be used as a weapon, for example by dissemination in a bomb detonation or as an aerosol sprayed over an area or introduced into a ventilation system.
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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
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Weapons, devices, or agents intended to cause widespread harm and/or fear among a population.
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White Blood Cells
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Components of the blood. They produce substances that help the body fight infection.
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Wind Chill
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Chilling caused by convection of heat from the body in the presence of air currents.
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Withdrawal
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Referring to alcohol or drug withdrawal in which the patient's body reacts severely when deprived of the abused substance.
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Xiphoid Process
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The inferior portion of the sternum.
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Zoonotic
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Able to move through the animal-human barrier; transmissible from animals to humans.
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Zygomatic Bones
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The cheekbones.
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