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227 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Abandonment
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the act of discontinuing emergency care without ensuring that another health care professional with equivalent or better training will take over
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Abdominal Aorta
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the protion of the descending aorta that extends from the thoracic portion of the aorta superiorly to the distal point where the aorta divides inot the iliac arteries. arteries branching from the abdominal aorta supply the abdominal organs
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Abdominal Cavity
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the space located below the diaphragm that extends to the top of the pelvis
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Abdominal Quadrants
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the four parts ofr the abdomen as divided by imaginary horizontal and vertical lines throught the umbilicus
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Abrasion
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an open injury to the outermost layer of the skin or mucous membranes upon contact
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Absorption
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passage of a substance through skin or mucous membranes upon contact
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Acceleration/deceleration injury
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a head injury typical of a car crash in which the head comes to a sudden stop, but the brain continues to move back and forth inside the skull, resulting in bruising to the brain
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Acetabulum
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the rounded cavity or socket on the external surface of the pelvis that receives the head of the femur
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Acetylcholine (ACh)
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a neurotransmitter that is distributed throughout the body and is necessary for normal function of the parasympathetic nervous system
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Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
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an enzyme that stops the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. nerve agents inhibit the action of this enzyme, allwinmg acetylcholine to accumulate
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Acromion
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the lateral triangular projection of the scapula that forms the point of the shoulder
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Actions
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the therapeutic (helpful) effects of a medication; for example, an action of nitroglycerin is relaxation of the blood vessels
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Activated Charcoal
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a distilled charcoal in powder form that can absorb many times its weight in contaminants; often administered to pts who have ingested poison to absorb the poison and prevent its absorption by the body
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Active Rewarming
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technique of aggressively applying heat to a pt to rewarm his body
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Acute
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severe, with rapid onset
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Acute Abdomen
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a sharp, severe abdominal pain with rapid onset. acute abdomen can have a number of causes
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Administration
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the route and form by which a drug is given
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Adolescent
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a person 12 to 18 y/o
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Advance Directive
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instructions, writeen in advance, such as a living will or DNR
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Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
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uner the NHTSA 2005 Nat's EMS SOP Model, designation of the level of EMS practitioner that will replace the existing EMT-I level with the addition of the use of advanced airway devices, monitoring of blood glucose levels, initiation of IV and IO, and administariont of a select # of meds.
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Aerobic Metabolism
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chemical and physical changes that take place within the cells in the presence of oxygen
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Afterbirth
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the placenta and other tissues that are expelled immediately after the birth of a child
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Ageism
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stereotyping or discrimination agains old people
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Agonal Respirations
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gasping-type respirs that have no pattern and occur very infrequently; a sign of impending cardiac or respiratory arrest
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Air Embolism
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an air bubble that enters the bloodstream and obstructs a blood vessel
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Allergen
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a substance that enters the body by ingestion, injection, inhalation, or contact and triggers and allergic reaction
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Allergic Reaction
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a misdirected and excessive response by the immune system to a foreign substance or an allergen
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Alpha Radiation
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a very heavy and slow-moving particle that travels only inches in air and is stopped by clothing or the outer layer of the skin. it is a very serious internal contaminant b/c it causes a great amount of damage along its short course of travel. alpha radiation can be ingested or inhaled.
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Altered Mental Status
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a condition in which the pt displays a change in his normal mental state ranging from disorientation to complete unresponsiveness
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Alveolar Ventilation
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the amount of inspired air that reaches the alveoli of the lungs
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Alveoli
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small air sacs in the klungs that fill with air on inspiration and are the point of gas exchange with the pulmonary capillaries
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Alzheimer's Disease
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disease characterized by cerebral function loss as seen with diseases that affect the brain
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
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a federal law passed in 1990 that protects individuals with a documented disability from being denied initial or continued employment based on their disability
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Amniotic Sac
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a thin transparent membrane that forms the sac which holds the fetus suspended in amniotic fluid. also called bag of waters.
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Amputation
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an open injury caused by the ripping or tearing away of a limb, body part, or organ
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Anaerobic Metabolism
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chemical and physical changes that take place within the cells without the presence of oxygen
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Anaphylactic Shock
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a shock (hypoperfusion) state that results from dilated and leaking blood vessels related to severe allergic reaction.
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Anaphylactoid Reaction
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a reaction to a foreign substance that resembles an anaphylactic reaction but that may occur on first exposure to the substance, without immune-system sensitization, when the substance itself causes release of the same chemical mediators from the MAST cells that would be involved in an anaphylactic response
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Anaphylaxis
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a sever allergic reaction that produces respiratory distress and shock (hypoperfusion)
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Anatomical Planes
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imaginary divisions of the body
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Anatomical Position
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a positoin in which the pt is standing erect, facing forward, with arms down at the sides and palms forward
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Anatomy
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the study of the structure of the body and the relationship of its parts to each other
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Anterior
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toward the front
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Anterior Chamber
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the front chamber of the eye containing the aqueous humor
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Anterior Plane
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the front, or abdominal sideo fthe body. Opposite to the posterior plane.
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Anterograde amnesia
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inablity to remember circumstances after an incident
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Antibodies
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special proteins produced by the immune system that search out intigens, combine with, and help to destroy them
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Antidote
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a substance that neutralizes the effects of a poison or a toxic substance
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Antigen
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a foreign substance that enters the body and triggers and imune repsonse
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Anxiety
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a state of painful uneasiness about impending problems characterized by agitation and restlessness
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Aorta
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the major artery from the heart
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Apnea
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absence of breathing; respiratory arrest
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Aqueous Humor
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the watery fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye
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Arachnoid
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middle layer of protective brain tissue (meninges)
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Arteriole
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the smallest artery, which at its distal end leads into a capillary
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Arteriosclerosis
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disease process that causes the loss of elasticity in the vascular walls due to thickening and hardening of the vessels
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Artery
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blood vessel that carries blood away form the heart
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Arytenoids
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irregular pyramid-shaped structures located on the top of the posterior aspect of the cricoid ring
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Aspiration Pneumonia
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inflammation of the lungs caused by the aspiration of vomitus or other foreign matter
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Aspirin
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a common household med that will keep platelets from clumping together to form clots; also used as a pin reliever, anti-inflammatory agen, and to reduce fever; often administered to the pt suspected of having a heart attack
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Aspiration
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breathing of a foreign substance into the lungs
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Assault
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a willful threat to inflict harm on a person
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Asystole
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a heart rhythm indicating absence of any electircal activity in the heart. also known as flatline.
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Atria
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the two upper chambers of the heart
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Aura
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an unusual sensory sensation that may precede a seizure episode by hours or only a few seconds
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Auscultation
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listening for sounds within the body with a stethescope
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Auto-injector
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a device with a concealed, spring-loaded needle, used for injecting a single dose of medication. an epinephrine auto-injector is often prescribed to pts with a hx of anaphylactic reaction
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Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
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a device that can analyze the electrical activity or rhythm of a pt's heart and deliver an electrical shock (defibrillation) if appropriate
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Automatic Transport Ventilator (ATV)
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a positive pressure ventilation device that delivers ventilations automatically
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Automaticity
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the ability of cells within the cardiac conduction system to generate a cardiac impulse on their own
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Autonomic Nervous System
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part of the nervous system that influences involuntary muscles and glands
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AVPU
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a mnemonic for alter, repsonds to verbal stimulus, responds to painful stimulus, unresponsive, to characterize levels of responsiveness
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Avulsion
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an open injury characterized by a loose flap of skin and soft tissue that has been torn loose or pulled completely off
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Bag-valve-mask Device (BVM)
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a positive pressure ventilation device that consists of a bag with a nonrebreather vlave and a mask. the bag-valve device is connected to the mask or other airway. the bag is squeezed to deliver a ventilation to the pt.
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Bandage
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any material use dto secure a dressing in place
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Base Station
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the central dispatch and coordination area of an ems communications system that ideally is in contact with all other elements of the system
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Baseline Vital Signs
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the first set of vital signs measurements to which subsequent measurements can be compared
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Basilar Skull
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floor of the skull
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Battery
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the act of touching a person unlawfully without his consent
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Battle's Sign
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discoloration of the mastoid suggesting basilar skull fx
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Behavior
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the way a person acts of performs
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Behavioral Emergency
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a situation in which a person exhibits abnormal behavior
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Beta Radiation
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a low-speed, low-energy particle that is easily stopped by six to ten feet of air, clothing, or the first few millimeters of the skin. it is a common product of fallout decay and is a serious threat from ingestion of contaminated foods and inhalation of airborne particles, thus posing a great internal hazard
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Bilateral
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on both sides
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Biological Agents
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agents that are made up of living organisms or the toxins produced by the living organisms that are used as weapons of mass destruction to cause disease in a target population
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Bipolar Disorder
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a psychiatric condition, also known as manic-depressive disorder, characterized by wide swings between periods of depression and periods of elation and manic behavior
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Blood Pressure
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the force exerted by the blood on the interior walls of the blood vessels
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Bloody Show
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the mucus and blood that are expelled from the vagina as labor begins
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Blunt Trauma
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a force that impacts or is applied to the body but is not sharp enough to penetrate it, such as a blow or a crushing injury
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Body Mechanics
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application of the study of muscles and body movement (kinesiology) to the use of the body and to the prevention oand correction of problems related to posture and lifting
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Body Substance Isolation (BSI)
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a method of prevening infection by diseas organisms based on the premise that all blood and body fluids are infectious. Will soon be referred to as "Standard Precautions"
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Brachial Artery
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the major artery of the upper arm
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Bradycardia
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a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute
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Bradypnea
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a breathing rate that is slower than the normal rate
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Brain Herniation
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a protrusion, or pushing, of a portion of the brain through the cranial wall
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Brainstem
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the funnel-shaped inferior part of the brain that controls most automatic functions of the body. it is made up of the pons, the midbrain, and hte medulla, which is the brain's connection to the spinal cord.
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Breech Birth
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a common abnormality of delivery in which the fetal buttocks or lower extremeties are low in the uterus and are the first to be delivered
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Bronchi
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the two main branches leading from the trachea to the lungs, providing the passageway for air movement
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Bronchiole
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smaller branches of the bronchi. they continue to branch and get smaller, eventually leading into alveolar sacs.
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Bronchoconstriction
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constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles causing a narrowing of the air passageway.
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Bronchodilator
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a drug that relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles adn reverses bronchoconstriction
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Bronchospasm
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spasm or constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles
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Bundle of His
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a band of cardiac muscle fibers that originates in the atrioventricular node and passes through the atrioventricular junction and carries the electircal impulse from the atria and, by connecting to the Purkinje fibers, to the ventricles
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Burn Sheet
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commercially prepared sterile, particle-free, disposable sheet used to cover the entire body in severe burn injuries
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Burnout
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a condition resulting form chronic job stress, characterized by a state of irritability and fatigue that can markedly decrease affectiveness
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Calcaneus
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the heel bone
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Capillary
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a tiny blood vessel that connects an arteriole to a venule; site of gas and nutrient exchange
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Capillary Refill
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the amount of time it takes for capillaries that have been sompressed to refill with blood
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Cardiac Arrest
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the cessation of cardiac function with the pt displaying no pulse, no breathing and unresponsiveness
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Cardiac Compromise
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reduced heart function caused by any of a variety of conditions, diseases, or injuries affecting the heart
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Cardiac Conduction System
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the specialized contractile and conductive tissue of the heart that generates electrical impulses and causes the heart to beat. also called the coronary conduction system
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Cardiac Hypertrophy
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an increase in the size of the heart from a thickening of the the heart wall, without a parallel increase in the size of the cavity
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Cardiac Muscle
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a kind of involuntary muscle found only in the walls of the ehart. cardiac muscle has automaticity, the ability to generate and impulse on its own, separately from the central nervous system
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Carina
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the point at which the treachea splits into the right and left mainstem bronchi
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Carotid
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one of two major arteries of the neck, which supply the brain and head with blood
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Carpals
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the eight bones that form the wrist
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Cavitation
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a cavity formed by a pressure wave resulting from the kinetic energy of a bullet traveling through the body tissue. also called pathway expansion
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Central Nervous System (CNS)
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the brain and the spinal chord
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Cerebellum
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part of the brain controlling equilibrium and musce coordination
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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
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a clear fluid that surrounds and cushious the brain and spinal cord
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Cerebrum
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largest part of the brain, responsible for most conscious and sensory functions, the emotions and the personality
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Cervical Spine (c-spine)
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the first seven vertebrae, or the neck
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Cervix
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the neck of the uterus
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Chain of Survival
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ter used by the AHA for the series of four interventions - early access, early CPR, early defib, and early ACLS - that provides the best chance for successful resuscitation of the cardiac arrest victim
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Chemoreceptors
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sense organis withing the body, such as the carotid and aortic bodies, that are sensitive to chemical changes i the blood, especially to the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen, and that, in response, play a role in the regulation of respiration
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Chief Complaint
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the pt's answer to the question, "Why did you call the ambulance?"
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Chronic
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long term, progressing gradually
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
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umbrella term used to describe pulmonary diseases such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
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Circulatory System
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system composed of the heart and blood vessels that brings oxygen and nutrients to and takes wastes away from body cells. Also called the cardiovascular system.
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Circumferential Burn
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burn that encirles a body area, e.g., arm, leg, or chest
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Clammy
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a moist, or a cool and moist, condition; a skin condition often characteristic of shock
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Clavicle
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the collarbone, attached tothe superior portion of the sternum
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Cleaning
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the process of washing a soiled object with soap and water
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Closed Injury
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any injury in which there is no break in the continuity of the skin
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CNS Depressants
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substances that inhibit or decrease central nervous system functions
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CNS Stimulants
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substances that excite or increase central nervous system functions
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Coccyx
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the four fused vertebrae that form the lower end of the spine; the tailbone
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Cold Zone
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the area adjacent to the warm zone in a hzardous materials emergency. normal triage, tx, and stabilization are performed here. also called the support zone.
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Combining form
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word part that carries the word's essential meaning
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Compensated Respiratory Distress
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increased respiratory effort due to impaired respiratory function; the sensation of difficulty breathing although tidal volume and respiratory rate are still adequate
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Complex Access
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a way to gain access to a pt that requires the use of tools and specialized equipment
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Concussion
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temporary loss of brain function
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Conduction
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transfer of heat through direct physical touch with nearby objects
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Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
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a cardiac disease in which the heart cannot pump blood sufficiently to meet the needs of the body
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Conjunctiva
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the thin covering of the inner eyelids and exposed portion of the sclera of the eye
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Consensual Reflex
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same or similar reaction of the unstimulated pupil when the other pupil is stimulated, as when a light is shined into one pupil and both pupils react
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consolidated Omnibus Budget Act (COBRA)
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a federal regulation that ensures the public's access to emergency health care regardless of ablity to pay
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Constricted
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narrowed, made small
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Contamination Reduction Zone
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aka warm zone. the area that is established surrounding or immediately adjacent to the hot zone in a hazmat emergency, the purpose of which is to prevent the spread of contamination. life-saving emergency care is performed here.
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Contraindications
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situations in which a medication should NOT be used; for example, because nitro lowers blood pressure, existing low blood pressure in a pt is a contraindication for using nitro
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Contusion
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a closed injury to the tissue and blood vessels contained within the dermis taht is characterized by discoloration, swelling, and pain; a bruise; bruising or swelling of the brain
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Convection
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loss of body heat to the atmosphere when air passes over the body
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Convulsion
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unresponsiveness accompanied by a ageralized jerky muscle movement affecting the entire body
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cornea
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the clear front portion of the eye that covers the pupil and the iris
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Corniculates
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cone-shaped cartilage attached to the top of the arytenoids. they are landmarks used when visualizing the glottic opening.
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Coronary Arteries
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blood vessels that supply the heart with blood
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coup-contrecoup injury
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a brain injury in which there may be damage at the point of a blow to the head adn/or damage on the side opposite the blow as the brain is propelled against the opposite side of the skull
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Cranial Skull
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the bones that form the top, back, and sides of the skull plus the forehead
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Cranium
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the bones that form the top, back, and sides of the skull puls the forehead
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Crepitus
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the sound or feel of broken fragments of bone grinding against each other
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Cricoid Cartilage
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a firm and completely circular ring located below the thyroid cartilage and attached to the first ring of the trachea; the lowermost cartilage of the larynx
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Cricoid Pressure
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pressure applied to the cricoid cartilage to compress the esophagus. also called the Sellick Maneuver.
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Critical Incident
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any situation that causes unusually strong emotions that interfere with the ability to perform
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Critical Incident Sgress Debreifing (CISD)
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a session usually held within 24 to 72 hours of a critical incident, where a team of peer counselors and mental health professionals help emergency service personnel work through the emotions that normally follow a critical incident
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Crossed-Finger Technique
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a technique in which the thumb and index finger are crossed with the thumb on the lower incisors and the index finger on the upper incisors. the fingers are moved in a snapping or scissor motion to open the mouth
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Crowing
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a sound similar to that of a cawing crow that indicates that the muscles around the larynx are in spasm and beginning to narrow the opening in to the trachea
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Crush Injury
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a closed injury to the cells and blood vessels contained within the dermis that is characterized by discolorations, swelling, and pain; a bruise; bruising or swelling of the brain
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Cuneiforms
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elongated cartilage attached to the posterior arytenoids. they are landmarks used when visualizing the glottic opening
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Curved Blade
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a laryngoscope blad that is curved at the distal end. the blade is inserted in teh vallecula to indirectly lift the eppiglotis and expose the vocal cords and glottic opening
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Cushing's Reflex
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a prtective reflex by the body to try to maintain perfusion to the brain in a head-injured pt with an increase in intracranial pressure. The systolic BP increases, heart rate decreses, adn the respiratory pattern changes. This collective change in vital signs indicates a severe head injury.
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Cyanide
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a rapid-acting agent that dirupts the abilityh of the cell to use oxygen, leading to severy cellular hypoxia and eventual death
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Cyanosis
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a blue-gray color of the mucous membranes and/or skin that indicates inadequate oxygenation or poor perfusion
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Dead Air Space
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inspired air that fills the respiratory tract but never reaches the alvioli of the lungs
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Decoder
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device that recognizes and responds to only certaincodes imposed on radio broadcasts
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Decompensated Respiratory Failure
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when the respiratoyr compensatory mechanisms have begun to fail and respiration becomes inadequate
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Defamation
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an intentional false communication that injures another person's reputation or good name
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Defibrillation
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electrical shock or current delivered to the heart through the pt's chest wall to help the heart restore a normal rhythm
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Defusing
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a session held prior to a CISD for emergency service personnel most directly involved to provide an opportunity to vent emotions before the CISD.
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Delirium
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sudden-onset altered mental status that may involve illustions, disjointed thought processes, incoherent speech, and increased or decreased psychomotor activity
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dementia
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chronic condition resulting in the malfunctioning of normal cerebral processes
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Deoxygenated
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containing low amounts of oxygen, as with venous blood
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Depression
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one of the most common psychiatric conditions, one characterized by deep feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and discouragement, feelings that often do not seem connected to the actual circumstances of the pt's life
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Dermis
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the second layer of the skin
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Detailed Physical Exam
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a head-to-toe physical assessment for injuries and medical conditions, which may follow the focused hx and physical exam and is more thorough than the rapid trauma or medical assessment
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Deabetes millitus
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a desease in which the normal relationship between glucose and insulin is altered
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Diaphragm
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a powerful dome-shaped muscle essential to respiration that also separates the thoracic cavity from the abdomial cavity
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Diastolic Blood Pressure
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the pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries when the left ventricle is at rest
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Dilated
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expanded, made large
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Diplopia
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double vision
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Direct Force
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direct blow. injuries from direct force occur at the point of impact.
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Disaster
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a sudden catastrophic event that overwhelms natural order and causes great loss of property and/or life
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Disc
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fluid-filled pad of cartilage between two vertebrae
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Disinfecting
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in addition to cleaning, this process involves using a disinfectant such as alcohol or bleach ot kill many of the microorganisms that may be present on the surface of an object
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Dissipation of Energy
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the way energy is transferred to the human body by the forces acting upon it
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Distal
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distant, or far from the point of reference
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Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
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a legal document, usually signed by the pt and his physicial, that indicates to medical personnel which, if any, life-sustaining measures should be taken when the pt's heart and respiratory functions have ceased
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Dorsal
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toward the back or spine. opposite of ventral
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Dorsalis Pedis Artery
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an artery of the foot, which can be felt on the top surface of the foot
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Dose
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the amount of a medicaiton that is given to a pt at one time; for example, a dose of nitro may be one tablet and a dose of epi may be the contencts of one auto-injector
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Drag
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the factors that slow a projectile
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Dressing
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a sterile covering for an open wound that aids in the control of bleeding and prevention of further damage and contamination
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Drowning
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an incident in which someone is submersed or immersed in a liquid that prevents the person from breathing airand that results in a primary respiratory impairment, whether the person lives or dies after this process
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Drug
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a chemical substance that is sued to treat or prevent a disease or condition
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Drug Abuse
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self administration of drugs (or of a single drug) in a manner that is not in accord with approved medical or social patterns
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Drug Toxicity
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an adverse or toxic reaction to a drug or drugs
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Dura Mater
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outer lahyer of protective brain tissue
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Duty to Act
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the obligation to care for a pt who requires it
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Dyspnea
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shorness of breath or perceived difficulty breathing
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Dysrhythmias
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irregular contractions of the myocardium secondary to electrical disturbances in the heart
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Early Respiratory Distress
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increased respiratory effort due to impaired respiratory function
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Ecchymosis
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black and blue discoloration
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Edema
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swelling caused by fluid accumulating in the tissues
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Embolic Stroke
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a type of eschemic stroke caused by plaque or other material carried to the brain from another part of the body that lodges and blocks a cerebral artery
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Emergency Move
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a pt move that should be performed when there is immediate danger to the pt or to the rescuer
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Encoder
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device that breaks down sound waves into unique digital codes for radio transmission
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Endocrine System
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a system of ductless glands that produce hormones that regulate body functions
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Endotracheal Intubation
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placement of a tube down the trachea to facilitate air flow into the lungs and aid in breathing
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Epidermis
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the outermost later of the skin
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Epidural Hematoma
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bleeding between the dura mater and the skull
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Epiglottis
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a small leaf-shaped flap of tissue, located immediately postirior to the root of the tongue, that covers the entrace of the larynx to keep food and liquid from entering the tracheal and lungs during swallowing
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Epilipsy
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a medical disorder characterized by recurrent seizures
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Epinephrine
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a natural hormone that, when used as a medication, constricts blood vbessels to improve blood pressure, reduces leakage from blood vessels, and relaxes smooth muscle in the bronchioles; often prescribed in a single-dose auto-injector form to pts with a hx of severe allergice reaction
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Epistaxis
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bleeding form the nose resulting from injury, disease, or invironment; a nosebleed
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Eschar
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the hard, tough, leather dead soft tissue formed as a result of a full thickness burn
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Esophagus
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passageway at the lower end of the pharynx that leads to the stomach
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Evaporation
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conversion of liquid or solid into a gas; evaporation of sweat is a means by which the body is cooled
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Evisceration
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a protrusion of organs from a wound
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