32. Environmental Emergencies Flashcards
air bubbles in the blood vessels
air embolism
the temperature of the surrounding environment
ambient temperature
a serum that counteracts the effect of venom from an animal or insect
antivenin
a common name for decompression sickness
bends
loss of consciousness caused by a decreased breathing stimulus
breath-holding syncope
the loss of heat by direct contact (when a body part comes into contact with a colder object)
conduction
the loss of body heat caused by air movement (breeze blowing across the body)
convection
the temperature of the central part of the body ( the heart, lungs, and vital organs)
core temperature
a painful condition seen in divers who ascend too quickly, in which gas, especially nitrogen, forms bubbles in blood vessels and other tissues
decompression sickness
the slowing of the heart rate caused by submersion in cold water
diving reflex
the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid
drowning
any signs and symptoms caused by the difference between the surrounding atmospheric pressure and the total gas pressure in various tissues, fluids, and cavities of the body
dysbarism injuries
the conversion of water or another fluid from a liquid to a gas
evaporation
damage to tissues as the result of exposure to cold; frozen body parts
frostbite
painful muscle spasms usually associated with vigorous activity in a hot environment
heat cramps
a heat emergency in which a significant amount of fluid and electrolyte loss occurs because of heavy sweating; also called heat prostration or heat collapse
heat exhaustion
a life-threatening condition of hyperthermia caused by exposure to excessive natural or artificial heat, marked by warm, dry skin; severely altered mental status; and often irreversible coma
heat stroke
a balance of all systems of the body
homeostasis
a family of insects that includes bees, wasps, ants, and yellow jackets
hymenoptera
a condition in which the body core temperature rises to 101 F or more
hyperthermia
a condition in which the core temperature falls below 95 F after exposure to a cold environment
hypothermia
the transfer of heat to colder objects in the environment by radiant energy; for example, heat gain from a fire
radiation
the loss of body heat as warm air in the lungs is exhaled into the atmosphere and cooler air is inhaled
respiration
a triage process used in treating multiple victims of a lightning strike, in which efforts are focused on those who are in respiratory and cardiac arrest. Reverse triage is different from conventional triage where such patients would be classified as deceased
reverse triage
a system that delivers air to the mouth and lungs at various atmospheric pressures, increasing with the depth of the dive; stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus
scuba gear
the ability of the skin to resist deformation; tested by gently pinching skin on the forehead or back of the hand
turgor
