Definitions COPY Flashcards
A loss of consciousness resulting from a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain; also called syncope
Fainting
A position in which a person is lying face down on their stomach
prone
The deeper of the two layers of skin
Dermis
Blood flow below the site of an injury
Distal circulation
The pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting
Systolic pressure
When a fertilized ovum implants anywhere other than in the uterus
Ectopic pregnancy
A technique that combines rescue breathing and chest compressions for a patient whose breathing and heart have stopped
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
A brief description, usually in the patients own words, of why EMS personnel were called to the scene
Chief complaint
An unusual sensation or feeling a person may experience before an epileptic seizure; may be a visual hallucination; a strange sound, taste or smell; or an urgent need to get to safety
Aura
Pertaining to something within the trachea
Endotracheal
Burns that are caused by caustic chemical, such as strong acids or alkalis
Chemical burns
Arterial bleeding between the skull and dura mater
Epidural hematoma
A bluish colouration of the skin and mucous membranes due to the presence of deoxygenated blood in the vessels near the skin surface
Cyanosis
The upper part of the birth canal
Cervix
A respiratory disease caused by a bacterium. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can also damage other parts of the body.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Impaired mental function, resulting from injury or genetics
Developmental disability
A nosebleed
Epistaxis
Permission to provide care, given by a patient to a responder
Consent
Organs whose functions are essential to life, including the brain, heart and lungs
Vital organs
The use of sterile procedures to prevent bacteria from entering the body, thus limiting the risk of infection
Aseptic technique
A disease in which the alveoli lose their elasticity, become distended with trapped air, and stop working
Emphysema
A break of disruption in bone tissue
Fracture
A condition in which too little sugar is in the bloodstream
Hypoglycemia
The transmission of a disease by touching an infected person’s body fluids
Direct contact transmission
A condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
A sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to effectively pump. Symptoms include loss of consciousness and abnormal or absent breathing.
Cardiac arrest
A condition in which blood enters the pleural space as a result of a blunt or penetrating trauma
Hemothorax
A fracture in which the skin is left unbroken
Closed fracture
A child up to one year of age
Baby
Any burn that is potentially life threatening, disabling, or disfiguring; a burn requiring more advanced emergency care
Critical burn
The basic unit of all living tissue
Cell
Under the skin
Subcutaneous
An estimate of the amount of blood flowing through the capillary beds, such as those in the fingertips
Capillary refill
A life-threatening arrhythmia in which the heart muscle quivers rather than pumping blood
Ventricular fibrillation
A fluid-filled sac that encloses, bathes, and protects the developing baby
Amniotic sac
A rupturing of the abdominal aorta
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
A disturbance in the conduction of electrical impulses within the heart; also called dysrthythmia
Arrythmia
A blockage of a pulmonary artery by a clot or other foreign material
Pulmonary embolism
A seizure caused by an elevated body temperature
Febrile seizure
A sudden blockage of a blood vessel by a travelling clot or other material, such as fat or air
Embolism
An electronic device that shocks a patient’s heart to stop certain arrhythmias
Automated external defibrillator (AED)
Isolated or infrequent gasping in the absence of other breathing in an unconscious person; can occur after the heart has stopped beating; not considered breathing.
Agonal respiration
A loss of a large amount of blood in a short time
Hemmorrhage
The study of drugs and how they interact with the body
Pharmacology
A small tear in the skin that lines the anus
Anal fissure
Away from the trunk of the body
Distal
The stopping of all electrical activity in the heart
Asystole
The displacement of a bone from its normal position at a joint
Dislocation
The event or forces that caused a person injury
Mechanism of injury (MOI)
An area of the body that contains the brain and is protected by the skull
Cranial cavity
A type of protein found in blood or other bodily fluids; used by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses
Antibodies
Toward the midline
Medial
Chest pain or pressure resulting when the heart needs more oxygen-rich blood than it is getting’ pain or pressure usually lasts less than 10 minutes; can be stable (occurring under exertion or stress) or unstable (occurring at rest, without reason); also called angina pectoris
Angina
A part of the airway connecting the pharynx with the trachea; commonly called the “voice box”
Larynx
An organ in the pelvis in which urine is stored until released from the body
Bladder
A constant state of balance or well being of the bodys internal systems that is continually and automatically adjusted
Homeostasis
A temporary impairment of brain function, usually without permanent damage to the brain
Concussion
Using tact and skill when dealing with people
Diplomacy
Airway, breathing, and circulation
ABCs
The flap of tissue that covers the trachea to keep food and liquid out of the lungs
Epoglottis
The time in labour when the baby’s head is at the opening of the vagina
Crowning
An organ attached to the uterus and unborn chid through which nutrients are delivered to the baby; expelled after the baby is delivered
Placenta
A structure in which two or more bones are joined
Joint
A fibrous band that attaches muscle to bone
Tendon
A condition in which too much sugar is in the bloodstream
Hyperglycemia
A disease characterized by low bone mass and bone tissue deterioration
Osteoporosis
A complication of childbirth in which a loop of umbilical cord protrudes through the vagina prior to delivery of the baby
Prolasped cord
A partial or complete detachment of a normally implanted placenta at more than 20 weeks gestation
Abruptio placentae
A wound in which soft tissue damage occurs beneath the skin and the skin is not broken
Closed wound
The process by which blood thickens at a wound site to seal an opening in a blood vessel and stop bleeding
Clotting
A constricting band used over an artery above the site of an open wound with severe bleeding to decrease blood flow to the injured area for a short period of time
Tourniquet
The bone of the upper arm
Humerus
A decrease in oxygen in the blood
Hypoxia
An inflammation of the brain or spinal cord caused by a viral or bacterial infection
Meningitis
A colourless, odourless gas; a waste product of respiration
Carbon dioxide
The complete removal or severing of a body part
Amputation
A standardized system used to determine a patients level of consciousness; often performed on patients with suspected head injuries
Glasgow Coma Scale
An injury involving fractured ribs that do not move normally with the rest of the chest during breathing
Flail chest
The irreversible damage caused by the death of brain cells
Biological death
Arteries located in the neck that supply blood to the head and neck
Carotid arteries
Acute inflammation of the appendix
Appendicitis
A naturally occurring hormone; can be used to counter the effects of anaphylaxis
Epinephrine
A chronic infection that causes a severe inflammation of the epiglottis
Epiglottitis
The type of penetrating chest injury in which a sucking sounds is heard with each breath a person takes due to air freely passing in and out of the chest cavity
Sucking chest wound
The blockage of the airway by an anatomical structure, such as the tongue
Anatomical obstruction
The lowest part of the trunk that contains the bladder, rectum, and the reproductive organs in females
Pelvic cavity
One of three forms of high-altitude illness; not a specific disease but a group of caused symptoms caused by altitude
Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
Anatomy
The study of structure, including gross anatomy (structures that can be seen with the naked eye” and microscopic anatomy (structures seen under the microscope)
The continual flow of air into the pleural space, which cannot escape
Tension pneumothorax
A disease in which cholesterol and plaque build up on the inner walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart; also called coronary artery disease (CAD)
Coronary heart disease (CHD)
Sudden illnesses or injuries involving the heart or blood vessels
Circulatory emergencies
An injury to the skin or other body tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation
Burn
A group of organs and other structures that carry oxygen-rich blood and other nutrients throughout the body and remove waste
Circulatory system
The pulse found in the wrist
Radial pulse
Ending care of a patient without that patient’s consent or without ensuring that someone with equal or greater training will continue that care
Abandonment
A condition in which the wall of an artery or vein weakens, balloons out, and ruptures
Aneurysm
The rigid stiffening of heart and skeletal muscle after death
Rigor mortis
The rhythmic tightening of muscles in the uterus during labour; or the pumping action of the heart
Contraction
A disease of the heart and blood vessels; commonly known as heart disease
Cardiovascular disease
A condition in which breathing has stopped
Respiratory arrest
A common long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These episodes may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person, they may become worse at night or with exercise.
Asthma
The use of items, such as wooden blocks, placed against the wheels of a vehicle to help stabilize the vehicle
Choking
A burn injury involving both layers of skin and underlying tissues; skin may be brown or charred, and underlying tissues may appear white
Full-thickness burn
A life-threatening condition that develops when the bodys cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed and the body systems begin to fail
Head stroke
A grating, crackling, or popping sound under the skin that can be due to a number of causes, including two pieces of bone rubbing against each other
Crepitus
A viral infection of the liver
Hepatitis
Difficulty breathing; shortness of breath
Dyspnea
A progressive, degenerative disease that affects the brain, resulting in impaired memory, thinking, and behaviour
Alzheimer’s disease
An episode of chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle
Acute myocardial ischemia
Tiny blood vessels linking arteries and veins that transfer oxygen and other nutrients from the blood to all body cells and remove waste products
Capillaries
A organ that filters waste from the blood to form urine
Kidney
The limbs of the body
Extremities
The virus that destroys the bodys ability to fight infection. The resultant state is referred to as AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
A life-threatening condition that occurs when the circulatory systems fails to provide adequate oxygen rich blood to all parts of the body
Shock
A wound characterized by skin that has been scraped or rubbed away
Abrasion
The tube leading from the mouth to the stomach
Esophagus
A fatty substance made by the body and found in certain food
Cholesterol
A dressing or bandage that seals a wound and protects it from the air
Occulsive dressing
Toward the back
Posterior
What is SAMPLE
Signs and symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, and Events before incident
A large artery located in the upper arm
Brachial artery
The freeing of someone or something from an entanglement or difficulty
Extrication
Serious lung disease caused by a variety of conditions that lead to an increase in the quantity of fluid between the alveolar membrane and the surrounding pulmonary capillaries, which decreases the amount of oxygen the red blood cells can absorb
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
An important structural component of the body. It is a firm tissue but is softer and much more flexible than bone. Its a connective tissue found in many areas of the body including:
- Joints between bones e.g. the elbows, knees and ankles
- Ends of the ribs
- Between the vertebrae in the spine
- Ears and nose
- Bronchial tubes or airways
Cartilage
The outer layer of skin
Epidermis
A position in which a person is sitting upright, leaning forward, struggling to breathe
Tripod position
A situation in which a person becomes ill because of an imbalance of insulin
Diabetic emergency
Having a rapid or severe onset and then quickly subsiding
Acute
A child between 5 and 12 years of age
School age
large blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body
Arteries
For the purpose of providing emergency medical care, anyone who appears to be between the ages of about one year and puberty; when using an AED, anyone between the ages of one and eight
Child
Venous bleeding in the subdural space
Subdural hematoma
The excessive stretching and tearing of ligaments and other soft tissue structures at a joint
Sprain
Removal by suction of fluid and cells through a needle. Also refers to the accidental sucking in of food particles or fluids into the lungs.
Aspiration
A position in which a person is standing erect with arms down at the sides, and palms facing foward
anatomical position
An injury caused when a crushing force is applied to any part of the body over a short or long period of time
Crush injury
A position in which a person is lying face up on his back
supine
The breaking down of the body’s chemical composition after death
Decomposition
A device used to regulate in litres per minute (lpm) the amount of oxygen administered to a patient
Flowmeter
Pertaining to the small intestine; within the small intestine; also called enteric
Enteral
A disease in which there are high levels blood glucose due to the defects in insulin production
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Hypertension
The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest
Diastolic pressure
The beat felt in arteries with each contraction of the heart
Pulse
Rapid breathing that upsets the body’s balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Hyperventilation
A disturbance in the conduction of electrical impulses within the heart; also called arrhythmia
Dysrhythmia
A device used to measure the percentage of red blood cells that are saturated with oxygen
Pulse oximeter
A disorder in the brains electrical activity, marked by a loss of consciousness and often uncontrollable muscle movement
Seizure
Small air sacs in the lungs where gases and waste are exchanged between the lungs and the blood
Alveoli
The thighbone
Femur
A sudden illness involving the death of heart muscle tissue when it does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood; also called myocardinal infarction (MI)
Heart attack
a simple system used at the scene of multiple casualty incidents to quickly assess and prioritize care according to three conditions: breathing, circulation, and level of consciousness
START system
The transmission of a disease by an animal or insect bite through exposure to blood or other body fluids
Vector-borne transmission
The pressure applied on a wound to control bleeding
Direct pressure
A pad placed directly over a wound to absorb blood and other bodily fluids and to prevent infection
Dressing
The delivery of a baby, feet or buttocks first
Breech birth
A tube leading from the upper airway to the lungs
Trachea
The amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood
Blood glucose level (BGL)
An electric shock administered to correct a life-threatening heart rhythm
Defibrillation
A life-threatening condition in which the body’s warming mechanisms fail to maintain normal body temperature and the entire body cools
Hypothermia
A Fibrous band that holds bones together at a joint
ligament
A viral infection that causes swelling of the tissues below the vocal cords; a common childhood illness
Croup
A rigid device positioned around the neck to limit movement of the head and neck
Cervical collar
A splint that used an uninjured body part to imobilize an injured body part
Anatomical splint
A disease causing excessive mucous secretions and inflammatory changes to the bronchi
Bronchitis
An elastic tissue that acts as a shock absorber when a person is walking, running, or jumping
Cartilage
A person between 13 and 18 years of age
Adolescent
The method of feeling with the hands by a responder during a physical examination of a patient
Palpation
A potent and illegal street drug formed from a medicinal substance whose chemical composition has been modified (“designed”)
Designer drug
The part of the trunk below the ribs and above the pelvis
Abdomen
The transmission of a disease by inhaling infected droplets that become airborne when an infected person coughs or sneezes
Airborne transmission
A disease characterized by a loss of lung function
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The force exerted by blood against the blood vessel walls as it travels throughout the body
Blood pressure (BP)
Substances that affect the central nervous system to slow physical and mental activity
Depressants
Listening to the internal sounds of the body; usually with a stethoscope
Auscultation
A technique used to minimize movement of a patient’s head and neck
In-line stabilization
A condition in which the heart loses its pumping ability, causing fluid buildup in the body; results in heart failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
Toward the front of the body
Anterior
A group of organs and other structures that regulates all body functions
Nervous system
The condition in which the heart stops beating and breathing stops
Clinical death
A chronic condition characterized by seizures that vary in type and duration; can usually be controlled by medication
Epilepsy
A medication often prescribed to people diagnosed with angina
Nitroglycerin
A dome-shaped muscle that aids breathing and separates the chest from the abdomen
Diaphragm
The air passages that lead from the trachea to the lungs
Bronchi
A hand-held ventilation device consisting of a self-inflating bag, a one-way valve, and a face mask; can be used with or without supplemental oxygen
Bag-valve-mask (BVM)
Blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen rich blood
Coronary arteries
The kneecap
Patella
The upper chambers of the heart
Atria
A group of organs and other structures that digest food and eliminates wastes
Digestive system
An area located in the trunk that contains the liver, pancreas, intestines, stomach, and spleen
Abdominal cavity
A group of organs and other structures that regulate and coordinate the activities of other systems by producing chemicals that influence the activity of tissues
Endocrine system
An inflamed condition of the joints, causing pain and swelling and sometimes limiting motion
Arthritis
A condition in which breathing is difficult
Respiratory distress
The passageway from the uterus to the vaginal opening through which a baby passes during birth
Birth canal
A group of illnesses characterized by lung infection and fluid of pus-filled alveoli, resulting in inadequate oxygen in the blood
Pneumonia
The 33 bones of the spinal column
Vertebrae
One-celled micro-organisms that may cause infections
Bacteria
An injury resulting from an explosion; caused by pressure waves, flying debris, or being thrown
Blast injury
A wound in which a portion of the skin, and sometimes other soft tissue, is partially or completely torn away
Avulsion
Fluid buildup in the lungs
Acute pulmonary edema
A range of clinical conditions, including unstable angina, that are due to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle, resulting from coronary heart disease
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
A life-threatening arrhythmia in which the heart muscle contracts too quickly for an adequate pumping of blood to the body
Ventricular Tachycardia
Persistent over a long period of time
Chronic
Bacteria and viruses present in human blood and body fluids that can cause disease in humans
Blood-borne pathogens
Forceful pushes on the chest; delivered to a patient with an obstructed airway in an attempt to expel any foreign object blocking the airway
Chest thrusts
The pathway from air from the mouth and nose to the lungs
Airway
