EMT Vocab Flashcards
abandonment
unilateral termination of care by the EMT without the patient’s consent and without making provisions for transferring care to another medical professional with the skills and training necessary to meet the needs of the patient.
abdomen
the body cavity that contains many of the major organs of digestion and excretion. it is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvis.
abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
a rapidly fatal condition in which the walls of the aorta in the abdomen weaken and blood leaks into the layers of the vessel, causing it to bulge.
abdominal thrust maneuver
the preferred method to dislodge a sever airway obstruction in adults and children; also called the Heimlich maneuver.
abduction
motion of a limb away from the midline.
abrasion
loss of or damage to a superficial layer of skin as a result of a body part rubbing to scraping across a rough or hard surface.
abruptio placentae
premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus.
absorption
the process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.
access
gaining entry to an enclosed area and reaching a patient.
accessory muscles
the secondary muscles of respiration. they include the neck muscles (sternocleimastoids), the chest pectoralis major muscles, and the abdominal muscles.
acetabulum
the depression on the lateral pelvis where its three component bones join, in which the femoral head fits snugly.
acidosis
the buildup of excess acid in the blood or body tissues that can result from a primary illness.
acromioclavicular (AC) joint
a simple joint where the bony projections of the scapula and the clavicle meet at the top of the shoulder.
action
the therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.
active compression-decompression CPR
a technique that involves compressing the chest and then actively pulling it back up to its neutral position or beyond (decompression); may increase the amount of blood that returns to the heart and, thus, the amount of blood ejected from the heart during the compression phase.
active shooter event
an act of terror in which firearms are used in an ongoing assault of multiple people.
activities of daily living
the basic activities a person usually accomplishes during a normal day, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
acute abdomen
a condition of a sudden onset of pain within the abdomen, usually indicating peritonitis; immediate medical or surgical treatment is necessary.
acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
a group of symptoms caused by myocardial ischemia; includes angina and myocardial infraction.
acute myocardial infraction (AMI)
a heart attack; death of heart muscle following obstruction of blood flow to it. “acute” in this context means “new” or “happening right now”.
actue stress reactions
reactions to stress that occur during a traumatic situation.
addiction
a state of overwhelming obsession or physical need to continue the use of a substance.
adduction
motion of a limb toward the midline.
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
the nucleotide involved in energy metabolism; used to store energy.
adolescent
a young person age 12 to 18 years.
adrenal glands
endocrine glands located on top of the kidneys that release adrenaline when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
adrenergic
pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, or noradrenaline (eg, adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response); also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine.
advanced EMT (AEMT)
an individual who has training in specific aspects of advanced life support, such as intravenous therapy, and the administration of certain emergency medications.
advance directive
written documentation that specifies medical treatment for competent patient should the patient become unable to make decisions; also called a living will or health care directive.
advanced life support (ALS)
advanced life-saving procedures, some of which are now being provided by the EMT.
adventitious breath sounds
abnormal breath sounds such as wheezing, stridor, rhonchi, and crackles.
adverse effects
any unwanted clinical results of a medication.
aerobic metabolism
metabolism that can proceed only in the presence of oxygen.
aerosol-generating procedure
any airway manipulation that induces the production of aerosols that may present a risk for airborne transmission of pathogens, such as CPR.
afterload
the force or resistance against which the heart pumps.
aging
the process by which the temporary bond between an organophosphate and acetylcholinesterase undergoes hydrolysis, resulting in a permanent covalent bond.
agonal gasps
abnormal breathing pattern characterized by slow gasping breaths, sometimes seen in patients in cardiac arrest.
agonist
a medications that causes stimulation of receptors.
air ambulances
fixed-wing and rotary-wing (known as helicopters) aircraft that have been modified for medical care; used to evacuate and transport patients with life-threatening injuries to treatment facilities.
airborne transmission
the spread of an organism via droplets or dust.
air embolism
the presence of air in the veins, which can lead to cardiac arrest if it enters the heart.
airway
the upper airway tract or the passage above the larynx, which includes the nose, mouth, and throat.
algor mortis
cooling of the body after death until matches the ambient temperature.
alkalosis
the buildup of excess base (lack of acids) in the body fluids
allergen
a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
allergic reaction
the body’s exaggerated immune response to an internal or surface agent.
alpha-adrenergic receptors
portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause constriction of blood vessels.
alpha radiation
a type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiologic source; it is the least harmful penetrating type of radiation and cannot travel more than a few inches or penetrate most objects.
altered mental status
a change in the way a person thinks and behaves that may signal disease in the central nervous system or elsewhere in the body.
alveolar minute volume
the volume of air moved through the lungs in 1 minute minus the dead space; calculated by multiplying tidal volume (minus dead space) and respiratory rate.
alveolar ventilation
the volume of air that reaches the alveoli. it is determined by subtracting the amount of dead space air from the tidal volume.
alveoli
the air sacs of the lungs in which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
ambient temperature
the temperature of the surroundings environment.
ambulance
a specialized vehicle for treating and transporting sick and injured patients.
American Standard Safety System
a safety system for large oxygen cylinders, designed to prevent the accidental attachment of a regulator to a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
comprehensive legislation that is designed to protect people with disabilities against discrimination.
amniotic sac
the fluid-filled, baglike membrane in which the fetus develops.
amputation
an injury in which part of the body is completely severed.
anaerobic metabolism
metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the main by-product is lactic acid.
anaphylactic shock
severe shock caused by an allergic reaction
anaphylaxis
an extreme, life-threatening, systemic allergic reaction that may include shock and respiratory failure.
anatomic position
the position of reference in which the patient stands facing forward, arms at the side, with the palms of the hands forward.
anatomy
the study of the physical structure of the body and its components.
anemic
describes a condition in which the patient has too few red blood cells, resulting a decreased ability to transport oxygen throughout the body via the bloodstream.
aneurysm
a swelling or enlargement of the wall of a blood vessel that results from weakening of the vessel wall.
angina pectoris
transient (short-lived) chest discomfort caused by partial or temporary blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle; also called angina.
angioedema
localized areas of swelling beneath the skin, often around the eyes and lips, but can also involve other body areas as well.
anisocoria
naturally occurring uneven pupil size.
antagonist
a medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.
anterior
the front surface of the body; the side facing you in the standard anatomic position.
anterograde (posttraumatic) amnesia
inability to remember events after an injury.
anthrax
a disease cause by a deadly bacterium (bacillus anthracis) that lies dormant in a spore (protective shell); the germ is released from the spore when exposed to the optimal temperature and moisture. the routes of entry are inhalation, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal (from consuming food that contains spores).
antibiotic
a medication used to treat infections caused by bacterium.
anticoagulant
a medication that impairs the ability of blood to clot.
antidote
a substance that is used to neutralized or counteract a poison.
Antidote Treatment Nerve Agent Auto-Injector (ATNAA)
a nerve agent antidote kit containing atropine and pralidoxime chloride; delivered as a single dose through one needle.
antifungal
a medication used to treat infections caused by fungus.
antiplatelet
a medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping or sticking together.
antipyretics
medications that treat or reduce a fever.
antivenin
a serum that counteracts the effects of venom from an animal or insect.
aorta
the main artery leaving the left side of the heart and carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the body.
aortic aneurysm
a weakness in the wall of the aorta that makes it susceptible to rupture.
aortic valve
the one-way valve that lies between the left ventricle and the aorta and keeps blood from flowing back into the left ventricle after the left ventricle ejects its blood into the aorta; one of four heart valves.
apex (plural apices)
the pointed extremity of a conical structure.
Apgar score
a scoring system for assessing the status of a newborn that assigns a number value to each of five areas.
aphasia
the inability to understand and/or produce speech.
apnea
absence of spontaneous breathing.
apneic oxygenation
a technique in which oxygen administered via a high-flow nasal cannula is left in place during an intubation attempt, allowing for continuous oxygen delivery into the airways during all phases of the procedure.
apparent life-threatening event (ALTE)
an event that causes unresponsiveness, cyanosis, and apnea in an infant, who then resumes breathing with stimulation.
appendicitis
inflammation or infection of the appendix
appendicular skeleton
the portion of the skeletal system that comprises the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.
appendix
a small, tubular structure that is attached to the lower border of the cecum in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
applied ethics
the manner in which principles of ethics are incorporated into professional conduct.
arterial air embolism
air bubbles in the arterial blood vessels.
arterioles
the smallest branches of arteries leading to the vast network capillaries.
arteriosclerosis
a disease that causes the arteries to thicken, harden, and calcify.
artery
a blood vessel, consisting of three layer of tissue and smooth muscle, that carries blood away from the heart.
articular cartilage
a pearly white layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bones in synovial joints.
artifact
a tracing on an electrocardiogram that is the result of interference, such as patient movement, rather than the heart’s electrical activity.
ascites
an abnormal accumulation of excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
aspiration
in the context of the airway, the introduction of vomitus or other foreign material into the lungs.
aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA)
a medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).
assault
unlawfully placing a patient in fear of bodily harm.
asthma
an acute spasm of the smaller air passages, called bronchioles, associated with excessive mucus production and with swelling of the mucous lining of the respiratory passages.
asystole
the complete absence of all heart electrical activity
ataxic respirations
irregular, ineffective respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern.
atelectasis
collapse of the alveolar air spaces of the lungs.
atherosclerosis
a disorder in which cholesterol and calcium build up inside the walls of the blood vessels, forming plaque, which eventually leads to a partial or complete blockage of blood flow.
atrium
one of the two upper chambers of the heart.
aura
a sensation experienced before a seizure; serves as a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur.
auscultate
to listen to sounds within an organ with a stethoscope.
autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
a group of complex disorders of brain development, characterized by difficulties in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and verbal and nonverbal communication.
automated external defibrillator (AED)
a device that detects treatable life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia) and delivers the appropriate electrical shock to the patient.
automaticity
the ability of cardiac muscles cells to contract without stimulation from the nervous system.
automatic transport ventilator (ATV)
a ventilation device attached to a control box that allows the variables of ventilations to be set. it frees the EMT to perform other tasks while the patient is being ventilated.
autonomic nervous system
the part of the nervous system that controls the involuntary activities of the body such as the heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion of food.
AVPU scale
a method of assessing the level of consciousness by determining whether the patient is awake and alert, responsive to verbal stimuli or pain, or unresponsive; used principally early in the assessment process.
avulsion
an injury in which soft tissue is torn completely loose or is hanging as a flap
axial loading injuries
injuries in which load is applied along the vertical or longitudinal axis of the spine, which results in load being transmitted along the entire length of the vertebral column; for example, falling from a height and landing on the feet in an upright position.
axial skeleton
the part of the skeleton comprising the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
axons
extensions of a neuron that carry impulses away from the nerve cell body to the dendrites (receivers) of another neuron.
backboard
a long, flat board made of rigid, rectangular material that is used to provide support to a patient who is suspected of having a hip, pelvic, spinal, or lower extremity injury; also called a spine board, trauma board, and longboard.
bacteria
microorganisms that reproduce by binary fission. These single-cell creatures reproduce rapidly. some can form spores (encysted variants) when environmental conditions are harsh.
bacterial vaginosis
an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina; characterized by itching, burning, or pain, and possibly a “fishy”- smelling discharge.
bag-mask device
a device with a one-way valve and a face mask attached to a ventilation bag; when attached to a reservoir and connected to oxygen, it delivers more than 90% supplemental oxygen.
ball-and-socket joint
a joint that allows internal and external rotation, as well as bending.
bariatrics
a branch of medicine concerned with management (prevention or control) of obesity and allied diseases.
barotrauma
injury caused by pressure to enclosed body surfaces, for example, from too much pressure in the lungs.
barrier device
a protective item, such as a pocket mask with a valve, that limits exposure to a patient’s body fluids.
base station
any radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed place.
basic life support (BLS)
noninvasive emergency life-saving care that is used to treat medical conditions, including airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.
basilar skull fractures
fractures that usually occur following diffuse impact to the head (eg, falls, motor vehicle crashes); generally result from extensions of a linear fracture to the base of the skull and can be difficult to diagnose with a radiograph.
basket stretcher
a rigid stretcher commonly used in technical and water rescues that surrounds and supports the patients yet allows water to drain through holes in the bottom; also called a strokes litter.
battery
unlawfully touching a patient or providing emergency care without consent.
battle sign
brushing behind an ear over the mastoid process that may indicate a skull fracture.
behavior
how a person functions or acts in response to his or her environment.
behavioral crisis
the point at which a person’s reactions to events interfere with activities of daily living; this becomes a psychiatric emergency when it causes a major life interruption, such as attempted suicide.
behavioral health emergency
an emergency in which abnormal behavior threatens a person’s own health and safety or the health and safety of another person - fore maple, when a person become suicidal or homicidal, or has a psychotic episode.
bends
a common name for decompression sickness.
beta-adrenergic receptors
portions of the nervous system that, when stimulated, can cause an increase in the force of contraction of the heart, an increased heart rate, and bronchial dilation.
beta radiation
a type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiologic source; it is slightly more penetrating than alpha radiation and requires a layer of clothing to stop it.
biceps
the large muscle that covers the front of the humerus.
bilateral
a body part or condition that appears on both sides of the midline.
bile ducts
the ducts that convey bile between the liver and the intestine.
bills of lading
the shipping papers used for transport of chemicals over roads and highways; also referred to as freight bills.
bioethics
the study of ethics related to issues that arise in health care.
birth canal
the vagina and cervix
blanch
to turn white
blind spots
areas of the road that are blocked from your view by your vehicle or mirrors.
bloodborne pathogens
pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. these pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
blood pressure (BP)
the pressure that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries as it passes through them.
bloody show
a small amount of blood in the vagina that appears at the beginning of labor and may include a plug or pink-tinged mucus that is discharged when the cervix begins to dilate.
blowout fracture
a fracture of the orbit or of the bones that support the floor of the orbit.
blunt trauma
an impact on the body by objects that cause injury without penetrating soft tissues or internal organs and cavities.
B-NICE
a memory device to recall the types of weapons of mass destruction: biologic, nuclear, incendiary, chemical, and explosive.
body mechanics
the relationship between the body’s anatomic structures and the physical forces associated with lifting, moving, and carrying; the ways in which the body moves to achieve a specific action.
botulinum
produced by bacteria, this is the most potent neurotoxin known. when introduced into the body, the neurotoxin affects the nervous system’s ability to function and causes botulism.
brachial artery
the major vessel in the upper extremities that supplies blood to the arm.
bradycardia
a slow heart rate, less than 60 beats/min
bradypnea
slow respiratory rate; an ominous sign in a child that indicates impending respiratory arrest.
brain
the controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness; functions include perception, control of reactions to the environment, emotional responses, and judgement.
brainstem
the area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as respiration.
breach of confidentiality
disclosure of information without proper authorization.
breath-holding syncope
loss of consciousness caused by a decreased breathing stimulus.
breath sounds
an indication of air movement in the lungs, usually assessed with a stethoscope.
breech presentation
a delivery in which the buttocks comes out first.
bronchial breath sounds
normal breath sounds made by air moving through the bronchi.
bronchioles
subdivision of the smaller bronchi in the lungs; made of smooth muscle and dilate or constrict in response to various stimuli.
bronchiolitis
inflammation of the bronchioles that usually occurs in children younger than 2 years and is often caused by the respiratory syncytial virus.
bronchitis
an acute or chronic inflammation of the lung that may damage lung tissue; usually associated with cough and production of sputum and, depending on its cause, sometimes fever.
buboes
enlarged lymph nodes (up to the size of a tennis ball) that are characteristic in people infected with the bubonic plague.
bubonic plague
bacterial infection that affects the lymphatic system. it is transmitted by infected rodents and fleas and characterized by acute malaise, fever, and the formation of tender, enlarged, inflamed lymph nodes that appear as lesions, called buboes. also called the Black Death.
bulk storage containers
any container other than non bulk storage containers, such as fixed tanks, highway cargo tanks, rail tank cars, totes, and intermodal tanks. these are typically found in manufacturing facilities and are often surrounded by a secondary containment system to help control an accidental release.
burnout
a combination of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance resulting from longterm job stresses in health care and other high stress professions.
burns
injuries in which soft-tissue damage occurs as a result of thermal heat, frictional heat, toxic chemicals, electricity, or nuclear radiation.
calcaneus
the heel bone
capillaries
the small blood vessels that connect arterioles and venules; various substances pass through capillary walls, into and out of the interstitial fluid, and then on the cells.
capillary refill
a test that evaluates distal circulatory system functions by squeezing (blanching) blood from an area such as a nail bed and watching the speed of its return after releasing the pressure.
capillary vessels
the tiny blood vessels between the arterioles and venules that permit transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste between body tissues and the blood.
capnography
a noninvasive method to quickly and efficiently provide information on a patient’s ventilatory status, circulation, and metabolism; effectively measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in expired air over time.
capnometry
the use of a capnometer, a device that measures the amount of expired carbon dioxide.
carbon dioxide
a component of air that typically makes up 0.03% of air at sea level; also a waste product exhaled during expiration by the respiratory system.
carbon dioxide retention
a condition characterized by a chronically high blood level of carbon dioxide in which the respiratory center no longer responds to high blood levels of carbon dioxide.
carbon monoxide
an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and highly poisonous gas that results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion.
carboys
glass, plastic, or steel containers, ranging in volume from 5 to 15 gallons (19 to 57 L).
cardiac arrest
when the heart fails to generate effective and detectable blood flow; pulses are not palpable in cardiac arrest, even if muscular and electrical activity continues in the heart.
cardiac muscle
the heart muscle
cardiac output (CO)
a measure of the volume of blood circulated by the heart in 1 minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate.
cardiac tamponade (pericardial tamponade)
compression of the heart as the result of buildup of blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output.
cardiogenic shock
a state in which no enough oxygen is delivered to the tissues of the body, caused by low output of blood from the heart. it can be a severe complication of a large acute myocardial infraction, as well as other conditions.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
the combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing used to establish adequate ventilation and circulation in a patient who is not breathing and has no pulse.
carina
point at which the trachea bifurcates (divides) into the left and right main stem bronchi.
carotid artery
the major artery that supplies blood to the head and brain.
carpals
small bones that comprise the wrist.
cartilage
the smooth connective tissue that forms the support structure of the skeletal system and provides cushioning between bones; also forms the nasal septum and portions of the outer ear.
casualty collection area
an area set up by physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff near a major disaster scene where patients can receive further triage and medical care.
cataracts
clouding of the lens of the eye or its surrounding transparent membranes.
cavitation
a phenomenon in which speed causes a bullet to generate pressure waves, which cause damage distant from the bullet’s path.
cecum
the first part of the large intestine, into which the ileum opens.
cellular metabolism
a set of chemical reactions that supplies cells with energy. includes both anaerobic and aerobic metabolism.
cellular telephone
a low-power portable radio that communicates through an interconnected series of repeater stations called cells.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
the primary federal agency that conducts and supports public health activities in the United States. The CDC is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
central nervous system (CNS)
the brain and spinal cord
central neurogenic hyperventilation
an abnormal breathing pattern associated with increased intercranial pressure that is characterized by deep, rapid breathing; this pattern is similar to Kussmaul respirations, but without an acetone breath odor.
central pulses
pulses that are closest to the core (central) part of the body where vital organs are located; include the carotid, femoral, and apical pulses.
cerebellum
one of the three major subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the little brain; coordinates the various activities of the brain, particularly fine body movements.
cerebral edema
swelling of the brain
cerebral palsy
a group of disorders characterized by poorly controlled body movements.
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space and bathes the meninges.
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
an interruption of blood flow to the brain that results in the loss of brain function; also called a stroke.
cerebrum
the largest part of the three subdivisions of the brain, sometimes called the gray matter; made up of several lobes that control movement, hearing, balance, speech, visual perception, emotions, and personality.
certification
a process in which a person, an institution, or a program is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain predetermined standards to provide safe and ethical care.
cervical spine
the portion of the vertebral column consisting of the first seven vertebrae that lie in the neck.
cervix
the lower third, or neck, of the uterus.
channel
an assigned frequency or frequencies that are used to carry voice and/or data communications.
Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC)
an agency that assists emergency responders in identifying and handling hazardous materials transport incidents.
chemoreceptors
monitor the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH of the cerebrospinal fluid and then provide feedback to the respiratory centers to modify the rate and depth of breathing based on the body’s needs at any given time.
chest compression fraction
the total percentage of time during a resuscitation attempt in which active chest compressions are being performed.
Cheyne-Strokes respirations
a cyclical pattern of abnormal breathing that increases and then decreases in rate and depth, followed by a period of apnea.
chief concern
the condition requiring the most urgent intervention as determined by the provider’s assessment of the patient; it is not always the same chief complaint.
child abuse
a general term applying to all forms of abuse and neglect of children.
chlamydia
a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
chlorine (CI)
the first chemical agent ever used in warfare. it has a distinct odor of bleach and creates a green haze when released as a gas. initially it produces upper airway irritation and choking sensation.
cholecystitis
inflammation of the gallbladder.
chordae tendineae
thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the valves in the heart and prevent them from inverting.
chronic bronchitis
irritation of the major lung passageways from long-term exposure to infectious disease or irritants such as smoke.
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
a lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible.
chyme
the substance that leaves the stomach. it is a combination of all of the eaten foods with added stomach acids.
circulatory system
the complex arrangement of connected tubes, including the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins, that moves blood, oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and cellular waste throughout the body.
clavicle
the collarbone; it is lateral to the sternum and anterior to the scapula.
cleaning
the process of removing dirt, dust, blood, and other visible contaminants from a surface.
closed abdominal injury
an injury in which there is soft-tissue damage inside the body but the skin remains intact.
closed chest injury
an injury to the chest in which the skin is not broken, usually cause by blunt trauma.
closed-ended questions
questions that can be answered in short or single-word responses.
closed fracture
any break in a bone in which the overlying skin is not broken.
closed head injury
injury in which the brain has been injured but the skin has not been broken and there is no obvious bleeding.
closed incident
an incident that is contained; all casualties are accounted for.
closed injuries
injuries in which damage occurs beneath the skin or mucous membrane but the surface of the skin remains intact.
coagulation
the formation of clots to plug openings in injured blood vessels and stop blood flow.
coccyx
the last three or four vertebrae of the spine; the tail bone.
cold zone
a safe area at a hazardous materials incident for the agencies involved in the operations. The incident commander, the command post, EMS providers, and other support functions necessary to control the incident should be located in this zone. also referred to as the clean zone or support zone.
colostomy
a surgical procedure to create an opening (stoma) between the colon and the surface of the body.
coma
a state of profound unconsciousness from which the patient cannot be roused.
combining vowel
the vowel used to combine two word roots or a word root and suffix.
command
in incident command, the position that oversees the incident, establishes the objectives and priorities, and develops a response plan.
command post
the designated field command center where the incident commander and support staff are located.
commotio cordis
a blunt chest injury caused by a sudden, direct blow to the chest that occurs only during the critical portion of a person’s heartbeat.
communicable disease
a disease that can be spread from one person or species to another.
communication
the transmission of information to another person - verbally or through body language.
community paramedicine
a health care model in which experience paramedics receive advanced training to equip them to provide additional services in the prehospital environment, such as health evaluations, monitoring of chromic illnesses or conditions, and patient advocacy.
compartment syndrome
swelling in a confined space that produces dangerous pressure; may cut off blood flow or damage sensitive tissue.
compassion fatigue
a stress disorder characterized by gradual lessening of compassion over time.
compensated stock
the early stage of shock, in which the body can still compensate for blood loss.
compensatory damages
damages awarded in a civil lawsuit that are intended to restore the plaintiff to the same condition that he or she was in prior to the incident.
competent
able to make rational decisions about personal well-being.
complex access
entry that requires special tools and training and includes the use of force.
compliance
the ability of the alveoli to expand when air is drawn in during inhalation.
concealment
the use of object to limit a person’s ability to see you.
concussion
a temporary loss or alteration of part or all of the brain’s abilities to function without actual physical damage to the brain.
conduction
the loss of heat by direct contact (eg, when a body part comes into contact with a colder object).
conductive hearing loss
hearing loss caused by a faulty transmission of sound waves.
congestive heart failure (CHF)
a disorder in which the heart loses part of its ability to effectively pump blood, usually as a result of damage to the heart muscle and usually resulting in a backup of fluid into the lungs.
conjunctiva
the delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the eye.
conjunctivitis
inflammation of the conjunctiva
consent
permission to render care.
contact burn
a burn caused by direct contact with a hot object.
contact hazard
the danger posed by a chemical whose primary route of entry into the body is through the skin; posed by a hazardous agent that gives off very little or no vapors; also called a skin hazard.
contagious
an infectious disease that spreads from one human to another; communicable.
container
any vessel or receptacle that holds material, including storage vessels, pipelines, and packaging.
contamination
the presence of infectious organisms on or in objects such as dressings, water, food, needles, wounds, or a patient’s body.
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
a method of ventilation used primarily in the treatment of critically I’ll patients with respiratory distress; can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation.
continuous quality improvement (CQI)
A system of internal and external reviews and audits of all aspects of an EMS system aimed at improving outcomes.
continuum of care
The concept of consistent patient care across the entire health care team from first patient contact to a patient discharge; working together with a unified goal results in improved individual and team performance, better patient and provider safety, and improved patient outcome.
contraindications
Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient.
Contributory negligence
A legal defense that may be raised when the defendant thinks that the conducts of the plaintiff somehow contributed to any injuries or damaged that were sustained by the plaintiff.
Control zones
Areas at a hazardous materials incident that are designated as hot, warm, or cold, based on safety issues and the degree of hazard found there.
Contusion
A bruise from an injury that causes bleeding beneath the skin without breaking the skin; also see ecchymosis.
Convection
The loss of body heat caused by air movement (eg, a breeze blowing across the body).
Conventional reasoning
A type of reasoning in which a child looks for approval from peers and society.
Core temperature
The temperature of the central part of the body (eg, the heart, lungs, and vital organs).
Cornea
The transparent tissue layer in front of the pupil and iris of the eye.
Coronal (frontal) plane
An imaginary plane where the body is divided into front and back parts
Coronary arteries
The blood vessels that carry blood and nutrients to the heart muscle
Coup-contrecoup brain injury
A brain injury that occurs when force is applied to the head and energy transmission through brain tissue causes injury on the opposite side of original impact.
Cover
The tactical use of an impenetrable barrier for protection
Covert
An act in which the public safety community generally has no prior knowledge of the time, location, or nature of the attack.
COVID-19
A respiratory disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus is a coronavirus, similar to the one that causes the common cold.
Coxae
The hip bones (singular: coxa)
