LD 34 Glossary Flashcards
airborne pathogen
A pathogen that is spread by tiny droplets sprayed during breathing, coughing, or sneezing
anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock)
A severe life-threatening allergic reaction caused by exposure to certain allergens
avulsion
An open wound characterized by a part or structure of the body being forcibly torn or cut away
biological death
The point when breathing and circulation stop, brain cells die due to lack of oxygen, and vital organs begin to deteriorate
blood borne pathogen
A pathogen that is spread when the blood or other body fluids (e.g., semen, phlegm, mucus membranes, etc.) of one person come into contact with an open wound or sore of another
cardiac arrest
A state when a victim is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no carotid pulse to indicate circulation
chemical burn
Burn caused by acids or alkalis coming into contact with the skin
chest thrust
A maneuver used to force obstructions from a victim’s airway; used instead of abdominal thrusts when the victim has abdominal injuries, is in late stages of pregnancy, is too obese for abdominal thrusts to be effective, or is an infant
clinical death
The moment breathing and circulation stop, reversible condition if basic life support is begun immediately
dermis
Second layer of the skin containing nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands
diabetes
A condition brought on when the body does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin
diabetic coma
Overly high levels of glucose in the bloodstream (i.e., hyperglycemia)
epidermis
Outer-most layer of the skin
epinephrine
A hormone produced by the body; when administered as a medication, it will constrict blood vessels and dilate the bronchioles helping to open a victim’s airway
fainting
A form of shock characterized by sudden unconsciousness
first-degree burn
Damage only to the epidermis, also known as a superficial burn
flail chest
A condition where the ribs and/or sternum is fractured and a segment of the chest wall does not move
focused survey
A systematic examination of a victim to determine whether serious conditions exist; includes gathering information, conducting heat-to-toe check for injuries, and checking vital signs
fourth-degree burn
Damage to epidermis, dermis, fatty layer, muscle, bone, and underlying organs, also known as a full thickness burn
frostnip
Superficial freezing of outer layer of skin