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
gastric distention
When air is forced into the victim’s stomach as well as lungs, causing the stomach to become distended; can happen during rescue breathing maneuver
head-tilt/chin-lift
Technique used to open a victim’s airway when there are no indications of head, neck, or spinal injury
heat cramps
A condition caused when the body loses too much salt due to prolonged perspiration
heat exhaustion
A form of shock that can occur when the body becomes dehydrated; more serious than heat cramps
heat stroke
A life-threatening condition which occurs when the body’s internal temperature rises abnormally high
hypothermia
When the body’s internal temperature drops to the point where body systems are affected
implied consent
The legal position that assumes that an unconscious, confused, or seriously ill victim would consent to receiving emergency medical services if that person were able to do so
incision
An open wound characterized by a smooth, straight cut caused by a sharp object
initial survey
A rapid systematic process for detecting life-threatening medical conditions; includes assessment for responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation, control of major bleeding, and treatment for shock
insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas that must be present in the body in order for glucose to pass from the bloodstream into the body’s cells
insulin shock
Overly low levels of glucose in the bloodstream; hypoglycemia
laceration
An open wound characterized by a jagged-edged wound caused by objects tearing or ripping the skin
mild airway obstruction
When the victim indicates an airway problem (i.e., choking) but is able to speak or cough
occlusive dressing
A nonporous dressing used to cover a wound and create an air-tight seal
open wound
Any injury where the skin has been broken, exposing the tissue underneath
paradoxical breathing
When both sides of the chest do not move in a synchronized manner
penetrating puncture
Open wound with only an entrance wound; can be shallow or deep
perforating puncture
Open wound with an entrance wound and an exit wound
perfusion
The continued flow of blood through the capillaries supplying the tissues and organs of the body with oxygen and removing waste products
prone
face down
puncture
An open wound characterized by a deep wound through the skin and other tissue
respiratory arrest
Complete cessation of breathing
respiratory failure
The inability to intake oxygen, to the point where life cannot be sustained
second-degree burn
Damage to the epidermis and dermis, as known as partial thickness
severe airway obstruction
When a victim is unconscious and unable to breath after the airway has been opened and a finger sweep performed, or conscious but unable to speak, cough, or breathe
shock
A life-threatening condition caused by inadequate tissue perfusion
supine
On the victim’s back (face up)
thermal burn
Burn caused by direct heat
third-degree burn
Damage to the epidermis, dermis, and into fatty layer and muscle beneath the skin also known as full thickness burn
frostbite
Freezing of tissue below the skin surface
