Medical Terminology (Passage 7) Flashcards
ALS
Advanced Life Support
BLS
Basic Life Support
Body Mechanics
Scientific use of specific, predetermined methods of efficiently lifting large weights to minimize the possibility of injury to the person who is lifting.
Break Down Stretcher
A light-weight, portable device that can be folded and stored. This permits easy transfer of patient around tight corners or across rough terrain.
Cervical Spine (C-Spine) Precautions
Immobilization of a patient’s spinal column. The patient’s neck is placed in a neutral position with a cervical collar in place and the patient’s head and torso are secured to a long spine board with tape or straps.
Chair Carry
The patient is lifted while seated in a chair. This enables the movement of the patient in a sitting position and transport down tight staircases and hallways. Transfer the patient to the gurney as soon as possible. Never use with a patient suspected of a cervical spine injury.
Code 2
Without lights and sirens. (Normal driving)
Code 3
With lights and sirens.
Direct carry
With a patient in the supine position, one EMT supports the patient’s shoulder with one arm and the lumbar region with the other arm.
The second EMT supports under the patient’s thighs and under the patient’s knees. Simultaneously, the EMTs will lift the patient and place on the gurney.
Draw Sheet Method
With the patient lying on a sheet, one EMT grips the top ends of the sheet while the other EMT grasps the bottom ends of the sheet and together they lift the patient onto the gurney.
Dyspnea
Difficulty breathing.
EMT
Emergency medical Technician.
Extremity Carry
One EMT is positioned at the patient’s head, supporting the patient under the arms.
The second EMT supports the patient with one hand under each knee.
Family/Patient Advocacy
Communicating with the patient and/or family members at the scene in a calm, professional manner to inform them, answer their questions, and reassure them that the best quality care is being given.
Left Lateral Recumbent
Position where patient is on the left side with right knee and leg drawn up toward the chest. This position protects the airway from obstruction in patients who may aspirate the contents of their stomach into their lungs.
Mechanism of Injury
The manner in which an injury was incurred. Helps in recognizing the type and extent of injury.
Multiple Patient Transports
Transporting more than one ill or injured patient. Typically one patient is secured on the gurney and one patient is secured on the bench seat of the rescue unit.
Patient Packaging
The physical stabilization and preparation for transport of an ill or injured patient after on-scene emergency medical care has been completed.
Patient Stabilization
Ensuring that the patient is free from further harm or danger before transport (e.g., breathing and circulation are maintained, cervical spine precautions have been taken, etc.).
Patient Transfer
Once the patient is at the appropriate hospital, the patient’s care is then passed to the attending hospital medical personnel who have equal/greater training than that of the transporting EMT.
Patient Transport
Movement or transfer of a patient onto a gurney, placing the gurney into the back of the rescue unit and driving the patient to the appropriate medical facility.
Receiving Facility
The hospital to which the patient is transported. A receiving facility should be capable of meeting the needs of that patient (e.g., obstetrics, neurological, psychological, etc.).
Rerouting
Changing the original facility destination while en route. Reasons to reroute may involve change in patient status, inappropriate facility for patient problem, or patient medical insurance requires that a different facility be used.
Rescue Unit
Apparatus used to transport patients from the scene of the accident/injury to the appropriate medical facility.
