Vital Vocab Flashcards
What are bacteria?
Microorganisms that reproduce by binary fission. These single-cell creatures reproduce rapidly. Some can form spores when environmental conditions are harsh.
What is 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.
What does B-NICE stand for?
A memory device to recall the types of weapons of mass destruction: biologic, nuclear, incendiary, chemical, and explosive.
What is botulinum?
Produced by bacteria, this is the most potent neurotoxin known. It affects the nervous system’s ability to function and causes botulism.
What are buboes?
Enlarged lymph nodes (up to the size of a tennis ball) that are characteristic in people infected with the bubonic plague.
What is the 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 lymph nodes called buboes. Also called the Black Death.
What is chlorine (Cl)?
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.
What is a 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.
What does contagious mean?
An infectious disease that spreads from one human to another; communicable.
What is a covert act?
An act in which the public safety community generally has no prior knowledge of the time, location, or nature of the attack.
What is cross-contamination?
Occurs when a person is contaminated by an agent as a result of coming in contact with another contaminated person.
What is cyanide?
An agent that affects the body’s ability to use oxygen. It is a colorless gas with an odor similar to almonds.
What is decay?
A natural process in which a material that is unstable attempts to stabilize itself by changing its structure.
What is a dirty bomb?
Name given to an explosive radiologic dispersal device.
What is a disease vector?
An animal that, once infected, spreads a disease to another animal.
What is dissemination?
The means by which a terrorist will spread an agent; for example, by poisoning the water supply or aerosolizing the agent.
What is domestic terrorism?
Terrorism that is carried out by people in their own country.
What is the DuoDote Auto-Injector?
A nerve agent antidote kit containing atropine and pralidoxime chloride; delivered as a single dose through one needle.
What are G agents?
Early nerve agents developed by German scientists after World War I and into World War II. They include sarin, soman, and tabun.
What is gamma (x-ray) radiation?
A type of energy emitted from a strong radiologic source that travels faster and has more energy than alpha and beta rays.
What is incubation?
The period of time between a person being exposed to an agent and the time when symptoms appear.
What is international terrorism?
Terrorism that is carried out by people in a country other than their own; also known as cross-border terrorism.
What is ionizing radiation?
Energy that is emitted in the form of rays or particles.
What is lewisite (L)?
A blistering agent that has a rapid onset of symptoms and produces immediate, intense pain and discomfort on contact.
