Prehospital Emergency Care Glossary

Prehospital Emergency Care Glossary When everybody turns away in horror, paramedics rush in to save the day. Superheros are a fantasy, but paramedics are true heros. If you are interested in this field and in speaking the language of your patient when they are in distress, this glossary is for you. Emergency medicine word cloud Glossary acheA continuous or prolonged dull pain in a part of one’s body. acidosisAn excessively acid condition of the body fluids or tissues. adrenalineA hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, esp. In conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and preparing muscles for exertion. airwayAny passage in a mine used for purposes of ventilation; an air course. alkalosisAn excessively alkaline condition of the body fluids or tissues that may cause weakness or cramps. allergiesHypersensitivity to the reintroduction of an allergen. Compare anaphylaxis. allergyA damaging immune response by the body to a substance, esp. Pollen, fur, a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive. ambulanceA vehicle specially equipped for taking sick or injured people to and from the hospital. anaphylactic shockExaggerated allergic reaction that can lead to death. anaphylaxisAn acute allergic reaction to an antigen (e.G., a bee sting) to which the body has become hypersensitive. anatomyThe branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms, esp. As revealed by dissection and the separation of parts. anemiaA condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness. aneurismA localized dilatation of the wall of an artery leading to the formation of a pocket of variable size. anginaA condition marked by severe pain in the chest, often also spreading to the shoulders, arms, and neck, caused by an inadequate blood supply to the heart. angioplastySurgical repair or unblocking of a blood vessel, esp. A coronary artery. anisocoriaA condition characterized by an unequal size of the eye’s pupils. Affecting 20% of the population, it can be an entirely harmless condition or a symptom of more serious medical problems. antecedentsThe history, events, characteristics, etc., of one’s earlier life. antibiotic ointmentA type of topical ointment, typically in an oil base, applied to the skin to kill bacteria and prevent infection. apneaTemporary cessation of breathing. arrhythmiaA condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm. arterial pressureArterial pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries, it tends to artery wall. arteryAn artery is a vessel that carries blood from the heart to other tissues of the body. asthmaA respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It usually results from an allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity. asystoleA condition in which the heart no longer beats and usually cannot be restarted. avulsion of the scalpA tearing away of the integument of the upper part of the head, usually including the associated subcutaneous structures. backboardA tool for moving injured patient. bag-valve masksAn airway apparatus used to cover the patient’s nose and mouth and begin ventilating the lungs mechanically by squeezing a reservoir of oxygen or air. bandageA strip of material used to bind a wound or to protect an injured part of the body. bandage scissorsAngled tip scissors, with a blunt tip on the bottom blade, which helps in cutting bandages without gouging the skin. blanketPiece of fabric used to keep a patient warm. blood pressureThe pressure of the blood in the circulatory system, often measured for diagnosis since it is closely related to the force and rate of the heartbeat and the diameter and elasticity of the arterial walls. blunt traumaBlunt trauma, blunt injury, non-penetrating trauma or blunt force trauma refers to physical trauma caused to a body part, either by impact, injury or physical attack; the latter usually being referred to as blunt force trauma. bradycardicA slowing of the heart rate to less than 50 beats per minute. bradypneaAn abnormally slow breathing rate. The rate at which bradypnea is diagnosed depends upon the age of the patient. breathingThe process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs. breathlessnessShortness of breath: a dyspneic condition. bronchitisIs an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi. bruiseAn injury appearing as an area of discolored skin on the body, caused by a blow or impact rupturing underlying blood vessels. cardiac arrestA sudden, sometimes temporary, cessation of function of the heart. cardiac monitorA piece of electronic equipment for continual observation of the function of the heart. cardiac monitoringContinuous monitoring of the heart activity, generally by electrocardiography, with assessment of the patients condition relative to their cardiac rhythm. cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cpr)Emergency medical procedures for restoring normal heartbeat and breathing to victims of heart failure, drowning, etc. careSerious attention; solicitude; heed; caution:. catheterA catheter is a medical device consisting of a tube of varying width and flexibility, and made ??of different materials depending on the model or the uses for which they are intended. The catheter is intended to be inserted into the lumen of a body cavity or blood vessel and allow the drainage of liquid or infusion, or access to other medical devices. cephalalgiaPain anywhere in the region of the head or neck. cerebral vascular accidentA stroke, sometimes referred to as a cerebrovascular accident, is the rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage, or a hemorrhage. cervical collarA neck brace used to support a patient’s neck and head. chest painPain in the chest. childbirthCulmination of a period of pregnancy with the expulsion of one or more newborn infants from a woman’s uterus. clipboardA small board with a spring clip at the top, used for holding papers and providing support for writing. cold packsA compress of gauze, cloth, or plastic filled or moistened with a cold fluid and applied externally to swollen or injured body parts to relieve pain and swelling. collaborationThe action of working with someone to produce or create something. combitubeA blind insertion airway device used in the pre-hospital and emergency setting. It is designed to provide an airway to facilitate the mechanical ventilation of a patient in respiratory distress. concussionHead trauma affecting mainly memory. constipationA condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces. convulsionsIt is a medical condition where body muscles contract and relax rapidly and repeatedly, resulting in an uncontrolled shaking of the body. corticosteroidAny of a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or made synthetically. There are two kinds: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. They have various metabolic functions and some are used to treat inflammation. coughExpel air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound. cpr / cardiopulmonary resuscitationEmergency medical procedures for restoring normal heartbeat and breathing to victims of heart failure, drowning, etc. cyanosisA bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood. cyanoticWhen a patient’s skin and mucous membranes are bluish in color from an inadequate supply of oxygen in the blood. defibrillatorAn apparatus used to control heart fibrillation by application of an electric current to the chest wall or heart. defibrillationThe stopping of fibrillation of the heart by administering a controlled electric shock in order to allow restoration of the normal rhythm. defibrillatorAn apparatus used to control heart fibrillation by application of an electric current to the chest wall or heart. deliveryThe process of giving birth. depressionThe act of lowering something or pressing something down. diabetesA metabolic disease in which the body’s inability to produce any or enough insulin causes elevated levels of glucose in the blood. diabeticHaving diabetes. diaphoresisSweating, esp. To an unusual degree as a symptom of disease or a side effect of a drug. diaphragmA dome-shaped, muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen in mammals. It plays a major role in breathing, as its contraction increases the volume of the thorax and so inflates the lungs. diarrheaA condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form. diseaseA disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, esp. One that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury. disinfectClean (something) with a disinfectant in order to destroy bacteria. dressingA piece of material placed on a wound to protect it. drugA medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. drug kitPackage containing six drugs paramedics can administer. dyspneaDifficult or labored breathing. ECGAn electrocardiogram measures heart activity. eclampsiaA condition in which one or more convulsions occur in a pregnant woman suffering from high blood pressure, often followed by coma and posing a threat to the health of mother and baby. edemaA condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body. electrificationThe activity of thrilling or markedly exciting some person or group. embolismObstruction of an artery, typically by a clot of blood or an air bubble. emergencyA serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. emergency roomA hospital area equipped and staffed for the prompt treatment of acute illness, trauma, or other medical emergencies. empathyThe ability to understand and share the feelings of another. emphysemaA condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness. endoscopeAn instrument that can be introduced into the body to give a view of its internal parts. endotracheal tubeA catheter that is inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose in order to maintain an open air passage or to deliver oxygen or to permit the suctioning of mucus or to prevent aspiration of the stomach contents. epinephrineThe commercial form of a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla upon stimulation by the central nervous system in response to stress. It is used chiefly as a heart stimulant, to constrict the blood vessels, and to relax the bronchi in asthma. epistaxis or nosebleedBleeding from the nose. equipmentThe necessary items for a particular purpose. ethicsThe rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture,. eviscerationSurgical removal of an organ (or the contents of an organ) from a patient. faintLose consciousness for a short time because of a temporarily insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. faintingLose consciousness for a short time because of a temporarily insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. fecesWaste matter discharged from the bowels after food has been digested; excrement. fibrillationMuscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination. flashersAn automatic device causing a light to flash on and off rapidly. flutter(of a pulse or heartbeat) beat feebly or irregularly. fontanelA space between the bones of the skull in an infant or fetus, where ossification is not complete and the sutures not fully formed. The main one is between the frontal and parietal bones. gauze padsA piece of fabric used to guard and cushion a wound, to absorb blood or other fluids, to apply ointments, or to rub cleansing fluids, such as rubbing alcohol or iodine, onto a wound or site of incision. glasgow coma scaleA neurological scale that aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person for initial as well as subsequent assessment. . gloveA covering for the hand worn for protection against cold or dirt and typically having separate parts for each finger and the thumb. glucagon A hormone produced in the pancreas when glucose in the blood is low. It helps the body raise glucose levels. glucometerA small, portable machine that’s used to measure how much glucose (a type of sugar) is in the blood. glucoseA simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates. head injury, traumatic brain injuryAny injury that results in trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain can be classified as a head injury. The terms traumatic brain injury and head injury are often used interchangeably in medical literature. …. headacheA continuous pain in the head. heart attackA sudden and sometimes fatal occurrence of coronary thrombosis, typically resulting in the death of part of a heart muscle. heart palpitationPalpitation is an abnormality of heartbeat that ranges from often unnoticed skipped beats or accelerated heartrate. heart rateThe rate at which the heart beats; usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of a person’s health. heartbeatThe pulsation of the heart. hemoglobinA red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood of vertebrates. Its molecule comprises four subunits, each containing an iron atom bound to a heme group. hemorrhageAn escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, esp. when profuse. hospitalAn institution in which sick or injured persons are given medical or surgical treatment. hyperglycemiaHigh values of glucose in the blood. hypoglycemiaDeficiency of glucose in the bloodstream. hypotensionAbnormally low blood pressure. hypothermiaThe condition of having an abnormally low body temperature, typically one that is dangerously low. hypoxiaDeficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. immobilizer mattressA device that completely immobilizes a person. immunodeficiencyFailure of the immune system to protect the body adequately from infection, due to the absence or insufficiency of some component process or substance. infarctCell death due to an inadequate intake of oxygen. infectionThe process of infecting or the state of being infected. injectionInjection or injected may refer to: injection (medicine), insertion of liquid into the body with a syringe;. interventionThe act or fact of intervening. intestines(in vertebrates) the lower part of the alimentary canal from the end of the stomach to the anus. intravenousTechnical administration of drugs for rapid action. intravenous injectionAn injection into a vein. intubationInsertion of an endotracheal tube to help an unconscious patient breathe. ischemiaAn inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, esp. The heart muscles. kendrick extraction deviceA device that is used in vehicle extrication to remove victims of traffic collisions from motor vehicles. life support kitEquipment in a hospital used for this. lungEach of the pair of organs situated within the rib cage, consisting of elastic sacs with branching passages into which air is drawn, so that oxygen can pass into the blood and carbon dioxide be removed. Lungs are characteristic of vertebrates other than fish, though similar structures are present in some other animal groups. manifoldLong tube usually used to make passing oxygen. maskA covering for all or part of the face,. medicineThe science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease (in technical use often taken to exclude surgery). miosisExcessive constriction of the pupil of the eye. moist burn padsThese pads provide a moist comfortable barrier to help keep the burn clean and to help protect the burn. mydriasisDilation of the pupil of the eye. myocardial infarctionCondition caused by occlusion of one or more of the coronary arteries. A heart attack. n95 respiratorsDevices that may help prevent the spread of germs (viruses and bacteria) from one person to another. They are one part of an infection-control strategy that should also include frequent hand washing and social distancing. nauseaA feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit. needleA slender, pointed, steel instrument used in sewing or piercing tissues, as in suturing. needle stickA needlestick injury is a percutaneous piercing wound typically set by a needle point, but possibly also by other sharp instruments or objects. Commonly encountered by people handling needles in the medical setting, such injuries are an occupational hazard in the medical community. .. neurological dysfunction / neurological disorderAny disorder of the body nervous system. Structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms. nitrile medical glovesA type of disposable glove made of synthetic rubber. They contain no latex proteins and offer excellent resistance to wear and tears. nitroglycerinAn explosive yellow liquid made by nitrating glycerol, used in explosives such as dynamite. It is also used in medicine as a vasodilator in the treatment of angina pectoris. nasopharyngeal airwayA short tube which is designed to be inserted through the nose to secure the airway of a patient who requires medical attention. oropharyngeal cannulaAn object used to keep the respiratory tract open for an unconscious patient. orthopneaForm of dyspnea in which the person can breathe comfortably only when standing or sitting erect; associated with asthma and emphysema and angina pectoris. oxygenA colorless, odorless reactive gas, the chemical element of atomic number 8 and the life-supporting component of the air. Oxygen forms about 20 percent of the earth’s atmosphere, and is the most abundant element in the earth’s crust, mainly in the form of oxides, silicates, and carbonates. oxygen maskA device that provides a method to transfer breathing oxygen gas from a storage tank to the lungs. It may cover the nose and mouth or the entire face. oxygen tank A storage vessel for oxygen, which is either held under pressure in gas cylinders or as liquid oxygen in a cryogenic storage tank. painPhysical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury. pain scaleA scale measures a patient’s pain intensity or other features. paleness, pallorUnnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress). palpitationA noticeably rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat due to agitation, exertion, or illness. pangA sudden sharp pain or painful emotion. paralysisThe loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel anything) in part or most of the body, typically as a result of illness, poison, or injury. paramedicA person who is trained to assist a physician or to give first aid or other health care in the absence of a physician, often as part of a police, rescue, or firefighting squad. paresisA condition of muscular weakness caused by nerve damage or disease; partial paralysis. paresthesiaAn abnormal sensation, typically tingling or pricking (“pins and needles”), caused chiefly by pressure on or damage to peripheral nerves. partnerA person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, esp. In a business or company with shared risks and profits. paralysisThe loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel anything) in part or most of the body, typically as a result of illness, poison, or injury. pathologyThe science of the causes and effects of diseases, esp. The branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes. patientA person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment. pediatricOf or relating to the medical care of children. penlightA flashlight that has the size and shape of a pen and used to see the pupils reactions. pharmaceuticalsA pharmaceutical preparation or product. pillsA small globular or rounded mass of medicinal substance, usually covered with a hard coating, that is to be swallowed whole. pneumoniaLung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection, in which the air sacs fill with pus and may become solid. Inflammation may affect both lungs ( double pneumonia ), one lung ( single pneumonia ), or only certain lobes ( lobar pneumonia ). pneumothoraxThe presence of air or gas in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall, causing collapse of the lung. pocket mask A device used to safely deliver rescue breaths during a cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest. prehospital intervention reportThe report of the paramedic intervention. presthesiaAn abnormal sensation, typically tingling or pricking (“pins and needles”), caused chiefly by pressure on or damage to peripheral nerves. proneLying flat, esp. Face downward. prosopagnosiaAn inability to recognize the faces of familiar people, typically as a result of damage to the brain. protocolA protocol is a standard method that enables communication between processes. psychosocial interventionA therapeutic intervention that uses cognitive, cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, and supportive interventions to relieve pain. pulseA rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them, typically as felt in the wrists or neck. pulse oximetryA non-invasive method for monitoring a patient’s o2 saturation. pulse oximeterA device that measures the oxygen saturation of arterial blood in a subject by utilizing a sensor attached typically to a finger. recidivismThe relapse of a disease or symptom. reportGive a spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated. resuscitationThe act of reviving a person and returning them to consciousness; “although he was apparently drowned, resuscitation was accomplished by artificial respiration. revolving lightA rotating beam of light that produces a flash or characteristic. rib cageThe bony frame formed by the ribs around the chest. salbutamolA sympathomimetic agent used as a bronchodilator, especially in the treatment of asthma. semi-automatic defibrillatorA device capable of outputting through the thorax of a quantity of electrical energy via electrodes, in an attempt to re-synchronize the cardiac electrical activity. sheetA large rectangular piece of cotton or other fabric, used on a bed to cover the mattress and as a layer beneath blankets when these are used. shockAn acute medical condition associated with a fall in blood pressure, caused by such events as loss of blood, severe burns, bacterial infection, allergic reaction, or sudden emotional stress, and marked by cold, pallid skin, irregular breathing, rapid pulse, and dilated pupils. sirenA device that makes a loud prolonged sound as a signal or warning. skullA framework of bone or cartilage enclosing the brain of a vertebrate; the skeleton of a person’s or animal’s head. smockA loose dress or blouse, with the upper part closely gathered in smocking. soluteLiquid solution for drug. sphygmomanometerAn instrument for measuring blood pressure and especially arterial blood pressure. spinal boardA spinal board, also known as a long spine board, long back board, longboard, spineboard, or backboard, is a patient handling device used primarily in pre-hospital trauma care designed to provide rigid support during movement of a patient with suspected spinal or limb injuries. spinal shockIt is a loss of sensation accompanied by motor paralysis with initial loss but gradual recovery of reflexes, following a spinal cord injury most often a complete transection. spineA series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the small of the back, enclosing the spinal cord and providing support for the thorax and abdomen; the backbone. splintA splint is a device used for support or immobilization of limbs or of the spine. splinter forceps, fine pointPliers stainless steel helps extract foreign bodies. sprainLigament injury caused by excessive mobilization of a hinge. steel toe bootsSafety boots. steri-strip closureA thin adhesive strip that can close cuts and incisions without stitches. stethoscopeAn instrument used to detect and study sounds produced in the body. stop operating protocolA protocol that allows a paramedic to stop resuscitation if these turn out to be useless. stretcherA framework of two poles with a long piece of canvas slung between them, used for carrying sick, injured, or dead people. stretcherA framework of two poles with a long piece of canvas slung between them, used for carrying sick, injured, or dead people. stretcher chairDevice used for the transport of a sick patient who’s not instable. stroke, cerebrovascular accident Is the rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. stunKnock unconscious or into a dazed or semiconscious state. supine(of a person) lying face upward. suture scissorsFor stitch removal; have a hook-shaped point on one blade to hook under the stitch before cutting it with the opposing blade. swallowAn act of swallowing something, esp. Food or drink. syncopeTemporary loss of consciousness caused by a fall in blood pressure. syringeA tube with a nozzle and piston or bulb for sucking in and ejecting liquid in a thin stream, used for cleaning wounds or body cavities, or fitted with a hollow needle for injecting or withdrawing fluids. syringeA tube with a nozzle and piston or bulb for sucking in and ejecting liquid in a thin stream, used for cleaning wounds or body cavities, or fitted with a hollow needle for injecting or withdrawing fluids. tachycardiaAn abnormally rapid heart rate. tachypneaAbnormally rapid breathing. team mateA member of the same team. tetanusA bacterial disease marked by rigidity and spasms of the voluntary muscles. thermometerA thermometer is a device that measures temperature or temperature gradient using a variety of different principles. thrombophlebitisFormation of a clot in the deep venous system of the lower limbs. thrombusA blood clot formed in situ within the vascular system of the body and impeding blood flow. tourniquetA device for stopping the flow of blood through a vein or artery, typically by compressing a limb with a cord or tight bandage. tracheal intubationIt is the insertion of a tube into the mouth of the patients to help them to breathe better. traineeA person undergoing training for a particular job or profession. transportThe act of transporting or conveying; conveyance. traumaPhysical injury. trauma shearsTrauma shears, also known as tuff cuts, are a type of scissors used by paramedics and other emergency medical personnel to quickly and safely cut clothing from injured people. treatmentManagement in the application of medicines, surgery, etc. triangular bandageMultifonction bandage. tumorA swelling of a part of the body, generally without inflammation, caused by an abnormal growth of tissue, whether benign or malignant. turgorThe state of turgidity and resulting rigidity of cells (or tissues), typically due to the absorption of fluid. twingeA sudden, sharp localized pain. ulcerAn ulcer is an open sore of the skin, eyes or mucous membrane, accompanied by the disintegration of tissue. unconsciousNot conscious. uniformThe distinctive clothing worn by members of the same organization or body or by children attending certain schools. uniformAn identifying outfit or style of dress worn by the members of a given profession, organization, or rank. urineA watery, typically yellowish fluid stored in the bladder and discharged through the urethra. vacuum mattressA vacuum mattress, or vacmat, is a medical device used for the immobilisation of patients, especially in case of a vertebra, pelvis or limb trauma. It is also used for manual transportation of patients for short distances. veinA vein is a vessel that allows the transport of blood from the periphery to the heart. ventilateTo assist the breathing of (a person), as with a respirator. virusAn infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat, is too small to be seen by light microscopy, and is able to multiply only within the living cells of a host. vital signsThey are measures of various physiological statistics in order to assess the most basic body functions. vomitingEject matter from the stomach through the mouth. weaknessThe state or condition of lacking strength. wheezingA continuous whistling sound produced in the respiratory airways during breathing. For wheezes to occur, some part of the respiratory tree must be narrowed or obstructed, or airflow velocity within the respiratory tree must be heightened. Please follow and like us: