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Vocabulary 5
Vocabulary - Paramedic Practice Today 5
1193
Medical
Professional
06/03/2012

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Term
9-1-l/E9-1-1
Definition
A set of three numbers that automatically sends the call to the emergency dispatch center. E9-1-1 is enhanced 9-1-1, which gives the dispatcher the ability to determine the caller's location by routing the
call through several CAD systems.
Term
Abandonment
Definition
Terminating care when it is still needed
and desired by the patient and without ensuring that appropriate care continues to be provided by another qualified health care professional.
Term
Abbreviation
Definition
A shorter way of writing something.
Term
Abdominal compartment syndrome
Definition
Syndrome caused by diffuse intestinal edema, a result of fluid accumu­
lation in the bowel wall. It may be caused by overre­ suscitation with crystalloids and results in shock and renal failure.
Term
Abdominal evisceration
Definition
An injury in which a severe laceration or incision of the abdomen breaches through all layers of muscle to allow abdominal contents, most often the intestines, to protrude above
the surface of the skin.
Term
Aberrant
Definition
Abnormal
Term
Abortion
Definition
The ending of a pregnancy for any reason before 20 weeks' gestation; the lay term miscarriage is referred to as a spontaneous abortion
Term
Abruptio placentae
Definition
Separation of the placenta from the
uterine wall after the twentieth week of gestation.
Term
Abscess
Definition
A collection of pus
Term
Absence seizure
Definition
A generalized seizure characterized by a blank stare and an alteration of consciousness.
Term
Absolute refractory period
Definition
Corresponds with the onset of the QRS complex to approximately the peak of the T wave; cardiac cells cannot be stimulated to conduct an electrical impulse. no matter how strong the stimulus.
Term
Absorption
Definition
Movement of small organic molecules, elec­
trolytes, vitamins, and water across the digestive tract and into the circulatory system. Also the movement of a drug from the site of input into the circulation
Term
Abuse
Definition
Use of a substance for other than its approved, accepted purpose or in a greater amount than prescribed
Term
Acalculus cholecystitis
Definition
Inflammation of the gallbladder in the absence of gallstones.
Term
Acceptance
Definition
A grief stage in which the individual has come to terms with the reality of his or her (or a loved one's) imminent death.
Term
Accessory muscles
Definition
Muscles of the neck, chest, and abdomen that become active during labored breathing.
Term
Accessory pathway
Definition
An extra bundle of working myocar­ dial tissue that forms a connection between the atria and ventricles outside the normal conduction system.
Term
Accreditation
Definition
Recognition given to an EMD center
by an independent auditing agency for achieving a consistently high level of performance based on indus­ try best practice standards.
Term
Acetylation
Definition
A mechanism in which a drug is processed
by enzymes
Term
Acetylcholinesterase
Definition
A body chemical that stops the action of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter involved in the stimulation of nerves)
Term
Acid
Definition
Fluid produced in the stomach; breaks down the food material within the stomach into chyme.
Term
Acid-base balance
Definition
Delicate balance between the body's acidity and alkalinity
Term
Acidic
Definition
pH less than 7.0.
Term
Acids
Definition
Materials that have a pH value less than 7.0
(e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid).
Term
Acquired immunity
Definition
Specific immunity directed at a particular pathogen that develops after the body has been exposed to it once (e.g., immunity to chickenpox after first exposure).
Term
Active listening
Definition
Listening to the words that the patient is saying as well as paying attention to the significance of those words to the patient.
Term
Active range of motion
Definition
The degree of movement at
a joint as determined by the patient's own voluntary movements.
Term
Active transport
Definition
A process used to move substances
against the concentration gradient or toward the side that has a higher concentration; requires the use of energy by the cell but is faster than diffusion

A process used to move substances
against the concentration gradient or toward the side that has a higher concentration; requires the use of energy by the cell but is faster than diffusion
Term
Acute arterial occlusion
Definition
A sudden blockage of arterial blood flow that occurs because of a thrombus, embolus, tumor, direct trauma to an artery, or an unknown cause
Term
Acute care
Definition
Short-term medical treatment usually
provided in a hospital for patients who have an illness or injury or who are recovering from surgery.
Term
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
Definition
A term used to refer
to patients presenting with ischemic chest discomfort. Acute coronary syndromes consist of three major syndromes: unstable angina, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Term
Acute exposure
Definition
An exposure that occurs over a short timeframe (less than 24 hours); usually occurs at a spill or release.
Term
Acute renal failure (ARF)
Definition
When the kidneys suddenly stop functioning, either partially or completely, but even­ tually recover full or nearly full functioning over time.
Term
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Definition
Collection of fluid in the alveoli of the lung, usually as a result of trauma or serious illness.
Term
Addiction
Definition
The involvement in a repetitive behavior
(gambling, substance abuse, etc.). In physical addiction
the individual has become dependent on an external substance and develops physical withdrawal symptoms if the substance is unavailable.
Term
Addictive behavior
Definition
The involvement in repetitive behavior such as gambling or substance abuse.
Term
Additive effect
Definition
The combined effect of two drugs given at the same time that have similar effects.
Term
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Definition
Formed from metabo­lism of nutrients in the cell; serves as an energy source throughout the body.
Term
Adipocyte
Definition
A fat cell; a connective tissue cell that has differentiated and become specialized in the synthesis (manufacture) and storage of fat.
Term
Adipose (fat)
Definition
connective tissue Tissue that stores lipids; acts as an insulator and protector of the organs
of the body.
Term
Administrative law
Definition
A branch of law that deals with rules, regulations, orders, and decisions created by governmental agencies.
Term
Adrenergic
Definition
Having the characteristics of the sympa­thetic division of the autonomic nervous system.
Term
Adrenocortical steroids
Definition
Hormones released by the
adrenal cortex essential for life; assist in the regulation
of blood glucose levels, promote peripheral use of lipids, stimulate the kidneys to reabsorb sodium, and have antiinflammatory effects.
Term
Adsorb
Definition
To gather or stick to a surface in a condensed layer.
Term
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Definition
A life­ threatening condition that causes lung swelling and fluid buildup in the air sacs.
Term
Advance directive
Definition
A document in which a competent person gives instructions to be followed regarding his or her health care in the event the person later becomes incapacitated and unable to make or commu­ nicate those decisions to others.
Term
Advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT)
Definition
An EMS professional who provides basic and limited advanced skills to patients who access the EMS system.
Term
Adverse effect (reaction)
Definition
An unintentional, undesirable,
and often unpredictable effect of a drug used at thera­peutic doses to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease.
Term
Advocate
Definition
A person who assists another person in carry­
ing out desired wishes; a paramedic should function as a patient's advocate in all aspects of prehospital care.
Term
Aerosol
Definition
A collection of particles dispersed in a gas.
Term
Affect
Definition
Description of the patient's visible emotional state.
Term
Afferent division
Definition
Nerve fibers that send impulses from
the periphery to the central nervous system.
Term
Affinity
Definition
The intensity or strength of the attraction between a drug and its receptor.
Term
Afterload
Definition
Pressure or resistance against which the ventricles must pump to eject blood.
Term
Ageism
Definition
Stereotypical and often negative bias against older adults.
Term
Agonal respirations
Definition
Slow, shallow, irregular respirations resulting from anoxic brain injury.
Term
Agonist
Definition
A drug that causes a physiologic response in the receptor to which it binds.
Term
Agonist-antagonist
Definition
A drug that blocks a receptor.
It may provide a partial agonist activity, but it also prevents an agonist from exerting its full effects
Term
Agoraphobia
Definition
Consistent anxiety and avoidance of places and situations where escape during a panic attack would be difficult or embarrassing.
Term
Air emboli
Definition
Bubble of air that has entered the vasculature.
Emboli can result in damage similar to a clot in the vasculature, typically resulting in brain injury or pulmonary emboli when neck vessels are damaged.
Term
Air embolism
Definition
Introduction of air into venous circulation, which can ultimately enter the right ventricle, closing off circulation to the pulmonary artery and leading to death.
Term
Air trapping
Definition
A respiratory pattern associated with an obstruction in the pulmonary tree; the breathing rate increases to overcome resistance in getting air out, the respiratory effort becomes more shallow, the volume of trapped air increases, and the lungs inflate.
Term
Airbag identification
Definition
The various shapes, sizes, colors, and styles of visual identification labels indicating that an airbag is present
Term
Airbags
Definition
Inflatable nylon bags designed to supplement the protection of occupants during crashes; one of the most common new technology items confronting responders at crash scenes; also known as supplemental restraint systems.
Term
Air-reactive materials
Definition
Materials that react with
atmospheric moisture and rapidly decompose.
Term
Alarm reaction
Definition
The body's autonomic, sympathetic nervous system response to stimuli designed to prepare the individual to fight or flee.
Term
Alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA)
Definition
Condition found in patients who chronically abuse alcohol accompanied by vomit­ ing, a built-up of ketones in the blood, and little or no food intake.
Term
Alcoholism
Definition
Addiction and dependence on ethanol; often develops over many years.
Term
Aldosterone
Definition
A hormone responsible for the reabsorption of sodium and water from the kidney tubules.
Term
Alkali
Definition
A substance with a pH above 7.0; also known as a base or caustic.
Term
Alkaline
Definition
pH greater than 7.0.
Term
Alkaloids
Definition
A group of plant-based substances containing nitrogen and found in nature.
Term
Allergen
Definition
A substance that can provoke an allergic reaction.
Term
Allergic reaction
Definition
An abnormal immune response,
mediated by immunoglobulin E antibodies, to an allergen that should not cause such a response and to which the patient has already been exposed; usually involves excessive release of immune agents, espe­ cially histamines.
Term
All-hazards emergency preparedness
Definition
A cross-cutting approach in which all forms of emergencies, including manmade and natural disasters, epidemics, and physical or biologic terrorism, are managed from a common template that uses consistent language and structure.
Term
Allografting
Definition
Transplanting organs or tissues from geneti­
cally nonidentical members of the same species.
Term
All-terrain vehicle (ATV)
Definition
Any of a number of models of small open motorized vehicles designed for off­ road and wilderness use; three-wheeled (all-terrain cycles) and four-wheeled (quads) versions are most often used for personnel insertion; six- and eight­ wheeled models exist for specialized applications.
Term
Alpha particle
Definition
A positively charged particle emitted by certain radioactive materials.
Term
Altered mental status
Definition
Disruption of a person's
emotional and intellectual functioning.
Term
Altitude illness
Definition
A syndrome associated with the relatively low partial pressure of oxygen in the atmos­phere at altitudes encountered during mountain climb­ ing or travel in unpressurized aircraft.
Term
Alveolar air volume
Definition
In contrast to dead air space, alve­
olar volume is the amount of air that does reach the alveoli for gas exchange (approximately 350 mL in the adult male). It is the difference between tidal volume and dead-space volume.
Term
Alveoli
Definition
Functional units of the respiratory system; area in the lungs where the majority of gas exchange takes place; singular form is alveolus.
Term
Alzheimer's disease
Definition
Progressive dementia seen mostly in the elderly and marked by decline of memory and cognitive function.
Term
Amniotic sac (bag of waters)
Definition
The fluid-filled protective sac that surrounds the fetus inside the uterus.
Term
Amplitude
Definition
Height (voltage) of a waveform on the ECG.
Term
Ampule
Definition
A sealed sterile container that holds a single dose of liquid or powdered medication.
Term
Amygdala
Definition
Almond-shaped structure at the end of each
hippocampus that attaches emotional significance to incoming stimuli; has a large role in the fear response; plural form is amygdale.
Term
Amylase
Definition
Enzyme in pancreatic juice.
Term
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Definition
Autoimmune disorder affecting the motor roots of the spinal nerves, causing progressive muscle weakness and eventually paralysis.
Term
Anal canal
Definition
Area between the rectum and the anus.
Term
Analgesia
Definition
A state in which pain is controlled or not perceived.
Term
Anaphylactic reaction
Definition
An unusual or exaggerated aller­gic reaction to a foreign substance.
Term
Anaphylactoid reaction
Definition
Reaction that clinically mimics
an allergic reaction but is not mediated by immunoglob­ulin E antibodies, so not a true allergic reaction.
Term
Anaphylaxis
Definition
Life-threatening allergic reaction.
Term
Anasarca
Definition
Massive generalized body edema.
Term
Anatomic plane
Definition
The relation of internal body structures
to the surface of the body; imaginary straight line divi­sions of the body.
Term
Anatomic position
Definition
The position of a person standing erect with his or her feet and palms facing the examiner
Term
Anatomy
Definition
Study of the body's structure and organization.
Term
Anchor point
Definition
A single secure connection for an anchor.
Term
Anchors
Definition
The means of securing the ropes and other elements of the high-angle system.
Term
Anemia
Definition
Deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin; most common form is iron-deficiency anemia.
Term
Anesthesia
Definition
A process in which pain is prevented during a procedure.
Term
Aneurysm
Definition
Localized dilation or bulging of a blood vessel wall or wall of a heart chamber.
Term
Anger
Definition
A stage in the grieving process in which the indi­vidual is upset by the stated future loss of life.
Term
Angina pectoris
Definition
Chest discomfort or other related
symptoms of sudden onset that may occur because the increased oxygen demand of the heart temporarily exceeds the blood supply.
Term
Anginal equivalents
Definition
Symptoms of myocardial ischemia
other than chest pain or discomfort.
Term
Angioedema
Definition
Swelling of the tissues, including the dermal layer; often found in and around the mouth,
tongue, and lips.
Term
Angle of Louis
Definition
An angulation of the sternum that indi­cates the point where the second rib joins the sternum; also called the manubriosternal junction.
Term
Anhedonia
Definition
Lack of enjoyment in activities one used to find pleasurable.
Term
Anion
Definition
A negatively charged ion.
Term
Anorexia nervosa
Definition
Eating disorder characterized by a
preoccupation that one is obese; drastic, intentional weight loss; and bizarre attitudes and rituals associ­ ated with food and exercise.
Term
Anoxia
Definition
A total lack of oxygen availability to the tissues.
Term
Antagonist
Definition
A drug that does not cause a physiologic response when it binds with a receptor.
Term
Antegrade amnesia
Definition
The inability to remember short-term memory information after an event during which the head was struck.
Term
Antepartum
Definition
The period before childbirth.
Term
Anterior
Definition
The front, or ventral, surface.
Term
Anterior cord syndrome
Definition
Collection of symptoms seen after the compression, death, or transection of the anterior portion of the spinal cord.
Term
Anthrax
Definition
An acute bacterial infection caused by inhalation, contact, or ingestion of Bacillus anthracis organisms. Three forms of anthrax disease may occur
depending on the route of exposure. Inhalational anthrax disease occurs after the inhalation of anthrax spores. Cutaneous anthrax disease is the most common form and occurs after the exposure of compromised skin to anthrax spores. Gastrointestinal anthrax disease occurs after the ingestion of live B. anthracis in contaminated meat.
Term
Antiarrhythmic
Definition
Medications used to correct irregular heartbeats and slow hearts that beat too fast.
Term
Antibacterial
Definition
Medication that kills or limits bacteria.
Term
Antibiotic
Definition
In common medical terms, a drug that kills bacteria.
Term
Antibody
Definition
Agents produced by B lymphocytes that bind to antigens, thus killing or controlling them and slowing or stopping an infection; also called immunoglobulin.
Term
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Definition
A hormone released in
response to detected loss of body water; prevents
further loss of water through the urinary tract by promoting the reabsorption of water into the blood.
Term
Antidote
Definition
A substance that can reverse the adverse effects of a poison.
Term
Antifungal
Definition
Agent that kills fungi.
Term
Antigen
Definition
A marker on a cell that identifies the cell as "self' or "not self'; antigens are used by antibodies to identify cells that should be attacked as not self.
Term
Antihistamine
Definition
Medication that reduces the effects of histamine.
Term
Antiinflammatory mediators
Definition
Protein entities, often produced in the liver, that act as modulators of the immune response to the proinflammatory response to injury; also called cytokines.
Term
Antipyretic medication
Definition
A medication that reduces or
eliminates a fever.
Term
Antisepsis
Definition
Prevention of sepsis by preventing or inhibit­ing the growth of causative microorganisms; in the field, the process used to cleanse local skin areas before needle puncture with products that are alcohol or iodine based.
Term
Antivenin
Definition
A substance that can reverse the adverse effects of a venom by binding to it and inactivating it.
Term
Antiviral
Definition
Medication that kills or impedes a virus.
Term
Antonym
Definition
A root word, prefix, or suffix that has the opposite meaning of another word.
Term
Anucleated
Definition
Cells of the body that do not have a central nucleus, such as those in cardiac muscle.
Term
Anus
Definition
The end of the anal canal.
Term
Anxiety
Definition
The sometimes vague feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, dread, or worry that often occurs without
a specific source or cause identified. It is also a normal response to a perceived threat.
Term
Aorta
Definition
Delivers blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the body.
Term
Aortic valve
Definition
Semilunar valve on the left of the heart; separates the left ventricle from the aorta.
Term
Apex
Definition
Tip.
Term
Apex of the heart
Definition
Lower portion of the heart, tip of the ventricles (approximately the level of the fifth left
intercostal space); points leftward, downward, and forward.
Term
Apgar score
Definition
A scoring system applied to an infant after delivery; key components include appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration.
Term
Aphasia
Definition
Loss of speech.
Term
Apnea
Definition
Respiratory arrest.
Term
Apnea monitor
Definition
A technologic aid used to warn of cessation of breathing in a premature infant; also may warn of bradycardia and tachycardia.
Term
Apocrine glands
Definition
Sweat glands that open into hair follicles, including in and around the genitalia, axillae, and anus; secrete an organic substance (which is odorless until acted upon by surface bacteria) into the hair follicles.
Term
Appendicitis
Definition
A tubular process that extends from the colon.
Term
Appendicular region
Definition
Area that includes the extremities
(e.g., arms, pelvis, and legs).
Term
Appendicular skeleton
Definition
Consists of all the bones not within the axial skeleton: upper and lower extremities, the girdles, and their attachments.
Term
Appendix
Definition
Accessory structure of the cecum.
Term
Application of principles
Definition
The step at which the para­ medic applies critical thinking in a clinical sense and arrives at a field impression or a working diagnosis.
Term
Aqueous humor
Definition
Fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye; maintains intraocular pressure.
Term
Arachnoid mater
Definition
Second layer of the meninges.
Term
Arachnoid membrane
Definition
Weblike middle layer of the meninges
Term
Areolar connective tissue
Definition
A loose tissue found in most organs of the body; consists of weblike collagen, retic­ulum, and elastin fibers.
Term
Arnold-Chiari malformation
Definition
A complication of spina bifida in which the brainstem and cerebellum extend down through the foramen magnum into the cervical portion of the vertebrae.
Term
Arrector pili
Definition
Smooth muscle that surrounds each follicle; responsible for "goose bumps," which pull the hair upwards.
Term
Arrhythmia
Definition
Term often used interchangeably with dysrhythmia; any disturbance or abnormality in a normal rhythmic pattern; any cardiac rhythm other than a sinus rhythm.
Term
Arterial puncture
Definition
Accidental puncture into an artery instead of a vein.
Term
Arterioles
Definition
Small arterial vessels; supply oxygenated blood to the capillaries
Term
Arteriosclerosis
Definition
A chronic disease of the arterial system characterized by abnormal thickening and hardening of the vessel walls.
Term
Arthritis
Definition
Inflammation of a joint that results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness.
Term
Artifact
Definition
Distortion of an ECG tracing by electrical activity that is noncardiac in origin (e.g., electrical interference, poor electrical conduction, patient movement).
Term
Artificial anchors
Definition
The use of specially designed hard­ ware to create anchors where good natural anchors do not exist.
Term
Arytenoid cartilages
Definition
Six paired cartilages stacked on
top of each other in the larynx.
Term
Ascending colon
Definition
Part of the large intestine.
Term
Ascites
Definition
Marked abdominal swelling from a buildup of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Term
Asepsis
Definition
Sterile; free from germs, infection, and any form of life.
Term
Asphyxiants
Definition
Chemicals that impair the body's ability to either get or use oxygen.
Term
Aspiration
Definition
Inhalation of foreign contents into the lungs.
Term
Aspiration pneumonitis
Definition
Inflammation of the bronchi and alveoli caused by inhaled foreign objects, usually acids such as stomach acid.
Term
Assault
Definition
A threat of imminent bodily harm to another person by someone with the obvious ability to carry out the threat.
Term
Assay
Definition
A test of a substance to determine its components.
Term
Assessment-based management
Definition
Taking the information you obtain from your assessment and using it to treat the patient.
Term
Asthma
Definition
Allergic response of the airways causing wheezing and dyspnea.
Term
Asynchronous pacemaker
Definition
Fixed-rate pacemaker that continuously discharges at a preset rate regardless of the patient's intrinsic activity.
Term
Asystole
Definition
A total absence of ventricular electrical activity.
Term
Ataxia
Definition
Inability to control voluntary muscle movements; unsteady movements and staggering gait.
Term
Atelectasis
Definition
An abnormal condition characterized by the collapse of alveoli, preventing the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen in a part of the lungs.
Term
Atherosclerosis
Definition
A form of arteriosclerosis in which the
thickening and hardening of the vessel walls are caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the inner lining of large and middle-sized muscular arteries (from athero, meaning gruel or paste, and sclerosis, meaning hardness).
Term
Atlas
Definition
First cervical vertebra.
Term
Atopic
Definition
A genetic disposition to an allergic reaction that is different from developing an allergy after one or more exposures to a drug or substance.
Term
Atresia
Definition
Absence of a normal opening.
Term
Atria
Definition
Two receiving chambers of the heart; singular form is atrium.
Term
Atrial kick
Definition
Remaining 20% to 30% of blood forced into the right ventricle during atrial contraction.
Term
Atrioventricular junction
Definition
The atrioventricular node and the nonbranching portion of the bundle of His.
Term
Atrioventricular node
Definition
A group of cells that conduct an electrical impulse through the heart; located in the floor of the right atrium immediately behind the tricuspid valve and near the opening of the coronary sinus.
Term
Atrioventricular sequential pacemaker
Definition
Type of dual-chamber pacemaker that stimulates first the atrium, then the ventricle, mimicking normal cardiac physiology.
Term
Atrioventricular valve
Definition
Valve located between each atrium and ventricle; the tricuspid separates the right atrium from the right ventricle, and the mitral (bicuspid) separates the left atrium from the left ventricle.
Term
Atrophy
Definition
Decrease in cell size that negatively affects function.
Term
Attenuated vaccine
Definition
A vaccine prepared from a live virus or bacteria that has been physically or chemically weak­ ened to produce an immune response without causing the severe effects of the disease.
Term
Attributes
Definition
Qualities or characteristics of a person.
Term
Auditory ossicles
Definition
Three small bones (malleus, incus,
and stapes) that articulate with each other to transmit sounds waves to the cochlea.
Term
Augmented limb lead
Definition
Leads aVR, aVL, and aVF; these leads record the difference in electrical potential at one location relative to zero potential rather than rela­ tive to the electrical potential of another extremity, as in the bipolar leads.
Term
Aura
Definition
Sensory disturbances caused by a partial seizure; may precede a generalized seizure.
Term
Auricle
Definition
Outer ear; also called the pinna.
Term
Auscultation
Definition
The process of listening to body sounds with a stethoscope.
Term
Authority having jurisdiction
Definition
The local agency having legal authority for the type of rescue and the location at which it occurs.
Term
Autoantibodies
Definition
Antibodies produced by B cells that mistakenly attack and destroy "self' cells belonging to the patient; autoantibodies are the pathophysiologic agent of most autoimmune disorders.
Term
Autografting
Definition
Transplanting organs or tissues within the same person.
Term
Autoignition point
Definition
The temperature at which a material ignites and bums without an ignition source.
Term
Autologous skin grafting
Definition
The transplantation of skin of one patient from its original location to that of a wound on the same patient, such as a bum. Autologous means "derived from the same individual."
Term
Automatic location identification
Definition
Telephone technology used to identify the location of a caller immediately.
Term
Automatic number identification
Definition
Telephone technology that provides immediate identification of the caller's 10-digit telephone number.
Term
Automaticity
Definition
Ability of cardiac pacemaker cells to initi­ate an electrical impulse spontaneously without being stimulated from another source (such as a nerve).
Term
Autonomic dysreflexia
Definition
Massive sympathetic stimula­tion unbalanced by the parasympathetic nervous system because of spinal cord injury, usually at or above T6.
Term
Autonomic dysreflexia syndrome
Definition
A condition charac­terized by hypertension superior to an SCI site caused by overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Term
Autonomic nervous system
Definition
Provides unconscious control of smooth muscle organ and glands.
Term
AVPU
Definition
Mnemonic for awake, verbal, pain, unresponsive; used to evaluate a patient's mental status.
Term
Axial compression (loading)
Definition
The application of a force of energy along the axis of the spine, often resulting in compression fractures of the vertebrae.
Term
Axial loading
Definition
Application of excessive pressure or weight along the vertical axis of the spine.
Term
Axial region
Definition
Area that includes the head, neck, thorax,and abdomen.
Term
Axial skeleton
Definition
Part of the skeleton composed of the skull,hyoid bone, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.
Term
Axis
Definition
Imaginary line joining the positive and negative electrodes of a lead.
Term
Axon
Definition
Branching extensions of the neuron where impulses exit the cell.
Term
Azotemia
Definition
The increase in nitrogen-containing waste products in the blood secondary to renal failure.
Term
B lymphocytes
Definition
Cells present in the lymphatic system that mediate humoral immunity (also known as B cells).
Term
B pillar
Definition
The structural roof support member on a vehicle located at the rear edge of the front door; also
referred to as the B post.
Term
Babinski's sign
Definition
An abnormal finding indicated by the
presence of great toe extension with the fanning of all other toes on stimulation of the sole of the foot when it is stroked with a semi-sharp object from the heel to the ball of the foot.
Term
Bacillus anthracis
Definition
A gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that causes anthrax disease in human beings and animals.
Term
Bacteremia
Definition
The presence of bacteria in the blood. This condition could progress to septic shock. Fever, chills, tachycardia, and tachypnea are common manifesta­ tions of bacteremia.
Term
Bacteria
Definition
Prokaryotic microorganisms capable of infect­ ing and injuring patients; however, some bacteria, as part of the normal flora, assist in the processes of the human body.
Term
Bacterial tracheitis
Definition
A potentially serious bacterial infection of the lower portions of the upper airway: larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
Term
Band
Definition
A range of radio frequencies.
Term
Bargaining
Definition
A stage of the grieving process. The individual may attempt to "cut a deal" with a higher power to accomplish a specific goal or task.
Term
Bariatric ambulance
Definition
Ambulance designed to transport
morbidly obese patients.
Term
Barotrauma
Definition
An injury resulting from rapid or extreme changes in pressure.
Term
Barrier device
Definition
A thin film of material placed on the patient's face used to prevent direct contact with the patient's mouth during positive-pressure ventilation.
Term
Base of the heart
Definition
Top of the heart; located at approxi­
mately the level of the second intercostal space.
Term
Baseline
Definition
Straight line recorded on ECG graph paper
when no electrical activity is detected.
Term
Bases
Definition
Materials with a pH value greater than 7.0 (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide).
Term
Basilar skull fracture
Definition
Loss of integrity to the bony
structures of the base of the skull.
Term
Basophils
Definition
Type of granulocyte (white blood cell or leukocyte) that releases histamine.
Term
Battery
Definition
Touching or contact with another person
without that person's consent.
Term
Battle's sign
Definition
Significant bruising around the mastoid
process (behind the ears).
Term
Beck's triad
Definition
Classic signs of cardiac tamponade that include jugular venous distention, hypotension, and muffled heart sounds.
Term
Behavior
Definition
The conduct and activity of a person that is observable by others.
Term
Behavioral emergency
Definition
Actions or ideations by the patient that are harmful or potentially harmful to the patient or others.
Term
Belay
Definition
A safety technique used to safeguard personnel exposed to the risk of falling; the belayer is the person responsible for operation of the belay.
Term
Bell's palsy
Definition
An inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) that often is preceded by a viral upper respiratory tract infection.
Term
Benchmarking
Definition
Comparison of operating policies, procedures, protocols, and performance with those of other agencies in an effort to improve results.
Term
Benzodiazepine
Definition
Any of a group of minor tranquilizers
with a common molecular structure and similar phar­ macologic activity, including antianxiety, sedative, hypnotic, amnestic, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxing effects.
Term
Beriberi
Definition
Disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine and characterized by neurologic symptoms, cardiovas­cular abnormalities, and edema.
Term
Beta particle
Definition
A negatively charged particle emitted by certain radioactive materials.
Term
Bevel
Definition
The slanted tip at the end of the needle.
Term
Bicuspid valve
Definition
Left atrioventricular valve in the heart; also called the mitral valve.
Term
Bile salts
Definition
Manufactured in the liver; composed of electrolytes and iron recovered from red blood cells when they die.
Term
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP)
Definition
The delivery of two (bi) levels of positive-pressure ventilation; one during inspiration (to keep the airway open as the patient inhales) and the other (lower) pressure during expiration to reduce the work of
exhalation.
Term
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) device
Definition
Breathing device that can be set at one pressure for inhaling and a different pressure for exhaling.
Term
Bioassay
Definition
A test that determines the effects of a substance on an organism and compares the result with some agreed standard.
Term
Bioavailability
Definition
The speed with which and how much of
a drug reaches its intended site of action.
Term
Bioburden
Definition
Accumulation of bacteria in a wound; does not necessarily imply an infection is present.
Term
Biologic agent
Definition
A disease-causing pathogen or a toxin that may be used as a weapon to cause disease or injury to people.
Term
Biot respirations
Definition
Irregular respirations varying in rate and depth and interrupted by periods of apnea; associated with increased intracranial pressure, brain damage at the level of the medulla, and respiratory compromise from drug poisoning.
Term
Biphasic
Definition
Waveform that is partly positive and partly negative.
Term
Bipolar disorder
Definition
An illness of extremes of mood, alter­
nating between periods of depression and episodes of mania (type I) or hypomania (type II).
Term
Bipolar limb lead
Definition
ECG lead consisting of a positive and negative electrode; a pacing lead with two electrical poles that are external from the pulse generator; the nega­ tive pole is located at the extreme distal tip of the pacing lead, and the positive pole is located several millimeters proximal to the negative electrode. The stimulating pulse is delivered through the negative electrode.
Term
Birth canal
Definition
Part of the female reproductive tract through which the fetus is delivered; includes the lower part of the uterus, the cervix, and the vagina.
Term
Blast lung syndrome
Definition
Injuries to the body from an explosion, characterized by anatomic and physiologic changes from the force generated by the blast wave hitting the body's surface and affecting primarily gas-containing structures (lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and ears).
Term
Bleeding
Definition
Escape of blood from a blood vessel.
Term
Blister agent
Definition
A chemical used as a weapon designed specifically to injure the body tissue internally and externally of those exposed to its vapors or liquid; the
method of injury is to cause painful skin blisters or tissue destruction of the exposed surface area (e.g., mustard, lewisite).
Term
Blocked premature atrial complex
Definition
Premature atrial contraction not followed by a QRS complex.
Term
Blocking
Definition
A position that places the emergency vehicle at an angle to the approaching traffic, across several lanes of traffic if necessary; this position begins to shield the work area and protects the crash scene from some of the approaching traffic.
Term
Blood
Definition
Liquid connective tissue; allows transport of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.
Term
Blood agents
Definition
Chemicals absorbed into the body through the action of breathing, skin absorption, or ingestion (e.g., hydrogen cyanide, cyanogen chloride).
Term
Blood alcohol content
Definition
Milligrams of ethanol per deciliter of blood divided by 100; a fairly standard measure of how intoxicated a person is.
Term
Blood-brain barrier
Definition
A layer of tightly adhered cells that protects the brain and spinal cord from exposure to medications, toxins, and infectious particles.
Term
Blood pressure
Definition
Force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the ventricles of the heart
contract and relax.
Term
Bloody show
Definition
Passage of the protective blood and mucus plug from the cervix; often is an early sign of labor.
Term
Body mass index
Definition
A calculation strongly associated with subcutaneous and total body fat and with skinfold thickness measurements.
Term
Body surface area (BSA)
Definition
Area of the body covered
by skin; measured in square meters.
Term
Boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion
Definition
An explosion that can occur when a vessel containing a pressurized liquid ruptures.
Term
Boiling point
Definition
The temperature at which the vapor pressure of the material being heated equals atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg); water boils to steam at 100° C (212° F).
Term
Bone
Definition
Hard connective tissue; consists of living cells and a matrix made of minerals.
Term
Borborygmi
Definition
Hyperactivity of bowel sounds.
Term
Borderline personality disorder
Definition
Cluster B disorder marked by unstable emotions, relationships, and attitudes.
Term
Botulism
Definition
A severe neurologic illness caused by a potent toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum organisms; the three forms are food borne, wound, and infant (also called intestinal) botulism.
Term
Bowel sounds
Definition
The noises made by the intestinal smooth muscles as they squeeze fluids and food products through the digestive tract.
Term
Bowman's capsule
Definition
Located in the renal corpuscle.
Term
Boyle's law
Definition
Gas law that demonstrates that as pressure increases, volume decreases; explains the pain that can occur in flight in the teeth and ears and baro­ trauma in the gastrointestinal tract.
Term
Bradycardia
Definition
Heart rate slower than 60 beats/min(from brady, meaning "slow").
Term
Bradykinesia
Definition
Abnormal slowness of muscular movement.
Term
Bradypnea
Definition
A respiratory rate that is persistently slower than normal for age; in adults, a rate slower than
12 breaths/min.
Term
Brain injury
Definition
A traumatic insult to the brain capable of producing physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and vocational changes.
Term
Brainstem
Definition
Part of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord; responsible for many of the autonomic functions the body requires to survive (also called vegetative functions).
Term
Brake bar rack
Definition
A descending device consisting of a U-shaped metal bar to which several metal bars are attached that create friction on the rope. Some racks are limited to use in personal rappelling, whereas others also may be used for lowering rescue loads.
Term
Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor)
Definition
Benign and painless contractions that usually occur after the third month of pregnancy.
Term
Breach of duty
Definition
Violation by the defendant of the standard of care applicable to the circumstances.
Term
Breech presentation
Definition
Presentation of the buttocks or feet
of the fetus as the first part of the infant's body to enter the birth canal.
Term
Bronchioles
Definition
Smallest of the air passages.
Term
Bronchiolitis
Definition
An acute, infectious, inflammatory
disease of the upper and lower respiratory tracts that results in obstruction of the small airways.
Term
Bronchitis
Definition
Inflammation of the lower airways, usually with mucus production. Often chronic and related to tobacco abuse.
Term
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia BPD)
Definition
Respiratory condition in infants usually arising from preterm birth.
Term
Bronchospasm
Definition
Wheezing.
Term
Brown-Sequard syndrome
Definition
Group of symptoms that develop after the herniation or transection of half of the spinal cord manifested with unilateral damage.
Term
Bruit
Definition
The blowing or swishing sound created by the turbulence within a blood vessel.
Term
Bubonic
Definition
Relating to an inflamed, enlarged lymph gland.
Term
Buccal
Definition
An administration route in which medication is placed in the mouth between the gum and the mucous membrane of the cheek and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Term
Buffer systems
Definition
Compensatory mechanisms that act
together to control pH.
Term
Bulbourethral glands
Definition
Pair of small glands that manu­ facture a mucous-type secretion that unites with the prostate fluid and spermatozoa to form sperm.
Term
Bulimia nervosa
Definition
Eating disorder consisting of a pattern of eating large amounts of food in one sitting (hing­ ing) and then forcing oneself to regurgitate (purging), with associated guilt and depression.
Term
Bulk containers
Definition
Large containers and tanks used to transport large quantities of hazardous materials.
Term
Bulla
Definition
A localized, fluid-filled lesion usually greater than
0.5 cm.
Term
Bundle branch block (BBB)
Definition
Abnormal conduction of an electrical impulse through either the right or left bundle branches.
Term
Bundle of His
Definition
Fibers located in the upper portion of the interventricular septum that conduct an electrical impulse through the heart.
Term
Burnout
Definition
Exhaustion to the point of not being able to perform one's job effectively.
Term
Bursitis
Definition
Chronic or acute inflammation of the small synovial sacs known as bursa.
Term
Burst
Definition
Three or more sequential ectopic beats; also referred to as a salvo or run.
Term
Cadaveric transplantation
Definition
Transplantation of organs from an already deceased person to a living person.
Term
Calibration
Definition
Regulation of an ECG machine's stylus
sensitivity so that a 1-mV electrical signal will produce a deflection measuring exactly 10 mm.
Term
Call processing time
Definition
The elapsed time from the moment a call is received by the communications
center to the time the responding unit is alerted.
Term
Cancer
Definition
A group of diseases that allow unrestrained growth of cells in one or more of the body organs or tissues.
Term
Capacitance vessels
Definition
Venules that have the capability of holding large amounts of volume.
Term
Capillaries
Definition
Tiny vessels that connect arterioles to venules; deliver blood to each cell in the body.
Term
Capillary leak
Definition
Loss of intravascular fluid (plasma, water) from a loss of capillary integrity or an opening of gap May be caused by thermal injury to capillaries or the intense inflammatory reaction to burn injury, infection, or physical trauma. junctions between the cells of the capillaries.
Term
Caplet
Definition
A tablet with an oblong shape and a film-coated covering.
Term
Capnograph
Definition
A device that provides a numerical reading of exhaled C02 concentrations and a waveform (tracing).
Term
Capnography
Definition
Continuous analysis and recording of C02 concentrations in respiratory gases.
Term
Capnometer
Definition
A device used to measure the concentration of C02 at the end of exhalation.
Term
Capnometry
Definition
A numeric reading of exhaled C02 concentrations without a continuous written record or waveform.
Term
Capsid
Definition
Layer of protein enveloping the genome of a virion; composed of structural units called the capsomeres.
Term
Capsule
Definition
A membranous shell surrounding certain
microorganisms, such as the pneumococcus bacterium.
Term
Capture
Definition
Ability of a pacing stimulus to depolarize successfully the cardiac chamber being paced; with one-to-one capture, each pacing stimulus results in depolarization of the appropriate chamber.
Term
Carbamate
Definition
A pesticide that inhibits acetylcholinesterase.
Term
Carbon dioxide narcosis
Definition
Condition mostly seen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in whom carbon dioxide is excessively retained, causing mental status changes and decreased respirations.
Term
Carboys
Definition
Glass or plastic bottles commonly used to transport corrosive products.
Term
Carbuncle
Definition
A series of abscesses in the subcutaneous tissues that drain through hair follicles.
Term
Cardiac arrest
Definition
Absence of cardiac mechanical activity confirmed by the absence of a detectable pulse, unre­sponsiveness, and apnea or agonal, gasping respirations.
Term
Cardiac cycle
Definition
Period from the beginning of one heart­ beat to the beginning of the next; normally consisting of PQRST waves, complexes, and intervals.
Term
Cardiac output
Definition
Amount of blood pumped into the aorta each minute by the heart.
Term
Cardiac rupture
Definition
An acute traumatic perforation of the
ventricles or atria.
Term
Cardiac sphincter
Definition
Circular muscle that controls the movement of material into the stomach.
Term
Cardiogenic shock
Definition
A condition in which heart muscle function is severely impaired, leading to decreased cardiac output and inadequate tissue perfusion.
Term
Cardiomyopathy
Definition
A disease of the heart muscle.
Term
Cardiovascular disorders
Definition
A collection of diseases and conditions that involve the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular).
Term
Carina
Definition
Area in the bronchial tree that separates into the right and left mainstem bronchi.
Term
Carotid bruit
Definition
The noise made when blood in the carotid arteries passes over plaque buildups.
Term
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Definition
A medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist(within the carpal tunnel), resulting in pain and numbness of the hand.
Term
Carpopedal spasm
Definition
Spasm of the muscles of the hand when a blood pressure cuff is inflated. Can occur in the feet if the cuff is placed on the leg. A result of hyperventilation.
Term
Cartilage
Definition
Connective tissue composed of chondrocytes; exact makeup depends on the location and function in the body.
Term
Cartilaginous joint
Definition
Unites two bones with hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
Term
Case law
Definition
Interpretations of constitutional, statutory, or administrative law made by the courts; also known as common law or judge-made law.
Term
Catabolic
Definition
Refers to the metabolic breakdown of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates by the body to produce energy.
Term
Catabolism
Definition
Process of breaking down complex substances into more simple ones.
Term
Catalepsy
Definition
Abnormal state characterized by a trancelike level of consciousness and postural rigidity; occurs in
hypnosis and in certain organic and psychological disor­ders such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and hysteria.
Term
Cataract
Definition
A partial or complete opacity on or in the lens or lens capsule of the eye, especially one impairing vision or causing blindness.
Term
Catatonia
Definition
A state of psychologically induced immobil­ity with muscular rigidity, at times interrupted by agitation.
Term
Catatonic schizophrenia
Definition
A form of schizophrenia char­acterized by alternating periods of extreme withdrawal and extreme excitement. During the withdrawal stage stupor, waxy flexibility, muscular rigidity, mutism, blocking, negativism, and catalepsy may be seen; during the period of excitement, purposeless and impulsive activity may range from mild agitation to violence. See Catatonia.
Term
Cathartics
Definition
Substances that decrease the time a poison spends in the gastrointestinal tract by increasing bowel motility.
Term
Catheter shear/catheter fragment embolism
Definition
Breaking off the tip of the intravenous catheter inside the vein, which then travels through the venous system; it can lodge in pulmonary circulation as a pulmonary embolism.
Term
Cation
Definition
A positively charged ion.
Term
Cauda equina
Definition
Peripheral nerve bundles descending through the spinal column distal to the conus medullaris. Cauda equina are not spinal nerves.
Term
Cauda equina syndrome
Definition
A group of symptoms associated with the compression of the peripheral nerves still within the spinal canal below the level of the first lumbar vertebra, characterized by lumbar
back pain, motor and sensory deficits, and bowel or bladder incontinence.
Term
Caudal
Definition
A position toward the distal end of the body; usually inferior.
Term
Causation
Definition
In a negligence case, the negligence of the defendant must have caused or created the harm sustained by the plaintiff; also referred to as proximate cause.
Term
Caustic
Definition
A substance with a pH above 7.0; also known as a base or alkali.
Term
Cecum
Definition
First segment of the large intestine; the appendix is its accessory structure.
Term
Cell body
Definition
Portion of the neuron containing the organelles, where essential cellular functions are performed.
Term
Cell-mediated immunity
Definition
Form of acquired immunity; results from activation of T lymphocytes that were previously sensitized to a specific antigen.
Term
Cellular swelling
Definition
Swelling of cellular tissues, usually from injury.
Term
Cellulitis
Definition
An inflammation of the skin.
Term
Cementum
Definition
A layer of tough tissue that anchors the root of a tooth to the periodontal membrane/ligament.
Term
Central cord syndrome
Definition
Collection of symptoms seen after the death of the central portion of the spinal cord.
Term
Central nervous system
Definition
The brain and spinal cord.
Term
Central neurogenic hyperventilation
Definition
Similar to Kussmaul respirations; characterized as deep, rapid
breathing; associated with increased intracranial pressure.
Term
Central retinal artery occlusion
Definition
A condition in which the blood supply to the retina is blocked because of a clot or embolus in the central retinal artery or one of its branches.
Term
Central vein
Definition
A major vein of the chest, neck, or abdomen.
Term
Central venous catheter
Definition
A catheter through a vein to end in the superior vena cava or right atrium of the heart for medication or fluid administration.
Term
Centrioles
Definition
Paired, rodlike structures that exist in a specialized area of the cytoplasm known as the centro­
some.
Term
Centrosome
Definition
Specialized area of the cytoplasm; plays an important role in the process of cell division.
Term
Cephalic
Definition
A position toward the head; usually superior.
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
Area of the brain involved in fine and gross coordination; responsible for interpretation of actual movement and correction of any movements that interfere with coordination and the body's position.
Term
Cerebral contusion
Definition
A brain injury in which brain tissue is bruised in a local area but does not puncture the pia mater.
Term
Cerebral palsy
Definition
Neuromuscular condition in which the patient has difficulty controlling the voluntary muscles because of damage to a portion of the brain.
Term
Cerebral perfusion pressure
Definition
Pressure inside the cerebral arteries and an indicator of brain perfusion;
calculated by subtracting intracranial pressure from mean arterial pressure (CPP =MAP- ICP).
Term
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Definition
Fluid that bathes, protects,
and nourishes the central nervous system.
Term
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Definition
Blockage or hemor­rhage of the blood vessels in the brain, usually causing
focal neurologic deficits; also known as a stroke.
Term
Cerebrum
Definition
Largest part of the brain, divided into right and left hemispheres.
Term
Certification
Definition
An external verification of the competencies that an individual has achieved and typically involves an examination process; in healthcare these processes are typically designed to verify that an individual has achieved minimal competency to ensure safe and effective patient care.
Term
Certified Flight Paramedic (FP-C)
Definition
A certification obtained by paramedics on successful completion of the Flight Paramedic Examination.
Term
Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)
Definition
A nurse who has completed education, training, and certifica­tion beyond a registered nurse with a focus on air
medical transport of potentially critically ill or injured patients.
Term
Cerumen
Definition
Earwax
Term
Ceruminous glands
Definition
Glands lining the external auditory canal; produce cerumen or earwax.
Term
Cervical spondylosis
Definition
Degeneration of two or more cervical vertebrae, usually resulting in a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae.
Term
Cervical vertebrae
Definition
First seven vertebrae in descending order from the base of the skull.
Term
Cervix
Definition
Inferior portion of the uterus.
Term
Chalazion
Definition
A small bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.
Term
Charles' law
Definition
Law stating that oxygen cylinders can
have variations in pressure readings in different ambi­ent temperatures.
Term
Chelating agent
Definition
A substance that can bind metals; used as an antidote to many heavy metal poisonings.
Term
Chemical Abstracts Services (CAS) number
Definition
Unique identification number of chemicals, much like a person's Social Security number.
Term
Chemical asphyxiants
Definition
Chemicals that prevent the transportation of oxygen to the cells or the use of oxygen at the cellular level.
Term
Chemical name
Definition
A precise description of a drug's chem­ical composition and molecular structure.
Term
Chemical restraints
Definition
Agents such as sedatives that can suppress a patient's neurologic and/or motor capabilities and reduce the threat to the paramedic; also known as pharmacologic restraints.
Term
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
Definition
A pattern of gradually increasing rate and depth of breathing that tapers to slower and shallower breathing with a period of apnea before the cycle repeats itself; often described as a crescendo-decrescendo pattern or periodic breathing.
Term
Chief complaint
Definition
The reason the patient has sought medical attention.
Term
Child maltreatment
Definition
An all-encompassing term for all
types of child abuse and neglect, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
Term
Chloracetophenone
Definition
Tear gas; commercially known as
Mace.
Term
Choanal atresia
Definition
Narrowing or blockage of one or both nares by membranous or bony tissue.
Term
Choking agent
Definition
An industrial chemical used as a weapon to kill those who inhale the vapors or gases; the method of injury is asphyxiation resulting from lung damage from hydrochloric acid bums (e.g., chlorine, phosgene); also known as a pulmonary agent.
Term
Cholangitis
Definition
Inflammation of the bile duct.
Term
Cholecystitis
Definition
Inflammation of the gallbladder.
Term
Choledocholithiasis
Definition
The presence of gallstones in the common bile duct.
Term
Cholelithiasis
Definition
The presence of stones in the gallbladder.
Term
Cholinergic
Definition
Having the characteristics of the parasym­ pathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.
Term
Cholinesterase inhibitor
Definition
A chemical that blocks the action of acetylcholinesterase; thus the neurotransmit­ter acetylcholine is allowed to send its signals continuously to innervate nerve endings.
Term
Chordae tendineae
Definition
Fibrous bands of tissue in the valves that attach to each part or cusp of the valve.
Term
Chorioamnionitis
Definition
Infection of the amniotic sac and its
contents.
Term
Choroid
Definition
Vascular layer of the eyeball
Term
Choroid plexus
Definition
Group of specialized cells in the ventri­cles of the brain; filters blood through cerebral capillaries to create the cerebrospinal fluid.
Term
Chromatin
Definition
Material within a cell nucleus from which the chromosomes are formed.
Term
Chromosomes
Definition
Any of the threadlike structures in the nucleus of a cell that function in the transmission of genetic information; each consists of a double strand of DNA attached to proteins called histones.
Term
Chronic
Definition
Long,drawn out; applied to a disease that is not acute.
Term
Chronic exposure
Definition
An exposure to low concentrations
over a long period.
Term
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Definition
A progressive and irreversible condition characterized by diminished inspiratory and expiratory capacity of the lungs.
Term
Chronic renal failure
Definition
The gradual, long-term deterioration of kidney function.
Term
Chronology
Definition
The arrangement of events in time.
Term
Chronotropism
Definition
A change in heart rate.
Term
Chute time
Definition
The time required to get a unit en route to a call from dispatch.
Term
Chyme
Definition
Semifluid mass of partly digested food expelled by the stomach into the duodenum.
Term
Ciliary body
Definition
Consists of muscles that change the shape of the lens in the eye; includes a network of capillaries that produce aqueous humor.
Term
Circadian
Definition
A daily rhythmic activity cycle based on 24-hour intervals or events that occur at approxi­mately 24-hour intervals, such as certain physiologic
occurrences.
Term
Circadian rhythm
Definition
The 24-hour cycle that relates to work and rest time.
Term
Circumflex artery
Definition
Division of the left coronary artery.
Term
Circumoral paresthesia
Definition
A feeling of tingling around the lips and mouth caused by hyperventilation.
Term
Circumstantial thinking
Definition
Adding detours and extra details to conversations but eventually returning to the main topic.
Term
Cirrhosis
Definition
A chronic degenerative disease of the liver.
Term
Civil law
Definition
A branch of law that deals with torts (civil wrongs) committed by one individual, organization, or group against another.
Term
Clarification
Definition
Asking the speaker to help you understand.
Term
Classic heat stroke
Definition
Heat stroke caused by environmental exposure that results in core hyperthermia greater than 40° C. (104oF).
Term
Clean
Definition
To wash with soap and water.
Term
Cleft lip
Definition
Incomplete closure of the upper lip.
Term
Cleft palate
Definition
Incomplete closure of the hard and/or soft palate of the mouth.
Term
Clinical performance indicator
Definition
A definable, measurable, skilled task completed by the dispatcher that has a significant impact on the delivery of patient care.
Term
Clitoris
Definition
Small, erectile structure at the entrance to the vagina.
Term
Closed-ended questions
Definition
A form of interview question that limits a patient's response to simple, brief words or phrases (e.g., "yes or no," "sharp or dull").
Term
Closed fracture
Definition
Fracture of the bone tissue that has not broken the skin tissue.
Term
Clostridium botulinum
Definition
A bacterium that produces a powerful toxin that causes botulism disease in human beings, waterfowl, and cattle.
Term
Cluster A personality disorders
Definition
Odd and eccentric type of personality disorders, including paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal; characterized by social isolation and odd thought processes.
Term
Cluster B personality disorders
Definition
Emotional and dramatic type of personality disorders, including histrionic, borderline, antisocial, and narcissistic;
characterized by impulsive, unpredictable behavior, and manipulation of others.
Term
Cluster C personality disorders
Definition
Anxious and fearful type of personality disorders, including avoidant, dependent, and compulsive; marked by anxiety, shyness, and avoidance of conflict.
Term
Cluster headache
Definition
A migraine-like condition characterized by attacks of intense unilateral pain. The pain occurs most often over the eye and forehead and is accompanied by flushing and watering of the eyes and nose. The attacks occur in groups, with a duration of several hours.
Term
CNS-PAD
Definition
An acronym for central nervous system padding: pia matter, arachnid matter, dura matter.
Term
Coagulation
Definition
Formation of blood clots with the associated increase in blood viscosity.
Term
Coagulation cascade
Definition
A set of interactions of the circulating clotting factors.
Term
Coagulation necrosis
Definition
Dead or dying tissue that forms a
scar or eschar.
Term
Cocaine hydrochloride
Definition
Fine, white powdered form of cocaine, a powerful central nervous system stimulant; typically snorted intranasally.
Term
Coccyx (coccygeal vertebrae)
Definition
Terminal end of the spinal column; a tail-like bone composed of three to five verte­bra. No nerve roots travel through the coccyx.
Term
Cochlea
Definition
Bony structure in the inner ear resembling a tiny snail shell.
Term
Code of ethics
Definition
A guide for interactions between members of a specific profession (such as physicians) and the public.
Term
Codependence
Definition
A psychological concept defined as exhibiting too much and often inappropriate caring behavior.
Term
Cognition
Definition
Operation of the mind by which one becomes aware of objects of thought or perception; includes all aspects of perceiving, thinking, and remembering.
Term
Cognitive disability
Definition
An impairment that affects an individual's awareness and memory as well as his or her ability to learn, process information, communicate, and make decisions.
Term
Cognitive phase
Definition
In the phases of immune response, the stage at which a foreign antigen is recognized to be present.
Term
Cold diuresis
Definition
The occurrence of increased urine production on exposure to cold.
Term
Cold protective response
Definition
The mechanism associated with cold water in which individuals can survive extended periods of submersion.
Term
Cold zone
Definition
A safe area isolated from the area of contam­ ination; also called the support zone. This zone has safe and easy access. It contains the command post and staging areas for personnel, vehicles, and equipment. EMS personnel are stationed in the cold zone.
Term
Collagen
Definition
A fibrous protein that provides elasticity and strength to skin and the body's connective tissue.
Term
Collapsed lung
Definition
See Pneumothorax.
Term
Colostomy
Definition
Incision in the colon for the purpose of making a temporary or permanent opening between the bowel and the abdominal wall.
Term
Combination deployment
Definition
Using a mix of geographic coverage and demand posts to best serve the community given the number of ambulances available at any one time.
Term
Combining form
Definition
A word root followed by a vowel.
Term
Combining vowel
Definition
A vowel that is added to a word root before a suffix.
Term
Comfort care
Definition
Medical care intended to provide relief from pain and discomfort, such as the control of pain with medications.
Term
Command post
Definition
The location from which incident operations are directed.
Term
Comminuted skull fracture
Definition
Breakage of a bone or bones of the skull into multiple fragments.
Term
Communicable period
Definition
The period after infection during which the diease may be transmitted to another host.
Term
Communication
Definition
The exchange of thoughts, messages,
and information.
Term
Compartment syndrome (CS)
Definition
A condition in which compartment pressures increase in an injured extrem­ity to the point that capillary circulation is stopped; often only correctable through surgical opening of the compartment.
Term
Compensatory pause
Definition
Pause for which the normal beat after a premature complex occurs when expected; also called a complete pause.
Term
Complete abortion
Definition
Passage of all fetal tissue before
20 weeks of gestation.
Term
Complex
Definition
Several waveforms
Term
Complex partial seizure
Definition
A seizure affecting only one
part of the brain that does alter consciousness.
Term
Compliance
Definition
The resistance of the patient's lung tissue
to ventilation.
Term
Compound presentation
Definition
Presentation of an extremity beside the major presenting fetal part.
Term
Compound skull fracture
Definition
Open skull fracture.
Term
Compound word
Definition
Word that contains more than one root.
Term
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD)
Definition
A computer-aided system that automates dispatching by enhanced data collection, rapid recall of information, dispatch mapping, as well as unit tracking and the ability to track and dispatch resources.
Term
Concealment To hide or put out of site; provides no ballistic protection.
Definition
To hide or put out of site; provides no ballistic protection.
Term
Concept formation
Definition
The initial formation of an overall
concept of care for a particular patient begins when the paramedic arrives on location of the incident.
Term
Conception
Definition
The act or process of fertilization;
beginning of pregnancy.
Term
Concurrent medical direction
Definition
Consultation with a physician or other advanced health care professional by telephone, radio, or other electronic means, permitting the physician and paramedic to decide together on the best course of action in the delivery of patient care.
Term
Concussion
Definition
A brain injury with a transient impairment of consciousness followed by a rapid recovery to baseline neurologic activity.
Term
Conducting arteries
Definition
Large arteries of the body (e.g., aorta and the pulmonary trunk); have more elas­ tic tissue and less smooth muscle; stretch under great
pressures and then quickly return back to their origi­
nal shapes.
Term
Conduction system
Definition
A system of pathways in the heart composed of specialized electrical (pacemaker) cells.
Term
Conductive hearing loss
Definition
Type of deafness that occurs where there is a problem with the transfer of sound
from the outer to the inner ear.
Term
Conductivity
Definition
Ability of a cardiac cell to receive an elec­ trical stimulus and conduct that impulse to an adjacent cardiac cell.
Term
Confidentiality
Definition
Protection of patient information in any form and the disclosure of that information only as
needed for patient care or as otherwise permitted by law.
Term
Confined space
Definition
By Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) definition, a space large
enough and configured so that an employee can enter and perform assigned work but has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (e.g., tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry); not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Term
Confrontation
Definition
Focusing on a particular point made
during the interview.
Term
Congenital
Definition
Present at or before birth.
Term
Conjunctiva
Definition
Thin, transparent mucous membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the outer surface of the sclera.
Term
Conjunctivitis
Definition
Inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Term
Connective tissue
Definition
Most abundant type of tissue in the body; composed of cells that are separated by a matrix.
Term
Conscious sedation
Definition
A medication or combination of medications that allows a patient to undergo what could be an unpleasant experience by producing an altered level of consciousness but not complete anesthesia. The goal is for the patient to breathe spon­ taneously and maintain his or her own airway.
Term
Consensus formula
Definition
Formula used to calculate the volume of fluid needed to properly resuscitate a burn patient. The formula is 2 to 4 mL!kg/% total body surface area burned. This is the formula currently regarded by the American Burn Association as the standard of care in adult burn patients. Several other, similar formulas exist that also may be used.
Term
Consent
Definition
Permission.
Term
Constricted affect
Definition
Emotion shown in degrees less than expected.
Term
Contamination
Definition
The deposition or absorption of chemical, biologic, or radiologic materials onto personnel or other materials.
Term
Contamination reduction zone
Definition
See Warm zone.
Term
Continuing education (CE)
Definition
Lifelong learning.
Term
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
Definition
The delivery of slight positive pressure throughout the respiratory cycle to prevent airway collapse, reduce the work of breathing, and improve alveolar ventilation.
Term
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device
Definition
Breathing device that allows delivery of slight positive pressure to prevent airway collapse and improve oxygenation and ventilation in spontaneously breath­ing patients.
Term
Continuous quality improvement (CQI)
Definition
Programs designed to improve the level of care; commonly driven by quality assurance.
Term
Contractility
Definition
Ability to shorten in length actively.
Term
Contraction
Definition
Rhythmic tightening of the muscular
uterine wall that occurs during normal labor and leads to expulsion of the fetus and placenta from the uterus.
Term
Contraction interval
Definition
The time from the beginning of one
contraction to the beginning of the next contraction
Term
Contraction time
Definition
The time from the beginning to the
end of a single uterine contraction.
Term
Contraindication
Definition
Use of a drug for a condition when it is not advisable.
Term
Contrecoup injury
Definition
An injury at another site, usually opposite the point of impact.
Term
Contributory negligence
Definition
An injured plaintiff's failure
to exercise due care that, along with the defendant's negligence, contributed to the injury.
Term
Conus medullaris
Definition
Terminal end of the spinal cord.
Term
Conus medullaris syndrome
Definition
Complications resulting from injury to the conus medullaris.
Term
Conventional silo
Definition
A vertical structure used to store ensiled plant material in a aerobic environment.
Term
Cor pulmonale
Definition
Right-sided heart failure caused by pulmonary disease.
Term
Core body temperature
Definition
The measured body temperature within the core of the body; generally measured with an esophageal probe; normal is 98.6° F.
Term
Cornea
Definition
Avascular, transparent structure that permits light through to the interior of the eye.
Term
Coronary artery disease
Definition
Disease of the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood.
Term
Coronary heart disease
Definition
Disease of the coronary arteries and their resulting complications, such as angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction.
Term
Coronary sinus
Definition
Venous drain for the coronary circulation into the right atrium.
Term
Corrosive
Definition
A substance able to corrode tissue or metal (e.g., acids and bases).
Term
Corticosteroids
Definition
See Adrenocortical steroids.
Term
Cosmesis
Definition
Of or referring to the improvement of physical appearance.
Term
Costal angle
Definition
The angle formed by the margins of the ribs at the sternum.
Term
Costochondritis
Definition
Inflammation of the cartilage in the anterior chest that causes chest pain.
Term
Coughing
Definition
A protective mechanism usually induced by mucosal irritation; the forceful, spastic expiration
experienced during coughing aids in the clearance of the bronchi and bronchioles.
Term
Coup - contrecoup
Definition
An injury most often associated with a blow to the skull in which the force of the impact is transmitted through the skull bones to the opposite side of the head, where the bruise, fracture, or other sign of injury appears.
Term
Coup injury
Definition
An injury directly below the point of impact.
Term
Couplet
Definition
Two consecutive premature complexes.
Term
Cover
Definition
A type of concealment that hides the body and offers ballistic protection.
Term
Crack cocaine
Definition
Solid, brownish-white crystal form of cocaine, a powerful central nervous system stimulant; typically smoked.
Term
Crackles (rales)
Definition
As the name implies, when fluid accumulates in the smaller airway passages, air passing through the fluid creates a moist crackling or popping sound heard on inspiration.
Term
Cranial nerve
Definition
Twelve pairs of nerves that exit the brain and innervate the head and face; some also are part of the visceral portion of the peripheral nervous system.
Term
Cranium
Definition
The vaultlike portion of the skull, behind and above the face.
Term
Creatinine
Definition
End product of creatine metabolism; released during anaerobic metabolism. Elevated levels of creatinine are common in advanced stages of renal failure.
Term
Creatine kinase
Definition
An enzyme in skeletal and cardiac
muscles that is released into circulation as a result of tissue damage. Can be used as a laboratory indicator of muscle damage.
Term
Credentialing
Definition
A local process by which an individual is permitted by a specific entity (e.g., medical director) to practice in a specific setting (e.g., EMS agency).
Term
Crepitation
Definition
A crackling sound indicative of bone ends grinding together.
Term
Crepitus
Definition
The grating, crackling, or popping sounds and sensations experienced under skin and joints.
Term
Cricoid cartilage
Definition
Most inferior cartilage of the larynx;
only complete ring in the larynx.
Term
Cricothyroid membrane
Definition
A fibrous membrane located between the cricoid and thyroid cartilages.
Term
Cricothyrotomy
Definition
An emergency procedure performed to
allow rapid entrance to the airway (by the cricothyroid membrane) for temporary oxygenation and ventilation.
Term
Crime scene
Definition
A location where any part of a criminal act has occurred or where evidence relating to a crime may be found.
Term
Criminal law
Definition
A branch of law in which the federal,
state, or local government prosecutes individuals on behalf of society for violating laws designed to safeguard society.
Term
Cross tolerance
Definition
Decreasing responsiveness to the effects of a drug in a drug classification (such as narcotics) and the likelihood of development of decreased responsiveness to another drug in that classification.
Term
Crossmatch
Definition
The process by which blood compatibility is determined by mixing blood samples from the donor and recipient.
Term
Croup
Definition
A viral infection of the upper airway that is noto­rious for causing a "seal bark" cough.
Term
Crown
Definition
The visible part of a tooth.
Term
Crowning
Definition
The appearance of the first part of the infant at the vaginal opening during delivery.
Term
Crush points
Definition
Formed when two objects are moving toward each other or when one object is moving toward a stationary object and the gap between the two is decreasing.
Term
Crush syndrome
Definition
Renal failure and shock after crush injuries.
Term
Crust
Definition
A collection of cellular debris or dried blood; often called a scab.
Term
Cryogenic
Definition
Pertaining to extremely low temperatures.
Term
CSM
Definition
A mnemonic for circulation, sensation, and movement.
Term
Cullen's sign
Definition
Yellow-blue ecchymosis surrounding the umbilicus.
Term
Cultural beliefs
Definition
Values and perspectives common to a
racial, religious, or social group of people.
Term
Cultural imposition
Definition
The tendency to impose your beliefs, values, and patterns of behavior on an individual from another culture.
Term
Cumulative action
Definition
Increased intensity of drug action evident after administration of several doses.
Term
Current
Definition
Flow of electrical charge from one point to another.
Term
Current health status
Definition
Focus on the environmental and personal habits of the patient that may influence the patient's general state of health.
Term
Cushing syndrome
Definition
Disorder caused by the overproduc­tion of corticosteroids; characterized by a "moon face," obesity, fat accumulation on the upper back, increased facial hair, acne, diabetes, and hypertension.
Term
Cushing's triad
Definition
Characteristic pattern of vital signs
during rising intracranial pressure, presenting as rising hypertension, bradycardia, and abnormal respirations.
Term
Customs
Definition
A practice or set of practices followed by a group of people.
Term
Cyanogen chloride
Definition
A highly toxic blood agent.
Term
Cyanosis
Definition
A bluish coloration of the skin as a result of hypoxemia, or deoxygenation of hemoglobin.
Term
Cyclohexyl methyl phosphonofluoridate
Definition
G nerve agent. The G agents tend to be nonpersistent, volatile agents.
Term
Cyclothymia
Definition
A less-severe form of bipolar disorder
marked by more frequently alternating periods of a dysphoric mood that does not meet the criteria for depression and hypomania.
Term
Proximal
Definition
A position nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk.
Term
Pruritus
Definition
Itching of the skin.
Term
Psoriasis
Definition
A common chronic skin disorder character­
ized by erythematous papules and plaques with a silver scale.
Term
Psychological abuse
Definition
The verbal or psychological misuse of another person, including threatening, name calling, ignoring, shaming unfairly, shouting, and cursing; mind games are another form of psychological abuse
Term
Psychomotor
Definition
Pertaining to motor effects of cerebral or psychic activity.
Term
Psychomotor agitation
Definition
Excessive motor activity that is
usually nonproductive and tedious, resulting from inner tensions (pacing, fidgeting, hand wringing, etc.)
Term
Psychoses
Definition
A group of mental disorders in which the individual loses contact with reality; psychosis is thought to be related to complex biochemical disease that disorders brain function. Examples include schiz­ ophrenia, bipolar disease (also known as manic­
depressive illness), and organic brain disease.
Term
Psychosis
Definition
An abnormal state of widespread brain dysfunction characterized by bizarre thought content,
typically delusions and hallucinations
Term
Psychosocial development
Definition
The social and psychological changes human beings undergo as they grow and age.
Term
Psychosocial factors
Definition
Life events that affect a person's emotional state, such as marriage, divorce, or death of
a loved one.
Term
Public health
Definition
The discipline that studies the overall
health of populations and intervenes on behalf of those populations rather than on behalf of individuals
Term
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)
Definition
A dispatch
center set up to receive and dispatch 9-1-1 calls
Term
Pull-in point
Definition
Machinery entanglement hazard created when an operator attempts to remove material being
pulled into a machine.
Term
Pulmonary abscess
Definition
A collection of pus within the lung
itself.
Term
Pulmonary arteries
Definition
Left and right pulmonary arteries supplying the lungs.
Term
Pulmonary bleb
Definition
Cavity in the lung much like a balloon;
may rupture to create a pneumothorax.
Term
Pulmonary circulation
Definition
Blood from the right ventricle is
pumped directly to the lungs for oxygenation through the pulmonary trunk; blood becomes oxygenated and
is then delivered through the pulmonary arteries for the left atrium.
Term
Pulmonary edema
Definition
A buildup of fluid in the lungs,
usually a complication of left ventricular fibrillation
Term
Pulmonary embolism
Definition
Movement of a clot into the
pulmonary circulation.
Term
Pulmonary embolus
Definition
A blood clot that has lodged in the
pulmonary artery, causing shortness of breath and hypoxia.
Term
Pulmonary trunk
Definition
Vessels that deliver blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation
Term
Pulmonary veins
Definition
Vessels that return blood to the left
atrium of the heart.
Term
Pulmonic valve
Definition
Right semilunar valve; separates the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk
Term
Pulp
Definition
Center of a tooth that contains nerves, blood
vessels, and connective tissue
Term
Pulse deficit
Definition
A difference between the apical pulse and the peripheral pulse rates
Term
Pulse generator
Definition
Power source that houses the battery and controls for regulating a pacemaker
Term
Pulse oximetry
Definition
A noninvasive method of measuring the
percentage of oxygen-bound hemoglobin
Term
Pulse pressure
Definition
The difference between the systolic and
diastolic blood pressures
Term
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
Definition
Organized electrical
activity observed on a cardiac monitor (other than ventricular tachycardia) without the patient having a
palpable pulse.
Term
Pulsus alternans
Definition
A beat-to-beat difference in the strength of a pulse (also called mechanical alternans).
Term
Pulsus paradoxus
Definition
A fall in systolic blood pressure of more than 10 mm Hg during inspiration (also called
paradoxic pulse).
Term
Pupil
Definition
Central opening in the iris.
Term
Purkinje fibers
Definition
Fibers found in both ventricles that conduct an electrical impulse through the heart
Term
Purpura
Definition
Reddish-purple nonblanchable discolorations
greater than 0.5 em in diameter; large purpura are called ecchymoses.
Term
Pustule
Definition
A lesion that contains purulent material.
Term
Pyelonephritis
Definition
Infection of the kidney.
Term
Pyrogenic
Definition
Substances, such as endotoxins from certain
bacteria, that stimulate the body to produce a fever
Term
Pyrophorics
Definition
Substances that form self-ignitable
flammable vapors when in contact with air.
Term
QRS complex
Definition
Several waveforms (Q wave, R wave, and S wave) that represent the spread of an electrical impulse through the ventricles (ventricular depolarization).
Term
Quadriplegia
Definition
Paralysis affecting all four extremities.
Term
Quality assurance
Definition
Programs designed to achieve a
desired level of care.
Term
Quality improvement
Definition
Programs designed to improve the level of care; commonly driven by quality assurance
Term
Quality improvement unit (QIU)
Definition
Trained and certified
quality specialists who have the knowledge and skills to measure dispatcher performance against
established standards accurately and consistently.
Term
Quarantine
Definition
The seclusion of groups of exposed but
asymptomatic individuals for monitoring.
Term
Quarantine
Definition
The seclusion of groups of exposed but
asymptomatic individuals for monitoring.
Term
R wave
Definition
On an EGG, the first positive deflection in the
QRS complex, representing ventricular depolarization.
Term
Raccoon eyes
Definition
Bruising around the orbits of the eyes.
Term
Racing thoughts
Definition
The subjective feeling that one's
thoughts are moving so fast that one cannot keep up;
often seen during manic episodes.
Term
Radio frequency
Definition
Channel that allows communication from one specific user to another. For simple commu­ nication, both users must be on the same frequency or channel.
Term
Radioactive
Definition
The ability to emit ionizing radioactive energy.
Term
Radioactive substances
Definition
Any material or combination of
materials that spontaneously emit ionizing radiation and have a specific activity greater than 0.002 mcCi/g (e.g., plutonium, cobalt, uranium 235, radioactive
waste).
Term
Radioactivity
Definition
The spontaneous disintegration of unstable nuclei accompanied by the emission of nuclear radiation
Term
Range of motion
Definition
The full and natural range of a joint's
movement.
Term
Rapid medical assessment
Definition
A quick head-to-toe assessment of a medical patient who is unresponsive
or has an altered mental status
Term
Rapid sequence intubation (RSI)
Definition
The use of medica­ tions to sedate and paralyze a patient to achieve endo­ tracheal intubation rapidly.
Term
Rapid trauma assessment
Definition
A quick head-to-toe assess­ment
of a trauma patient with a significant mechanism of injury.
Term
Rattles (rhonchi)
Definition
Attributable to inflammation and
mucus or fluid in the larger airway passages; descrip­ tive of airway congestion heard on inspiration. Rhonchi are commonly associated with bronchitis or pneumonia.
Term
Red blood cell count
Definition
The number of red blood cells per
liter of blood.
Term
Rebound tenderness
Definition
Discomfort experienced by the patient that occurs when the pressure from palpation is
released.
Term
Receptor
Definition
A molecule, such as a protein, found inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance (such as hormones, antigens, drugs, or neurotransmitters) and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.
Term
Rattles (rhonchi) Attributable to inflammation and
mucus or fluid in the larger airway passages; descrip­ tive of airway congestion heard on inspiration. Rhonchi are commonly associated with bronchitis or pneumonia.
Definition
Attributable to inflammation and
mucus or fluid in the larger airway passages; descrip­ tive of airway congestion heard on inspiration. Rhonchi are commonly associated with bronchitis or pneumonia.
Term
Red blood cell count
Definition
The number of red blood cells per
liter of blood.
Term
Rebound tenderness
Definition
Discomfort experienced by the patient that occurs when the pressure from palpation is
released.
Term
Receptor
Definition
A molecule, such as a protein, found inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance (such as hormones, antigens, drugs, or neurotransmitters) and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.
Term
Reciprocal change
Definition
Mirror image ECG changes seen in the wall of the heart opposite the location of an
infarction.
Term
Reciprocity
Definition
The ability for an EMS professional to use his or her certification or license to be able to practice in a different state.
Term
Recompression
Definition
A method used to treat divers with
certain diving disorders, such as decompression sickness.
Term
Rectal
Definition
The drug administration route for suppositories;
the drug is placed into the rectum (colon) and is absorbed into the venous circulation.
Term
Rectum
Definition
End of the sigmoid colon; feces are further compacted into waste here.
Term
Reentry
Definition
Spread of an impulse through tissue already stimulated by that same impulse.
Term
Referred pain
Definition
Pain felt at a site distant to the organ
of origin.
Term
Reflection
Definition
Echoing the patient's message using your own words.
Term
Reflection on actions
Definition
A final step that may involve a
personal reflection or a run critique; in certain
instances this may be done formally, but in most instances it is accomplished informally.
Term
Refractoriness
Definition
Period of recovery that cells need after being discharged before they are able to respond to a stimulus.
Term
Refresher education
Definition
The process of refreshing information and skills previously learned.
Term
Registration
Definition
The process of entering an individual's
name and essential information into a record as a means of verifying initial certification and monitoring recertification.
Term
Regurgitation
Definition
Backward flow of blood through a valve
during ventricular contraction of the heart.
Term
Rejection
Definition
In terms of organ transplantation, the process by which the body uses its immune system
to identify a transplanted organ and kill it; the medical management of posttransplant patients is largely
directed at preventing rejection.
Term
Relative refractory period
Definition
Corresponds with the downslope of the T wave; cardiac cells can be stimu­ lated to depolarize if the stimulus is strong enough.
Term
Relief medic
Definition
Emergency medical technician who has obtained additional training and certification in
disaster and relief medical operations.
Term
Rem
Definition
Roentgen equivalent man.
Term
Renal calculi
Definition
Kidney stones formed by substances such as calcium, uric acid, or cystine.
Term
Renal corpuscle
Definition
Large terminal end of the nephron.
Term
Renal insufficiency
Definition
A decrease in renal function to approximately 25% of normal.
Term
Renal pyramids
Definition
Number of divisions in the kidney.
Term
Repeater
Definition
A system that receives transmissions from a low-wattage radio and rebroadcasts the signal at a higher wattage to the dispatch center.
Term
Reperfusion phenomenon
Definition
Series of events that result from the reperfusion of tissue damaged in a crush
injury or tissue that is profoundly hypoxic; can lead to crush syndrome (rhabdomyolysis).
Term
Repolarization
Definition
Movement of ions across a cell
membrane in which the inside of the cell is restored to its negative charge.
Term
Res ipsa loquitur
Definition
Latin phrase meaning "the thing
speaks for itself." In negligence cases, this doctrine can be imposed when the plaintiff cannot prove all four components of negligence, but the injury itself would not have occurred without negligence (e.g., a
sponge left in a patient after surgery).
Term
Rescue
Definition
The act of delivery from danger or entrapment.
Term
Residual volume
Definition
After a maximal forced exhalation,
the amount of air remaining in the lungs and airway
passages not able to be expelled.
Term
Resistance
Definition
The amount of weight moved or lifted during isotonic exercise. Also the ability of the body to defend itself against disease-causing
microorganisms.
Term
Resistance stage
Definition
The stage of the stress response in which the specific stimulus no longer elicits an alarm reaction.
Term
Respiration
Definition
The exchange of gases between a living
organism and its environment.
Term
Respiratory arrest
Definition
Absence of breathing.
Term
Respiratory distress
Definition
Increased work of breathing
(ventilatory effort).
Term
Respiratory failure
Definition
Failure of the ventilation system of the body to provide sufficient oxygen to the body; does not require apnea.
Term
Respiratory membrane
Definition
Where gas exchange takes
place; oxygen is picked up in the bloodstream and
carbon dioxide is eliminated through the lungs.
Term
Respiratory membrane
Definition
Where gas exchange takes
place; oxygen is picked up in the bloodstream and
carbon dioxide is eliminated through the lungs.
Term
Respiratory membrane
Definition
Where gas exchange takes
place; oxygen is picked up in the bloodstream and
carbon dioxide is eliminated through the lungs.
Term
Respiratory syncytial virus
Definition
A virus linked to
bronchiolitis in infants and children.
Term
Respiratory tract
Definition
Passages to move air to and from the exchange surfaces.
Term
Respondeat superior
Definition
Latin phrase meaning "let the master answer." Under this legal doctrine, an
employer is liable for the acts of employees within their scope of employment.
Term
Response area
Definition
The geographic area assigned to an emer­ gency vehicle for responding to the sick and injured.
Term
Response assignment plan
Definition
An approved, consistent
plan for responding to each call type.
Term
Response mode
Definition
A type of response, either with or with­
out lights and sirens use.
Term
Response time
Definition
The time from when the call is received until the paramedics arrive at the scene.
Term
Restraint
Definition
Any mechanism that physically restricts an individual's freedom of movement, physical activity, or normal access to his or her body.
Term
Restraint asphyxia
Definition
Suffocation of a patient stemming
from an inability to expand the chest cavity during inspiration because of restraint and immobilization.
Term
Reticular activating system
Definition
Group of specialized
neurons in the brainstem; involved in sleep and wake cycles; maintains consciousness.
Term
Reticular cells
Definition
The cells forming the reticular fibers of connective tissue; those forming the framework of lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen are part of the
'reticuloendothelial system and under appropriate stimulation may differentiate into macrophages.
Term
Reticular dermis
Definition
Section of the dermis composed
of larger and denser collagen fibers; provides most of the skin's elasticity and strength. This layer contains most of the skin structures located within the dermis.
Term
Reticular formation
Definition
A cloud of neurons in the
brainstem and midbrain responsible for maintaining consciousness.
Term
Retina
Definition
Outer pigmented area and inner sensory layer that responds to light.
Term
Retinal detachment
Definition
A condition in which the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position, resulting in a loss of vision.
Term
Retinal detachment
Definition
A condition in which the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position, resulting in a loss of vision.
Term
Retreat
Definition
Leaving the scene when danger is observed or when violence or indicators of violence are displayed; requires immediate and decisive action.
Term
Retrograde
Definition
Moving backward or moving in the opposite­ direction to that which is considered normal.
Term
Retrograde amnesia
Definition
The inability to remember events or recall memories from before an event in which the head was struck.
Term
Retroperitoneal
Definition
Abdominopelvic organs found behind the peritoneum.
Term
Retrospective medical direction
Definition
Physician review of prehospital care reports and participation in the quality improvement process; a type of offiine medical direction.
Term
Reuptake
Definition
Absorption of neurotransmitters from the synapse into the presynaptic neuron to be reused or destroyed.
Term
Reuptake
Definition
Absorption of neurotransmitters from the synapse into the presynaptic neuron to be reused or destroyed.
Term
Review of systems
Definition
A review of symptoms for each organ system.
Term
Rhabdomyolysis
Definition
Complex series of events that occur in patients with severe muscle injury (e.g., crush
injuries); destruction of the muscle tissues results in a release of cellular material and acidosis that can lead to acute renal failure.
Term
Rheumatoid arthritis
Definition
A painful, disabling disease in which the body's immune system attacks the joints.
Term
Rhinitis
Definition
Runny nose; inflammation of the mucous
membranes of the nose, usually accompanied by swelling of the mucosa and a nasal discharge.
Term
Rhinorrhea
Definition
Persistent discharge of fluid (such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid) from the nose.
Term
Rhonchi
Definition
Rattling or rumbling in the lungs.
Term
Rhonchi
Definition
Rattling or rumbling in the lungs.
Term
Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
Definition
Specialized structures within the cell that carry genetic material for reproduction.
Term
Ribosome
Definition
Substance in organelle where new protein
is synthesized; forms the framework for the genetic
blueprint.
Term
Right
Definition
A position toward the right side of the body.
Term
Right block or left block
Definition
Terms describing a responding vehicle arriving on scene and turning at a right or left angle. In this block position, the emergency vehicle acts as a physical barrier between the crash scene work area and approaching traffic.
Term
Right coronary artery
Definition
Blood vessel that provides
oxygenated blood to the right side of the heart muscle.
Term
Risk factors
Definition
Traits and lifestyle habits that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease.
Term
Risus sardonicus
Definition
Distorted grinning expression caused by involuntary contraction of the facial muscles.
Term
Roentgens
Definition
Denote ionizing radiation passing through air.
Term
Rolling the dash
Definition
Rescue tasks involving strategic cuts
to the firewall structure followed by pushing, spread­ ing, or even pulling equipment to move the dash, fire­ wall, steering wheel, column, and pedals away from front seat occupants.
Term
Rollover protective structure
Definition
Rollover protective structure A structure mounted on a
tractor designed to support the weight of the tractor if
an overturn occurs; if a tractor has this structure and the operator wears a seat belt, the operator will stay in
the safety zone if the tractor overturns.
Term
Root word
Definition
In medical terminology, the part of the word that gives the primary meaning.
Term
Rotor-wing aircraft
Definition
Helicopter that can be used for hospital-to-hospital and scene-to-hospital transports;usually travels a shorter distance and is used in the prehospital setting for certain types of transport.
Term
Routes of administration
Definition
Various methods of giving drugs, including oral, enteral, parenteral, and inhalational.
Term
Rovsing's sign
Definition
Palpation of the abdomen in the left lower quadrant elicits pain in the right lower
quadrant.
Term
Sl
Definition
The sound of the bicuspid and mitral valves closing.
Term
S2
Definition
The sound of the closing of the pulmonary and aortic valves.
Term
Sacrum (sacral vertebrae)
Definition
A heavy, large bone at the base of the spinal cord between the lumbar vertebrae and the coccyx. Roughly triangular in shape, it
comprises the back of the pelvis and is made of the five sacral vertebrae fused together.
Term
Safety officer
Definition
The person responsible for ensuring that no unsafe acts occur during the emergency incident.
Term
Sagittal plane
Definition
Imaginary straight line that runs
vertically through the middle of the body, creating right and left halves.
Term
Saliva
Definition
Mucus that lubricates material like food that is
placed in it; enzymes begin the digestive process of
starchy material.
Term
Salivary glands
Definition
Located in the oral cavity; produce saliva.
Term
Saponification
Definition
A form of necrosis in which fatty acids
combine with certain electrolytes to form soaps.
Term
Sarin
Definition
A nerve agent.
Term
Saturation of peripheral oxygen
Definition
The percentage of
hemoglobin saturated with oxygen (Sp02).
Term
Scabies
Definition
A contagious skin disease of the epidermis
marked by itching and small raised red spots caused by the itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei).
Term
Scale
Definition
Thick stratum corneum that results from hyper­ proliferation or increased cohesion of keratinocytes (can include eczema or psoriasis).
Term
Scar
Definition
A collection of new connective tissue; may be
hypertrophic or atrophic and implies dermoepidermal damage.
Term
Schizophrenia
Definition
A group of disorders characterized by
psychotic symptoms, thought disorder, and negative symptoms (social isolation and withdrawal); types include paranoid, disorganized, and catatonic.
Term
Sciatica
Definition
Pain in the lumbar back and leg caused by
irritation and impingement of the sciatic nerve,
usually from a herniated disc.
Term
Sclera
Definition
Firm, opaque, white outer layer of the e ye; helps maintain the shape of the eye.
Term
Scope of practice
Definition
A predefined set of skills, interven­ tions, or other activities that the paramedic is legally authorized to perform when necessary; usually set by state law or regulation and local medical direction.
Term
Scrotum
Definition
Loose layer of connective tissue that support the testes.
Term
Sebaceous glands
Definition
Found in the dermis; secrete oil
(sebum) in the shaft of the hair follicle and the skin.
Term
Sebum
Definition
Oil secreted by the sebaceous glands in the shaft of the hair follicle and the skin; prevents excessive drying of the skin and hair; also protects from some forms of bacteria.
Term
Second messenger
Definition
A molecule that relays signals from a receptor on the surface of a cell to target mole­
cules in the cell's nucleus or internal fluid where a
physiologic action is to take place; also called a
biochemical messenger.
Term
Secondary apnea
Definition
When asphyxia is prolonged, a period
of deep, gasping respirations with a simultaneous fall in blood pressure and heart rate; gasping becomes weaker and slower and then ceases.
Term
Secondary blast injury
Definition
Injuries caused by shrapnel
from the fragments of an explosive device and from things that have been attached to it.
Term
Secondary contamination
Definition
The risk of another person or health care provider becoming contaminated with a
hazardous material by contact with a contaminated victim.
Term
Secondary cord injury
Definition
A spinal cord injury that
develops over time after a traumatic injury to the spinal column or the blood vessels that supply the
spinal cord with blood. Generally caused by ischemia, swelling, or compression.
Term
Secondary device
Definition
An explosive, chemical, or biologic device hidden at the scene of an emergency and set to
detonate or release its agent after emergency response personnel are on scene.
Term
Secondary hypertension
Definition
High blood pressure that has an identifiable cause, such as medications or an under­
lying disease or condition.
Term
Secondary injury prevention
Definition
Preventing further injury
from an event that has already occurred.
Term
Secondary skin lesion
Definition
Any lesion that has been altered by scratching, scrubbing, or other types of trauma.
Term
Secondary triage
Definition
conducted after the primary search;
determines the order of treatment and transport of the remaining patients.
Term
Secondary tumor
Definition
A tumor that has spread from its original­
location (e.g., lung tumor that spreads to brain);
also called metastasis.
Term
Secretion
Definition
Release of water, acids, enzymes, and buffers that aid in the breakdown and digestion of food in the
digestive tract.
Term
Secretory phase
Definition
Portion of the menstrual cycle in which the corpus luteum secretes progesterone to maintain the
endometrial lining in case of fertilization.
Term
Sedative-hypnotics
Definition
Prescription central nervous system depressant drugs that cause powerful relaxation and
euphoria when abused; typically barbiturates and
benzodiazepines.
Term
Segment Line between waveforms; named by the wave­
form that precedes and follows it.
Definition
Line between waveforms; named by the wave­
form that precedes and follows it.
Term
Seizure
Definition
A temporary alteration in behavior or
consciousness caused by abnormal electrical activity
of one or more groups of neurons in the brain.
Term
Self-injury
Definition
An unhealthy coping mechanism involving intentionally injuring one's own body, often through
cutting or burning oneself to relieve emotional
tension; also known as self-mutilation.
Term
Sellick maneuver
Definition
Technique used to compress the cricoid cartilage against the cervical vertebrae, causing occlusion of the esophagus, thereby reducing the risk of aspiration; cricoid pressure.
Term
Semicircular canals
Definition
Three bony fluid-filled loops in the internal ear; involved in balance of the body.
Term
Semilunar (SL) valves
Definition
Valves shaped like half moons
that separate the ventricles from the aorta and pulmonary artery.
Term
Seminal fluid
Definition
Liquid produced in the seminal vesicles.
Term
Seminal vesicles
Definition
Ducts that produce seminal fluids.
Term
Sensing
Definition
Ability of a pacemaker to recognize and
respond to intrinsic electrical activity.
Term
Sensorineural hearing loss
Definition
A type of deafness that
occurs when the tiny hair cells in the cochlea are damaged or destroyed. In addition, damage to the
auditory nerve prevents sounds from being transmit­
ted from the cochlea to the brain.
Term
Sensory cortex
Definition
Area of brain tissue on the frontal lobe
responsible for receiving sensory information from different parts of the body.
Term
Sepsis
Definition
Pathologic state, usually accompanied by fever,
resulting from the presence of microorganisms or their poisonous products in the bloodstream; commonly
called blood poisoning.
Term
Septic abortion
Definition
An abortion associated with intrauterine infection
Term
Septic arthritis
Definition
Invasion of microorganisms into a joint space, causing infection of the joint.
Term
Septic shock
Definition
Sepsis with hypotension, despite adequate fluid resuscitation, along with the presence of
perfusion abnormalities that may include lactic acido­ sis, decreased urine output, and a sudden change in mental status.
Term
Septicemia
Definition
A serious medical condition characterized by vasodilation that leads to hypotension, tissue hypoxia,
and eventually shock; usually caused by gram-negative
bacteria; diagnosed by blood tests called cultures.
Term
Septum
Definition
Tough piece of tissue that divides the left and
right halves of the heart.
Term
Serious apnea
Definition
Cessation of breathing for longer than 20 seconds or any duration if accompanied by cyanosis and sinus bradycardia.
Term
Serosanguineous discharge
Definition
Blood and fluid discharged
from the body.
Term
Serous membrane
Definition
Membrane that lines the thoracic,
abdominal, and pelvic cavities; composed of the parietal membrane, which adheres to the cavity wall, and the visceral membrane, which adheres to the organ.
Term
Serum base deficit
Definition
Implies that the blood buffer, bicarbonate, is being used to combat a metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs in the setting of numerous shock states, such as bum shock. This number is reported on a standard blood gas assay and is detected in an arterial or venous blood sample.
Term
Serum lactate
Definition
Measure in the blood; a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism. As such, it is a good measure of end organ and cellular perfusion in shock states. Elevated serum lactate levels, or lactic acidemia, implies that cells, tissues, or organs are not receiving adequate oxygen to carry out their metabolic activities.
Term
Sesamoid bones
Definition
Specialized bones found within
tendons where they cross a joint; designed to protect the joint (e.g., the patella [kneecap]).
Term
Severe sepsis
Definition
Sepsis associated with organ dysfunction, shock, or hypotension.
Term
Sexual abuse
Definition
Forced and/or coerced sex, violent sexual acts against the victim's will (rape), or withholding sex from the victim; includes fondling, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism, sexual exploitation, or exposure to pornography. According to the National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect, to be considered child abuse these acts must be committed by a person responsible for the care of a child (e.g., a babysitter, parent, or daycare provider) or related to the child. Child sexual abuse includes a range of behaviors such as oral, anal, or genital penile penitration; genital contact with no intrusion; fondling of a child's breasts or buttocks; indecent exposure; inadequate or inappropriate supervi­ sion of a child's voluntary sexual activities; and use of a child in prostitution, pornography, Internet crimes, or other sexually exploitative activities. If a stranger commits these acts, it is considered sexual assault and handled solely by the police and criminal courts.
Term
Sexual assault
Definition
Sexually explicit conduct used as an expression of interpersonal violence against another individual; nonconsenting sexual acts achieved through power and control.
Term
Shaft
Definition
The length of a needle; the needle shaft connects
to the hub. Also called the cannula.
Term
Shear points
Definition
Hazardous machinery locations created when the edges of two objects are moved toward or next to one another closely enough to cut a relatively soft material.
Term
Shingles
Definition
Infection of a nerve, often by the herpes zoster
virus, causing severe pain and a rash along a unilateral
dermatome.
Term
Shock
Definition
Inadequate systemic perfusion
Term
Short bones
Definition
Specialized bones of the skeleton designed for compactness and strength, often with limited movement (e.g., bones of the wrist [carpals])
Term
Short haul
Definition
The transport of one or more people externally suspended below a helicopter.
Term
Shoulder dystocia
Definition
Impaction of a newborn's anterior
shoulder underneath the mother's pubic bone,
slowing or preventing delivery.
Term
Shunt
Definition
Insertion of catheters into an artery and a vein from
outside the body. Most shunts are located on the fore­ arm. When not in use to dialize a patient, the catheters are connected to each other with clear tubing, allowing the continuous flow of blood from artery to vein, then covered with self-adhering roller gauze for protection.
Term
Side effect
Definition
An effect of a drug other than the one for which it was given; may or may not be harmful.
Term
Side impact airbags
Definition
Deployable airbags located inside any or all vehicle doors, front and rear outboard seatbacks, as well as along all or a portion of the roof line.
Term
Sighing
Definition
Involuntary and periodic slow, deep breath followed by a prolonged expiratory phase. Occurring approximately once per minute, the act of sighing is thought to open atelectatic (collapsed) alveoli.
Term
Sigmoid colon
Definition
Part of the large intestine.
Term
Signs and symptoms
Definition
Signs are a medical or trauma condition of the patient that can be seen, heard,
smelled, measured, or felt during an examination. Symptoms are conditions described by the patient,
such as shortness of breath, or pieces of information bystanders tell you about the patient's chief complaint.
Term
Silo gas
Definition
The gases produced from the fermentation of plant material inside a silo.
Term
Simple asphyxiants
Definition
Inert gases and vapors that
displace oxygen in inspired air (e.g., carbon dioxide,
nitrogen).
Term
Simple partial seizure
Definition
A seizure affecting only one part of the brain without an alteration in consciousness.
Term
Simple pneumothorax
Definition
Injury to the thoracic cavity in
which a lung is ruptured, allowing air into the space
between the chest wall and the lungs.
Term
Simplex
Definition
A system that allows only one-at-a-time
communication. The transmission cannot be inter­
rupted; both operators use the same frequency.
Term
Singular command
Definition
Command type involving one
agency.
Term
Sinoatrial node
Definition
Pacemaker site of the heart; where impulse formation begins in the heart.
Term
Sinus block (barosinusitis)
Definition
A condition of acute or
chronic inflammation of one or more of the paranasal
sinuses; produced by a negative pressure difference between the air in the sinuses and the surrounding atmospheric air.
Term
Sinus rhythm
Definition
A normal heart rhythm.
Term
Sinuses
Definition
Cavities within the bones of the skull that connect to the nasal cavity.
Term
Situational awareness
Definition
The state of being aware of
everything occurring in the surrounding environment
and the relative importance of all these events.
Term
Situational awareness
Definition
The state of being aware of
everything occurring in the surrounding environment
and the relative importance of all these events.
Term
Skeletal muscles
Definition
Muscles that affect movement of the skeleton, usually by voluntary contractions
Term
Skin grafting
Definition
Transplantation of skin, either from the same person or from a cadaver, to the site of a wound,
such as a bum.
Term
Skin turgor
Definition
The elasticity of the skin; good skin turgor
returns the skin's natural shape within 2 seconds.
Term
Slander
Definition
False statements spoken about a person that
blacken the person's character or injure his or her
reputation.
Term
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Definition
A disease in which a posterior displacement of the growth plate of the
femur occurs (the epiphysis).
Term
SLUDGEM
Definition
Mnemonic for salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastrointestinal pain, emesis, and miosis.
Term
Smallpox
Definition
A disease caused by variola viruses, which are members of the Orthopoxvirus family; eradicated in the 1970s but still remains a threat as a bioterrorism agent.
Term
Sneezing
Definition
Occurs from nasal irritation and allows
clearance of the nose.
Term
Sniffing position
Definition
Neck flexion at the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae, with the head extended at the first
and second cervical vertebrae. This position aligns the axes of the mouth, pharynx, and trachea, opening the
airway and increasing airflow.
Term
Snoring
Definition
Noisy breathing through the mouth and nose during sleep; caused by air passing through a narrowed upper airway.
Term
Social distance
Definition
The acceptable distance between strangers used for impersonal business transactions. In
the United States, social distance is 4 to 12 feet.
Term
Sodium bicarbonate
Definition
Neutralizes hydrochloric acid from the stomach.
Term
Solid organ
Definition
An organ (a part of the body or group of tissues that performs a specific function) without any channel or cavity within it; examples include the kidneys, pancreas, liver, and spleen.
Term
Solubility
Definition
Pertaining to the ease with which a drug can dissolve.
Term
Solution
Definition
A medication dissolved in a liquid, often water.
Term
Soman A G nerve agent.
Definition
The G agents tend to be
nonpersistent, volatile agents.
Term
Somatic
Definition
Portion of the peripheral nervous system that carries impulses to and from the skin and musculature; responsible for voluntary muscle control.
Term
Somatic delusions
Definition
False perceptions of the appearance
or functioning of one's own body
Term
Somatic nervous system
Definition
Division of the peripheral nervous system whose motor nerves control move­ ment of voluntary muscles.
Term
Somatic nervous system
Definition
Division of the peripheral nervous system whose motor nerves control move­ ment of voluntary muscles.
Term
Somatic pain
Definition
Pain that arises from either the cutaneous
tissues of the body's surface or deep tissues of the body, such as musculoskeletal tissue or the parietal peritoneum.
Term
Somatoform disorders
Definition
A group of disorders character­
ized by the manifestation of psychological problems as physical symptoms; this includes conversion disor­ der, hypochondriasis, somatization disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder.
Term
Sore throat
Definition
Any inflammation of the larynx, pharynx, or tonsils.
Term
Space blanket
Definition
A blanket resembling aluminum foil
used to help the patient maintain body temperature.
Term
Space-occupying lesion
Definition
A mass, such as a tumor or
blood collection, within a contained body space, such as the skull.
Term
Spacer
Definition
A hollow plastic tube that attaches to the metered­
dose inhaler on one end and has a mouthpiece on the other; sometimes called a holding chamber.
Term
Span of control
Definition
The amount of resources that one
person can effectively manage.
Term
Special needs
Definition
Conditions with the potential to interfere with usual growth and development; may involve physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, and forms of technologic support.
Term
Specialty center
Definition
A hospital that has met criteria to offer special care as a bum center, level I trauma center, stroke center, or pediatric center.
Term
Specific gravity
Definition
The ratio of a liquid's weight compared
with an equal volume of water (which has a constant value of 1); materials with a specific gravity of less than 1.0 float on water and materials with a specific gravity greater than 1.0 sink.
Term
Sperm
Definition
Mucus-type secretion made of prostatic fluid and
spermatozoa.
Term
Spermatic cord Nerves, blood vessels, and smooth muscle that surround the vas (ductus) deferens.
Definition
Term
Spermatocele
Definition
Benign accumulation of sperm at the epididymis presenting as a firm mass.
Term
Spermatogenesis
Definition
Spermatozoa formation.
Term
Spermatozoa
Definition
Product of the male reproductive system.
Term
Sphincters
Definition
Smooth muscles that regulate flow through the capillary beds.
Term
Spina bifida
Definition
Malformation of the meninges and spinal cord in utero, often leading to permanent physical
disabilities.
Term
Spina bifida occulta
Definition
Mildest form of spina bifida in which the spinal cord is intact but one or more
vertebrae fail to close in the lumbosacral area.
Term
Spinal cord
Definition
Part of the central nervous system that connects the brain to the periphery of the body;
contains the main reflex centers of the body.
Term
Spinal cord injury (SCI)
Definition
An injury to the spinal cord that results from trauma; usually a permanent injury.
Term
Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality
Definition
A spinal cord injury not detected on a standard radiograph.
Term
Spinal nerves
Definition
Paired nerves that originate from the
spinal cord and exit the spine on either side between vertebrae; each has a sensory root and a motor root.
Term
Spinal shock
Definition
Shock with hypotension caused by an
injury to the spinal cord.
Term
Spirit
Definition
A medication that contains volatile aromatic
substances.
Term
Split-thickness skin graft
Definition
A skin graft in which only a
fraction of the thickness of the natural dermis is taken.
Term
Spontaneous abortion
Definition
See Miscarriage.
Term
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)
Definition
Infection of cirrhotic fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Term
Spontaneous pneumothorax
Definition
Pneumothorax occurring without trauma, usually by rupture of a pulmonary bleb.
Term
Sprain
Definition
An injury to a ligament that results when the ligament is overstretched, leading to tearing or
complete disruption of the ligament.
Term
Stagnant phase
Definition
Vascular response in shock when precapillary sphincters open, allowing the capillary beds to engorge with fluid; follows the ischemic phase.
Term
Stair chair
Definition
A collapsible, portable chair with handles on the front and back used to carry patients in sitting
position down stairs.
Term
Standard of care
Definition
Conduct exercising the degree of care,
skill, and judgment that would be expected under like or similar circumstances by a similarly trained, reasonable paramedic in the same scenario.
Term
Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Definition
An organized set of guidelines distributed across the organization.
Term
Standing orders
Definition
Written instructions that authorize EMS
personnel to perform certain medical interventions before establishing direct communication with a physician.
Term
Standard precautions
Definition
Infection control practices in healthcare designed to be observed with every patient
and procedure and prevent the exposure to bloodbome pathogens.
Term
Stapes
Definition
The stirrup-shaped bone that links the middle ear to the inner ear; connects to the malleus and incus.
Term
Status asthmaticus
Definition
Condition of severe asthma that is minimally responsive to therapy; a serious condition.
Term
Status epilepticus
Definition
Any prolonged series of similar seizures without return to full consciousness between them.
Term
Statute
Definition
A law passed by a legislature.
Term
Statute of limitations
Definition
A law that sets the time limits within
which parties must take action to enforce their rights.
Term
Statutory law
Definition
Statutes and ordinances enacted by
Congress, state legislatures, and city councils.
Term
Steady state
Definition
An evenly distributed concentration of a drug in the plasma.
Term
Stellate laceration
Definition
A laceration with jagged margins.
Term
Stem cells
Definition
Formative cells whose daughter cells may give rise to other cell types.
Term
Stenosis
Definition
Abnormal constriction or narrowing of a
structure.
Term
Stereotyping
Definition
The attribution of some trait or character­
istic to one person on the basis of the interviewer's
preconceived notions about a general class of people of similar characteristics.
Term
Stereotyping
Definition
The attribution of some trait or character­
istic to one person on the basis of the interviewer's
preconceived notions about a general class of people of similar characteristics.
Term
Sterile
Definition
Free of any living organism.
Term
Sterilization
Definition
Process that makes an object free of all forms of life (e.g., bacteria) by using extreme heat or certain chemicals.
Term
Sterilize
Definition
To kill all microorganisms.
Term
Stimuli
Definition
Anything that excites or incites an organism or
part to function, become active, or respond.
Term
Stomach
Definition
Organ located at the inferior end of the
esophagus; large storage vessel surrounded by multiple layers of smooth muscle; cells within it produce acid.
Term
Stored energy
Definition
Any energy (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, compressed air, etc.) that has the potential
of being released either intentionally or inadvertently,
causing further injury or problems.
Term
Strain
Definition
An injury to a muscle that results when the muscle is overstretched, leading to tearing of the indi­
vidual muscle fibers.
Term
Strainer
Definition
A water hazard formed by an object or structure in the current that allows water to flow but
that strains out large objects, such as boats and people.
Term
Strangulation
Definition
Compression of the vessels that carry blood, leading to ischemia.
Term
Stratum corneum
Definition
Outer layer of the epidermis where
skin cells are shed.
Term
Stress
Definition
Mental, emotional, or physical pressure, strain, or tension resulting from stimuli.
Term
Stressor
Definition
A stimulus that produces stress.
Term
Stricture
Definition
A specific form of narrowing, usually from scar tissue formation.
Term
Stridor
Definition
A harsh, high-pitched sound heard on inspira­
tion associated with upper airway obstruction; often described as a high-pitched crowing or "seal-bark" sound.
Term
Stroke volume
Definition
Amount of blood ejected by either ventricle during one contraction; can be calculated as
cardiac output divided by heart rate.
Term
Struck-by
Definition
A situation in which a responder, working in or near moving traffic, is struck, injured, or killed
by traffic passing the incident scene.
Term
Stylet
Definition
A relatively stiff but flexible metal rod covered by plastic and inserted into an endotracheal tube; used for
maintaining the shape of the relatively pliant tube and
"steering" it into position.
Term
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Definition
Bleeding from the arteries between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater
that occurs suddenly and often is fatal.
Term
Subcutaneous (Sub-Q)
Definition
Injection of medication in a liquid form underneath the skin into the subcutaneous tissue.
Term
Subcutaneous emphysema
Definition
Air entrapped beneath the
skin, typically caused by rupture of a structure containing air; feels like crackling when palpated.
Term
Subcutaneous tissue
Definition
Thick layer of connective tissue
found between the layers of the skin; composed of adipose tissue and areolar tissue; insulates, protects, and stores energy (in the form of fat).
Term
Subdural hematoma
Definition
A collection of blood in the subdural space, which is between the dura mater and arachnoid layer of the meninges.
Term
Subdural space
Definition
Area below the dura mater; contains large venous vessels, drains, and a small amount of
serous fluid.
Term
Subjective information
Definition
Information told to the paramedic
Term
Sublingual
Definition
Medication placed under the tongue.
Term
Sucking chest wound
Definition
Open thoracic injury characterized by air being pulled into and pushed out of the wound during respiration.
Term
Sucking chest wound
Definition
Open thoracic injury characterized by air being pulled into and pushed out of the wound during respiration.
Term
Suffix
Definition
Added to the end of a root word to change the
meaning; usually identifies the condition of the root word.
Term
Suicide
Definition
The act of ending one's own life.
Term
Sulfur mustard
Definition
The most well known and commonly used of the vesicants.
Term
Summarization
Definition
Briefly reviewing the interview and
your conclusions.
Term
Summation
Definition
The combined effects of two or more drugs
equaling the sum of each of their effects.
Term
Superficial burn
Definition
A bum with a pink appearance that does not exhibit blister formation; painful both with
and without tactile stimulation (e.g., sunburn); also
known as afirst-degree burn.
Term
Superficial fascia
Definition
Connective tissue that contains the subcutaneous fat cells.
Term
Superficial partial-thickness burn
Definition
Bums involving the more superficial dermis. These bums have a moist, pink appearance, and when lightly touched, are
painful and sensate. Blood vessels, hair shafts, nerves,
and glands may be injured, but not to the extent that regeneration cannot take place.
Term
Superior
Definition
Situated above or higher than a point of
reference in the anatomic position; top.
Term
Superior vena cava
Definition
Vessel that returns venous blood from the upper part of the body to the right atrium of
the heart.
Term
Supernormal period
Definition
Period during the cardiac cycle when a weaker than normal stimulus can cause
cardiac cells to depolarize; extends from the end of phase 3 to the beginning of phase 4 of the cardiac action potential.
Term
Supine
Definition
Position in which the patient is lying on his or her back (face up).
Term
Supine hypotensive syndrome
Definition
A fall in the pregnant
patient's blood pressure when she is placed supine;
caused by the developing fetus and uterus pressing
against the inferior vena cava.
Term
Suppository
Definition
Medications combined to make them a solid at room temperature; when placed in a body
opening such as the rectum, vagina, or urethra, they
dissolve because of the increase in body temperature and are absorbed through the surrounding mucosa.
Term
Supraglottic
Definition
Any airway structure above the vocal cords (e.g., the epiglottis).
Term
Suprasternal notch
Definition
A depression easily felt at the base
of the anterior aspect of the neck, just above the angle of Louis.
Term
Supraventricular
Definition
Originating from a site above
the bifurcation of the bundle of His, such as the sinoa­
trial node, atria, or atrioventricular junction.
Term
Supraventricular dysrhythmias
Definition
Rhythms that begin in the sinoatrial node, atrial tissue, or the atrioventricular
junction.
Term
Surfactant
Definition
Specialized cells within each alveolus that
keep it from collapsing when little or no air is inside.
Term
Surge capacity
Definition
The ability to expand care based on a sudden mass casualty incident developed in the
emergency management plan.
Term
Susceptibility
Definition
Vulnerability or weakness; the opposite
of resistance.
Term
Suspension
Definition
Medication suspended in a liquid, such as an oral antibiotic.
Term
Sutures
Definition
Seams between flat bones.
Term
Sweat glands
Definition
Odor-forming glands in the body; two
types are merocrine and apocrine.
Term
Swimmer's ear
Definition
See Otitis externa.
Term
Sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous
system
Definition
Division of the autonomic nervous system that, when stimulated, provides a fight-or-flight
response, including increased heart rate, pupil dila­ tion, bronchodilation, and the shunting of blood to the muscles.
Term
Sympathetic nervous system
Definition
Division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stress or the classic fight-or-flight response.
Term
Sympatholytics.
Definition
Drugs that block or inhibit adrenergic receptors.
Term
Sympathomimetics
Definition
Drugs that mimic the sympathetic
division of the autonomic nervous system.
Term
Sympathy
Definition
Sharing the patient's feelings or emotional
state in relation to an illness.
Term
Symphysis
Definition
Cartilaginous joint; unites two bones by
means of fibrocartilage.
Term
Synapse
Definition
Microscopic space at the neuroeffector junction that neurotransmitters cross to stimulate target tissues.
Term
Synaptic communication
Definition
Method of intercellular communication in which neural cells communicate to adjacent neural cells by using neurotransmitters.
Term
Synaptic junction
Definition
The open space in which neurotrans­
mitters traverse to reach a receptor.
Term
Synaptic junction
Definition
The open space in which neurotrans­
mitters traverse to reach a receptor.
Term
Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation
(SIMV)
Definition
A ventilator setting.
Term
Syncope
Definition
A brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain.
Term
Syndesmosis
Definition
Joint in which the bones are united by fibrous, connective tissue forming an intraosseous membrane or ligament.
Term
Synergism
Definition
The interaction of drugs such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects.
Term
Synonym
Definition
A root word, prefix, or suffix that has the same or almost the same meaning as another word,
prefix, or suffix.
Term
Synovial fluid
Definition
Fluid located within the joint capsules of synovial joints; provides lubrication and cushioning during manipulation of the joint.
Term
Synovial joint
Definition
Freely movable; enclosed by a capsule
and synovial membrane.
Term
Synovium
Definition
Soft tissue that lines the noncartilaginous
surfaces of a joint.
Term
Synthetic drugs
Definition
Drugs chemically developed in a laboratory; also called manufactured drugs.
Term
Syrup
Definition
A medication dissolved in water with sugar or a sugar substitute to disguise taste.
Term
System
Definition
At least two kinds of organs organized to
perform a more complex task than can a single organ.
Term
System Status Management
Definition
The dynamic process of staffing, stationing, and moving ambulances based on projected call volumes; also called flexible
deployment.
Term
Systemic damage .
Definition
Damage remote to the site of exposure or absorption.
Term
Systemic effect
Definition
Drug action throughout the body.
Term
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Definition
A response
to infection manifested by a change in two or more of
the following: temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate,
and white blood cell count.
Term
Systole
Definition
Contraction of the heart (usually referring to ventricular contraction) during which blood is propelled into the pulmonary artery and aorta; when the term is used without reference to a specific cham­ ber of the heart, the term implies ventricular systole.
Term
Systolic blood pressure
Definition
The pressure exerted against the walls of the large arteries at the peak of ventricular contraction.
Term
T lymphocytes Cells present in the lymphatic system that mediate cell-mediated immunity (also known as
T cells).
Definition
Term
Tablets
Definition
Medications that have been pressed into a small
form that is easy to swallow. They are a specific shape, color, and may have engraving for identification.
Term
Tachycardia
Definition
A heart rate grater than 100 beats/min.
Term
Tachyphylaxis
Definition
The rapidly decreasing response to a
drug or physiologically active agent after administra­
tion of a few doses; rapid cross-tolerance.
Term
Tachypnea
Definition
A respiratory rate persistently faster than normal for age; in adults, a rate faster than
20 breaths/min.
Term
Tactical EMS
Definition
EMS personnel specially trained and equipped to provide prehospital emergency care in tactical environments.
Term
Tactical patient care
Definition
Patient care activities that occur
inside the scene perimeter or hot zone.
Term
Tangential thinking
Definition
A progression of thoughts related
to each other but that become less and less related to the original topic.
Term
Tardive dyskinesia
Definition
A neurologic syndrome caused by the long-term or high-dose use of dopamine antago­ nists, usually antipsychotic medications, characterized by repetitive, involuntary, and purposeless move­
ments. The patient may appear to be grimacing. Rapid movements of the face, tongue, and extremities occur.
Lip smacking, puckering, and rapid eye blinking may also be seen. No standard treatment is available. Symptoms may last for a significant period after removal of the offending agent.
Term
Teachable moment
Definition
The time just after an injury has occurred when the patient and observers remain
acutely aware of what has happened and may be more
receptive to learning how the event or illness could have been prevented.
Term
Teamwork
Definition
The ability to work with others to achieve
a common goal
Term
Teeth
Definition
Provide mastication of food products in prepara­
tion for entry into the stomach.
Term
Telemetric
Definition
A system set up as mayday call reporting,
such as On-Star and Tele-aid. This system can send
information from an automobile that has been involved in an accident directly to an emergency dispatch center with the exact location and the amount of damage that may have occurred.
Term
Telephone aid
Definition
Ad-libbed instructions most often used
in emergency dispatch centers by dispatchers who
have had previous training as paramedics, EMTs, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation providers; strictly relies
on the dispatcher's experience and prior knowledge of a particular situation or medical condition and is considered an ineffective form of telephone treatment.
Term
Telson
Definition
Venom-containing portion of a scorpion's abdomen that is capable of venomous injection into human beings.
Term
Temporal demand
Definition
Measurement of call demand by hour of the day.
Term
Temporal lobe
Definition
Section of the cerebrum that receives and evaluates smell and auditory input; plays a key role in memories.
Term
Temporal modeling
Definition
Predicting the times when calls
occur.
Term
Tendonitis
Definition
Inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse.
Term
Tendons
Definition
Tough, fibrous bands of connective tissue that
connect muscle to muscle and muscle to bones.
Term
Tension-building phase
Definition
Period when tension in the relationship is high and heightened anger, blaming, and arguing may occur between the victim and the
abuser.
Term
Tension pneumothorax
Definition
Life-threatening injury in which air enters the space between the lungs and the chest wall but cannot exit. With each breath, the pres­ sure increases until it prevents ventilation and causes death.
Term
Teratogen
Definition
A drug or agent that is harmful to the devel­
opment of an embryo or fetus.
Term
Term gestation
Definition
A gestation equal to or longer than
37 weeks.
Term
Terminal drop
Definition
A theory that holds that mental and physical functioning decline drastically only in the few years immediately preceding death.
Term
Terminal illness
Definition
Advanced stage of illness or disease with an unfavorable prognosis and no known cure.
Term
Tertiary blast injury
Definition
Injuries caused by the patient being thrown like a projectile.
Term
Testes
Definition
Male reproductive organs suspended within the scrotum.
Term
Testicular torsion
Definition
Twisting of the spermatic cord inside the scrotum that cuts off the blood supply to the testis.
Term
Testosterone
Definition
Male hormone secreted within the testes.
Term
Tetany
Definition
Repeated, prolonged contraction of muscles,
especially of the face and limbs.
Term
Tetraplegia
Definition
Paralysis to all four extremities as a result of a spinal cord injury high in the spine. The injury
can either be complete (a complete loss of muscle control and sensation below the injury site) or incom­ plete (a partial loss of muscle control or sensation below the injury site).
Term
Thalamus
Definition
Structure located within the limbic system that is the switchboard of the brain, through which
almost all signals travel on their way in or out of the brain.
Term
Therapeutic abortion
Definition
Planned surgical or medical evacuation of the uterus.
Term
Therapeutic dose
Definition
The dose required to produce a bene­
ficial effect in 50% of the drug-tested population; also called effective dose.
Term
Therapeutic abortion
Definition
Planned surgical or medical evacuation of the uterus.
Term
Therapeutic index
Definition
The ratio between the amount of drug required to produce a therapeutic dose and a
lethal dose of the same drug. A narrow therapeutic index is dangerous because the possibility of under­
dosing or overdosing is higher.
Term
Therapeutic threshold
Definition
The level of a drug that elicits a beneficial physiologic response.
Term
Thermogenesis
Definition
The process of heat generation.
Term
Thermolysis
Definition
A chemical process by which heat is dissi­ pated from the body; sometimes results in chemical decomposition.
Term
Thermoreceptor
Definition
A sensory receptor that responds to heat and cold.
Term
Third space
Definition
Extravascular and extracellular milieu; also known as the interstitium.
Term
Third space
Definition
Extravascular and extracellular milieu; also known as the interstitium.
Term
Thirst mechanism
Definition
Sensation activated by cells in the hypothalamus when cells called osmoreceptors detect an imbalance in body water; as the body is replenished by drinking fluid, the osmoreceptors sense a return to
baseline and tum off this mechanism.
Term
Thirst mechanism
Definition
Sensation activated by cells in the hypothalamus when cells called osmoreceptors detect an imbalance in body water; as the body is replenished by drinking fluid, the osmoreceptors sense a return to
baseline and tum off this mechanism.
Term
Thoracic vertebrae
Definition
A group of 12 vertebrae in the
middle of the spinal column that connect to ribs.
Term
Thought blocking
Definition
A symptom of thought disorder in which a patient is speaking and then stops mid­
sentence, unable to remember what he or she was
saying and unable to continue.
Term
Thought content .
Definition
The dominant themes and ideas of
a patient; may include delusions, hallucinations, and preoccupations
Term
Threatened abortion
Definition
Vaginal bleeding or uterine cramping during the first half of pregnancy without
cervical dilation.
Term
Threatened abortion
Definition
Vaginal bleeding or uterine cramping during the first half of pregnancy without
cervical dilation.
Term
Threshold limit value
Definition
The airborne concentrations of a substance; represents conditions under which nearly
all workers are believed to be repeatedly exposed day after day without adverse effects.
Term
Thrombocytes
Definition
One of three formed elements in the blood; also known as platelets.
Term
Thrombocytopenia
Definition
A lower than normal number of platelets circulating in the blood.
Term
Thromboembolism
Definition
Movement of a clot within the vascular system.
Term
Thrombophlebitis
Definition
Development of a clot in a vein in
which inflammation is present.
Term
Thrombophlebitis
Definition
Development of a clot in a vein in
which inflammation is present.
Term
Thromboplastin
Definition
Blood coagulation factor.
Term
Thrombus
Definition
Blood clot.
Term
Thrush
Definition
A fungal infection of the mouth.
Term
Thyroid storm
Definition
Severe form of hyperthyroidism charac­
terized by tachypnea, tachycardia, shock, hyperther­
mia, and delirium.
Term
Thyrotoxicosis
Definition
A condition in which the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone; also called hyper­
thyroidism or Graves' disease.
Term
Tidal volume
Definition
The volume of air moved into or out of the lungs during a normal breath; can be indirectly
evaluated by observing the rise and fall of the patient's
chest and abodmen.
Term
Time on task
Definition
The average time a unit is committed
to manage an incident.
Term
Tincture
Definition
A medicine consisting of an extract in an alcohol solution (e.g., tincture of iodine, tincture of
mercurochrome).
Term
Tinea capitis
Definition
Located on the head and scalp; appears as a round, scaly area where no hair is growing; diffuse scaling.
Term
Tinea corporis
Definition
Located on the body; appears annular
(e.g. ringworm).
Term
Tinea manuum
Definition
Located on the hands; appears as dry, diffuse scaling, usually on the palm.
Term
Tinea pedis
Definition
Located on the feet; appears as maceration
between the toes, scaling on soles or sides of the foot, sometimes vesicles and/or pustules.
Term
Tinea unguium
Definition
Located on or under fingernails or toenails; appears as dark debris under the nails.
Term
Tinea versicolor
Definition
Located on the trunk; appears as pink, tan, or white patches with fine, desquamating scale.
Term
Tinnitus
Definition
A ringing, roaring sound or hissing in the ears that is usually caused by certain medicines or expo­
sure to loud noise.
Term
Tissue
Definition
A group of cells that are similar in structure and function.
Term
Tocolytic
Definition
A medication used to slow uterine contractions
Term
Tolerance
Definition
Decreasing responsiveness to the effects of a drug; increasingly larger doses are necessary to achieve
the effect originally obtained by a smaller dose.
Term
Tongue
Definition
Muscular organ that provides for the sensation of
taste; also directs food material toward the esophagus. Tongue Muscular organ that provides for the sensation of
taste; also directs food material toward the esophagus.
Term
Tonic-clonic seizure
Definition
Form of generalized seizure with a tonic phase (muscle rigidity) and a clonic phase
(muscle tremors).
Term
Topical
Definition
Medication administered by applying it directly to the skin or mucous membrane.
Term
Tort
Definition
A wrong committed on the person or property of another.
Term
Total body surface area burned (TBSAB) Used to describe the amount of the body injured by a bum and expressed as a percentage of the entire body surface area.
Definition
Term
Total body water (TBW)
Definition
The total amount of fluid in the body at any given time.
Term
Totally blind
Definition
Description of someone who has no vision
and uses nonvisual media or reads Braille.
Term
Toxic organic dust syndrome
Definition
A flulike illness caused by the inhalation of grain dust, with symptoms includ­ ing fever, chest tightness, cough, and muscle aches; inhalation may occur in an agricultural setting or from covering a floor with straw.
Term
Toxicology
Definition
The study of poisons.
Term
Toxidrome
Definition
A classification system of toxic syndromes by signs and symptoms.
Term
Toxin
Definition
A poisonous substance of plant or animal origin.
Term
TP segment
Definition
Interval on the ECG between two succes­
sive PQRST complexes during which electrical activ­
ity of the heart is absent; begins with the end of the T wave through the onset of the following P wave and represents the period from the end of ventricular repo­
larization to the onset of atrial depolarization.
Term
Trachea
Definition
Air passage that connects the larynx to the lungs
Term
Tracheal stoma .
Definition
A surgical opening in the anterior neck that extends from the skin surface into the trachea, opening the trachea to the atmosphere
Term
Tracheal stoma
Definition
A surgical opening in the anterior neck that extends from the skin surface into the trachea, opening the trachea to the atmosphere.
Term
Tracheitis
Definition
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the trachea.
Term
Tracheostomy .
Definition
The surgical creation of an opening into the trachea
Term
Trade name
Definition
The name given a chemical compound by the company that makes it; also called the brand name or proprietary name.
Term
Transcellular compartment
Definition
Compartment classified as extracellular but distinct because it is formed from the transport activities of cells; cerebrospinal fluid, blad­ der urine, the aqueous humor, and the synovial fluid of
the joints are considered transcellular.
Term
Transdermal
Definition
Through the skin.
Term
Transection
Definition
A complete cutting (severing) across the spinal cord.
Term
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Definition
Neurologic dysfunc­ tion caused by a temporary blockage in blood flow; by definition the symptoms resolve within 24 hours but usually within 1 or 2 hours.
Term
Transient synovitis
Definition
A nonspecific inflammation of a joint, usually the hip, that affects the synovium and synovial fluid in children.
Term
Transverse colon
Definition
Part of the large intestine.
Term
Transverse plane
Definition
Imaginary straight line that divides the body into top (superior) and bottom (inferior) sections; also known as the horizontal plane.
Term
Traumatic asphyxia
Definition
Life-threatening injury in which
the thorax is severely crushed, preventing ventilation;
typically results in death.
Term
Traumatic iritis
Definition
An inflammation of the iris caused by blunt trauma to the eye.
Term
Triage
Definition
Classifying patients based on the severity of illness or injury.
Term
Trigeminal neuralgia
Definition
Irritation of the seventh cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), causing episodes of severe,
stabbing pain in the face.
Term
Trip audit
Definition
The review of a prehospital care report written by a paramedic to a peer or a third party.
Term
Tripod position
Definition
Position used to maintain an open airway
that involves sitting upright and learning forward with the neck slightly extended, chin projected, and mouth open and supported by the arms.
Term
Trismus
Definition
Spasm of the muscles used for chewing, result­
ing in limited movement of the mouth because of pain.
Term
Trunking system
Definition
A system that uses multiple repeaters
(five or more) so that the computer can search for an open channel to transmit by.
Term
Thbe trailers
Definition
Trailers that carry multiple cylinders of pressurized gases.
Term
Tuberculosis (TB)
Definition
A highly contagious bacterial
infection known for causing pneumonia and infecting other parts of the body.
Term
Tularemia
Definition
A disease resulting from infection of
Francisella tularensis; normally transmitted through
handling infected small mammals such as rabbits or rodents or through the bites of ticks, deerflies, or mosquitoes that have fed on infected animals; also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever.
Term
Tumor, benign
Definition
A cancer that is not malignant (i.e., is
not known for spreading and growing aggressively).
Term
Tumor, malignant A cancer that is known for being aggressive and spreading to other parts of the body. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha An inflammatory cytokine
released in response to a variety of physical trauma, including bums. In bum injuries, massive quantities
are produced by the liver; has been implicated as the causative agent in myocardial depression seen in
burns.
Tumor, primary A tumor in the location where it originates (e.g., a primary lung tumor is in the lung).
Tumor, secondary A tumor that has spread from its
original location (e.g., lung tumor that spreads to the brain); also called metastasis.
Tunica adventitia Outermost layer of the blood vessel;
made of mainly elastic connective tissue; allows the
vessel to expand to great pressure or volume.
Tunica intima Innermost layer of the blood vessel; composed of a single layer of epithelial cells; provides almost no resistance to blood flow.
Tunica media Middle layer of the blood vessel; mainly composed of smooth muscle; functions to alter the
diameter of the lumen of the vessel and is under auto­
nomic control, which enables the body to adjust blood flow quickly to meet immediate needs.
Tunics Layers of an elastic tissue and smooth muscle in
the blood vessels.
Tunnel vision Focusing on or considering only one
aspect of a situation without first taking into account
all possibilities.
Turbinates Large folds found in the nasal cavity; highly
vascular area in the nose that warms and humidifies inhaled air.
Turgor Normal tension of a cell or tissue.
Tympanic membrane A thin, translucent, pearly gray oval disk that protects the middle and conducts sound vibrations; eardrum.
Type and crossmatch Mixing a sample of a recipient's and donor's blood to evaluate for incompatibility.
Type I ambulance Regular truck cab and frame with a modular ambulance box mounted on the back.
Type II ambulance Van-style ambulance.
Type III ambulance A van chassis with a modified modular back.
Type IV (quaternary) blast injuries All other miscel­
laneous injuries caused by an explosive device.
Ulcer A full-thickness crater that involves the dermis and epidermis, with loss of the surface epithelium; this lesion is depressed and may bleed; it usually heals with scarring.
Umbilical An administration route that may be used on a newborn infant; because the umbilical cord was the primary source of nutrient and waster exchange, it
provides an immediate source of drug exchange.

Umbilical cord The cord, containing two arteries and a vein, that connects the fetus to the placenta.
Umbilical cord prolapse Appearance of the umbilical cord in front of the presenting part, usually with
compression of the cord and interruption of blood supply to the fetus.
Umbilical vein route Route of administration that achieves access through the one umbilical vein set between the two umbilical arteries.
Unethical Conduct that does not conform to moral stan­
dards of social or professional behavior.
Unified command Command type involving multiple
agencies.
Unintentional injury Injuries and deaths not self­ inflicted or perpetrated by another person (accidents). Unintentional tort A wrong that the defendant did not mean to commit; a case in which a bad outcome occurred because of the failure to exercise reasonable
care.
Unipolar lead Lead that consists of a single positive elec­
trode and a reference point; a pacing lead with a single electrical pole at the distal tip of the pacing lead (nega­ tive pole) through which the stimulating pulse is deliv­ ered. In a permanent pacemaker with a unipolar lead, the positive pole is the pulse generator case.
Unit hour utilization (UhU) A measure of ambulance
service productivity and staff workload.
United Nations (UN) number The four-digit number
assigned to chemicals during transit by the U.S. Department of Transportation; the 2004 Emergency Guidebook lists useful information about these chemicals.
Upper airway Portion of the respiratory tract above the glottis.
Upper flammable limit The concentration of fuel in the air above which the vapors cannot be ignited; above this point too much fuel and not enough oxygen are present to bum (too rich); also called the upper explo­ sive limit.
Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) Viral
syndrome causing nasal congestion, coughing, fever,
and runny nose.
Upregulation The process by which a cell increases the
number of receptors exposed to a given substance to improve its sensitivity to that substance.
Upstream A term describing the approaching traffic
side of the damaged vehicles and the crash scene.
Uremia A term used to describe the signs and symptoms
that accompany chronic renal failure.
Uremic frost Dried crystals of urea excreted through the skin that appear to be a frosting on the patient's
body.
Ureter Tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Urethra Passageway for both urine and male reproduc­
tive fluids; opening at the end of the bladder.
Urethral meatus Opening of the urethra between the clitoris and vagina.






Tumor, malignant A cancer that is known for being aggressive and spreading to other parts of the body. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha An inflammatory cytokine
released in response to a variety of physical trauma, including bums. In bum injuries, massive quantities
are produced by the liver; has been implicated as the causative agent in myocardial depression seen in
burns.
Tumor, primary A tumor in the location where it originates (e.g., a primary lung tumor is in the lung).
Tumor, secondary A tumor that has spread from its
original location (e.g., lung tumor that spreads to the brain); also called metastasis.
Tunica adventitia Outermost layer of the blood vessel;
made of mainly elastic connective tissue; allows the
vessel to expand to great pressure or volume.
Tunica intima Innermost layer of the blood vessel; composed of a single layer of epithelial cells; provides almost no resistance to blood flow.
Tunica media Middle layer of the blood vessel; mainly composed of smooth muscle; functions to alter the
diameter of the lumen of the vessel and is under auto­
nomic control, which enables the body to adjust blood flow quickly to meet immediate needs.
Tunics Layers of an elastic tissue and smooth muscle in
the blood vessels.
Tunnel vision Focusing on or considering only one
aspect of a situation without first taking into account
all possibilities.
Turbinates Large folds found in the nasal cavity; highly
vascular area in the nose that warms and humidifies inhaled air.
Turgor Normal tension of a cell or tissue.
Tympanic membrane A thin, translucent, pearly gray oval disk that protects the middle and conducts sound vibrations; eardrum.
Type and crossmatch Mixing a sample of a recipient's and donor's blood to evaluate for incompatibility.
Type I ambulance Regular truck cab and frame with a modular ambulance box mounted on the back.
Type II ambulance Van-style ambulance.
Type III ambulance A van chassis with a modified modular back.
Type IV (quaternary) blast injuries All other miscel­
laneous injuries caused by an explosive device.
Ulcer A full-thickness crater that involves the dermis and epidermis, with loss of the surface epithelium; this lesion is depressed and may bleed; it usually heals with scarring.
Umbilical An administration route that may be used on a newborn infant; because the umbilical cord was the primary source of nutrient and waster exchange, it
provides an immediate source of drug exchange.

Umbilical cord The cord, containing two arteries and a vein, that connects the fetus to the placenta.
Umbilical cord prolapse Appearance of the umbilical cord in front of the presenting part, usually with
compression of the cord and interruption of blood supply to the fetus.
Umbilical vein route Route of administration that achieves access through the one umbilical vein set between the two umbilical arteries.
Unethical Conduct that does not conform to moral stan­
dards of social or professional behavior.
Unified command Command type involving multiple
agencies.
Unintentional injury Injuries and deaths not self­ inflicted or perpetrated by another person (accidents). Unintentional tort A wrong that the defendant did not mean to commit; a case in which a bad outcome occurred because of the failure to exercise reasonable
care.
Unipolar lead Lead that consists of a single positive elec­
trode and a reference point; a pacing lead with a single electrical pole at the distal tip of the pacing lead (nega­ tive pole) through which the stimulating pulse is deliv­ ered. In a permanent pacemaker with a unipolar lead, the positive pole is the pulse generator case.
Unit hour utilization (UhU) A measure of ambulance
service productivity and staff workload.
United Nations (UN) number The four-digit number
assigned to chemicals during transit by the U.S. Department of Transportation; the 2004 Emergency Guidebook lists useful information about these chemicals.
Upper airway Portion of the respiratory tract above the glottis.
Upper flammable limit The concentration of fuel in the air above which the vapors cannot be ignited; above this point too much fuel and not enough oxygen are present to bum (too rich); also called the upper explo­ sive limit.
Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) Viral
syndrome causing nasal congestion, coughing, fever,
and runny nose.
Upregulation The process by which a cell increases the
number of receptors exposed to a given substance to improve its sensitivity to that substance.
Upstream A term describing the approaching traffic
side of the damaged vehicles and the crash scene.
Uremia A term used to describe the signs and symptoms
that accompany chronic renal failure.
Uremic frost Dried crystals of urea excreted through the skin that appear to be a frosting on the patient's
body.
Ureter Tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Urethra Passageway for both urine and male reproduc­
tive fluids; opening at the end of the bladder.
Urethral meatus Opening of the urethra between the clitoris and vagina.






Tumor, malignant A cancer that is known for being aggressive and spreading to other parts of the body. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha An inflammatory cytokine
released in response to a variety of physical trauma, including bums. In bum injuries, massive quantities
are produced by the liver; has been implicated as the causative agent in myocardial depression seen in
burns.
Tumor, primary A tumor in the location where it originates (e.g., a primary lung tumor is in the lung).
Tumor, secondary A tumor that has spread from its
original location (e.g., lung tumor that spreads to the brain); also called metastasis.
Tunica adventitia Outermost layer of the blood vessel;
made of mainly elastic connective tissue; allows the
vessel to expand to great pressure or volume.
Tunica intima Innermost layer of the blood vessel; composed of a single layer of epithelial cells; provides almost no resistance to blood flow.
Tunica media Middle layer of the blood vessel; mainly composed of smooth muscle; functions to alter the
diameter of the lumen of the vessel and is under auto­
nomic control, which enables the body to adjust blood flow quickly to meet immediate needs.
Tunics Layers of an elastic tissue and smooth muscle in
the blood vessels.
Tunnel vision Focusing on or considering only one
aspect of a situation without first taking into account
all possibilities.
Turbinates Large folds found in the nasal cavity; highly
vascular area in the nose that warms and humidifies inhaled air.
Turgor Normal tension of a cell or tissue.
Tympanic membrane A thin, translucent, pearly gray oval disk that protects the middle and conducts sound vibrations; eardrum.
Type and crossmatch Mixing a sample of a recipient's and donor's blood to evaluate for incompatibility.
Type I ambulance Regular truck cab and frame with a modular ambulance box mounted on the back.
Type II ambulance Van-style ambulance.
Type III ambulance A van chassis with a modified modular back.
Type IV (quaternary) blast injuries All other miscel­
laneous injuries caused by an explosive device.
Ulcer A full-thickness crater that involves the dermis and epidermis, with loss of the surface epithelium; this lesion is depressed and may bleed; it usually heals with scarring.
Umbilical An administration route that may be used on a newborn infant; because the umbilical cord was the primary source of nutrient and waster exchange, it
provides an immediate source of drug exchange.

Umbilical cord The cord, containing two arteries and a vein, that connects the fetus to the placenta.
Umbilical cord prolapse Appearance of the umbilical cord in front of the presenting part, usually with
compression of the cord and interruption of blood supply to the fetus.
Umbilical vein route Route of administration that achieves access through the one umbilical vein set between the two umbilical arteries.
Unethical Conduct that does not conform to moral stan­
dards of social or professional behavior.
Unified command Command type involving multiple
agencies.
Unintentional injury Injuries and deaths not self­ inflicted or perpetrated by another person (accidents). Unintentional tort A wrong that the defendant did not mean to commit; a case in which a bad outcome occurred because of the failure to exercise reasonable
care.
Unipolar lead Lead that consists of a single positive elec­
trode and a reference point; a pacing lead with a single electrical pole at the distal tip of the pacing lead (nega­ tive pole) through which the stimulating pulse is deliv­ ered. In a permanent pacemaker with a unipolar lead, the positive pole is the pulse generator case.
Unit hour utilization (UhU) A measure of ambulance
service productivity and staff workload.
United Nations (UN) number The four-digit number
assigned to chemicals during transit by the U.S. Department of Transportation; the 2004 Emergency Guidebook lists useful information about these chemicals.
Upper airway Portion of the respiratory tract above the glottis.
Upper flammable limit The concentration of fuel in the air above which the vapors cannot be ignited; above this point too much fuel and not enough oxygen are present to bum (too rich); also called the upper explo­ sive limit.
Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) Viral
syndrome causing nasal congestion, coughing, fever,
and runny nose.
Upregulation The process by which a cell increases the
number of receptors exposed to a given substance to improve its sensitivity to that substance.
Upstream A term describing the approaching traffic
side of the damaged vehicles and the crash scene.
Uremia A term used to describe the signs and symptoms
that accompany chronic renal failure.
Uremic frost Dried crystals of urea excreted through the skin that appear to be a frosting on the patient's
body.
Ureter Tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Urethra Passageway for both urine and male reproduc­
tive fluids; opening at the end of the bladder.
Urethral meatus Opening of the urethra between the clitoris and vagina.



Tumor, malignant
Definition
A cancer that is known for being aggressive and spreading to other parts of the body.
Term
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha
Definition
An inflammatory cytokine
released in response to a variety of physical trauma, including bums. In bum injuries, massive quantities
are produced by the liver; has been implicated as the causative agent in myocardial depression seen in
burns.
Term
Tumor, primary
Definition
A tumor in the location where it originates (e.g., a primary lung tumor is in the lung).
Term
Tumor, secondary
Definition
A tumor that has spread from its
original location (e.g., lung tumor that spreads to the brain); also called metastasis
Term
Tunica adventitia
Definition
Outermost layer of the blood vessel;
made of mainly elastic connective tissue; allows the
vessel to expand to great pressure or volume.
Term
Tunica intima
Definition
Innermost layer of the blood vessel; composed of a single layer of epithelial cells; provides almost no resistance to blood flow.
Term
Tunica media
Definition
Middle layer of the blood vessel; mainly composed of smooth muscle; functions to alter the
diameter of the lumen of the vessel and is under auto­
nomic control, which enables the body to adjust blood flow quickly to meet immediate needs.
Term
Tunics
Definition
Layers of an elastic tissue and smooth muscle in
the blood vessels.
Term
Tunnel vision
Definition
Focusing on or considering only one
aspect of a situation without first taking into account
all possibilities.
Term
Turbinates
Definition
Large folds found in the nasal cavity; highly
vascular area in the nose that warms and humidifies inhaled air.
Term
Turbinates
Definition
Large folds found in the nasal cavity; highly
vascular area in the nose that warms and humidifies inhaled air.
Term
Turgor
Definition
Normal tension of a cell or tissue
Term
Tympanic membrane
Definition
A thin, translucent, pearly gray oval disk that protects the middle and conducts sound vibrations; eardrum.
Term
Type and crossmatch
Definition
Mixing a sample of a recipient's and donor's blood to evaluate for incompatibility.
Term
Type I ambulance
Definition
Regular truck cab and frame with a modular ambulance box mounted on the back.
Term
Type II ambulance
Definition
Van-style ambulance.
Term
Type III ambulance
Definition
A van chassis with a modified modular back.
Term
Type IV (quaternary) blast injuries
Definition
All other miscel­
laneous injuries caused by an explosive device.
Term
Ulcer
Definition
A full-thickness crater that involves the dermis and epidermis, with loss of the surface epithelium; this lesion is depressed and may bleed; it usually heals with scarring.
Term
Umbilical
Definition
An administration route that may be used on a newborn infant; because the umbilical cord was the primary source of nutrient and waster exchange, it
provides an immediate source of drug exchange.
Term
Umbilical cord
Definition
The cord, containing two arteries and a vein, that connects the fetus to the placenta.
Term
Umbilical cord prolapse
Definition
Appearance of the umbilical cord in front of the presenting part, usually with
compression of the cord and interruption of blood supply to the fetus.
Term
Umbilical vein route
Definition
Route of administration that achieves access through the one umbilical vein set between the two umbilical arteries
Term
Unethical
Definition
Conduct that does not conform to moral stan­
dards of social or professional behavior.
Term
Unified command
Definition
Command type involving multiple
agencies.
Term
Unintentional injury
Definition
Injuries and deaths not self­ inflicted or perpetrated by another person (accidents).
Term
Unipolar lead
Definition
Lead that consists of a single positive elec­
trode and a reference point; a pacing lead with a single electrical pole at the distal tip of the pacing lead (nega­ tive pole) through which the stimulating pulse is deliv­ ered. In a permanent pacemaker with a unipolar lead, the positive pole is the pulse generator case.
Term
Unit hour utilization (UhU)
Definition
A measure of ambulance
service productivity and staff workload.
Term
United Nations (UN) number
Definition
The four-digit number
assigned to chemicals during transit by the U.S. Department of Transportation; the 2004 Emergency Guidebook lists useful information about these chemicals.
Term
Upper airway
Definition
Portion of the respiratory tract above the glottis.
Term
Upper flammable limit
Definition
The concentration of fuel in the air above which the vapors cannot be ignited; above this point too much fuel and not enough oxygen are present to bum (too rich); also called the upper explo­ sive limit.
Term
Upper respiratory tract infection (URI)
Definition
Viral
syndrome causing nasal congestion, coughing, fever,
and runny nose.
Term
Upregulation
Definition
The process by which a cell increases the
number of receptors exposed to a given substance to improve its sensitivity to that substance.
Term
Upstream
Definition
A term describing the approaching traffic
side of the damaged vehicles and the crash scene.
Term
Uremia
Definition
A term used to describe the signs and symptoms
that accompany chronic renal failure.
Term
Uremic frost
Definition
Dried crystals of urea excreted through the skin that appear to be a frosting on the patient's
body.
Term
Ureter
Definition
Tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Term
Urethra
Definition
Passageway for both urine and male reproduc­
tive fluids; opening at the end of the bladder.
Term
Urethral meatus
Definition
Opening of the urethra between the clitoris and vagina.
Term
Urinary bladder
Definition
Hollow organ that stores urine;
surrounded by smooth muscle.
Term
Urinary retention
Definition
The inability to empty the bladder or completely empty the bladder when urinating.
Term
Urinary system
Definition
Eliminates dissolved organic waste products by urine production and elimination.
Term
Urticaria
Definition
Also known as hives; a skin condition in which a wheal on the skin forms from edema; often caused by a reactions to a drug or through contact with substances (skin contact or even inhaled), causing hypersensitivity in the patient.
Term
Uterine cavity
Definition
Innermost region of the uterus.
Term
Uterine prolapse .
Definition
Protrusion of part or all of the uterus out of the vagina.
Term
Uterine tubes
Definition
Tubular structures that extend from each side of the superior end of the body of the uterus to the lateral pelvic wall; they pick up the egg released by the ovary and transport it to the uterus; also known as
fallopian tubes.
Term
Uterus
Definition
Muscular organ approximately the size of a pear;
grows with the developing fetus.
Term
Uvula
Definition
Fleshy tissue resembling a grape that hangs down from the soft palate.
Term
Vagina
Definition
Female organ of copulation, the lower part of the birth canal, extending from the uterus to the outside of the body; extends from the cervix to the outside of
the body.
Term
Vaginal orifice
Definition
Opening of the vagina.
Term
Vaginitis
Definition
An inflammation of the vaginal tissues.
Term
Vallecula
Definition
The depression or pocket between the base of
the tongue and the epiglottis.
Term
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus
Definition
Bacteria resistant to vancomycin (a potent antibiotic); commonly acquired by patients in the hospital or patients who have indwelling catheters.
Term
Vapor density
Definition
The weight of a volume of pure gas compared with the weight of an equal volume of pure dry air (which has a constant value of l); materials with a vapor density less than 1.0 are lighter than air and rise when released; materials with a vapor density greater than 1.0 are heavier than air and sink when released.
Term
Vapor pressure
Definition
The pressure exerted by a vapor against the sides of a closed container; a measure of volatility -high vapor pressure means it is a volatile substance.
Term
Varicella
Definition
An acute contagious vesicular skin eruption
caused by the varicella zoster virus (chickenpox).
Term
Varices
Definition
Distended veins.
Term
Varicocele
Definition
Dilation of the venous plexus and internal spermatic vein, presenting as a lump in the scrotum.
Term
Variola major
Definition
A member of the orthopoxvirus family that causes the most common form of smallpox; the most likely form of the organism to be used as a weapon.
Term
Vas deferens
Definition
Tubes that extend from the end of the epididymis and through the seminal vesicles; also
known as the ductus deferens.
Term
Vascular access device
Definition
Type of intravenous device used to deliver fluids, medications, blood, or nutritional therapy; usually inserted in patients who require long­ term intravenous therapy.
Term
Vascular headaches
Definition
Headaches that involve changes in the diameter or size and chemistry of blood vessels that supply the brain.
Term
Vascular headaches
Definition
Headaches that involve changes in the diameter or size and chemistry of blood vessels that supply the brain.
Term
Vascular resistance
Definition
Amount of opposition that the blood vessels give to the flow of blood.
Term
Vascular tunic
Definition
Layer of the eye that contains most of the vasculature of the eye.
Term
Vector
Definition
A mode of transmission of a disease, typically from an insect or animal
Term
Vegetative functions
Definition
Autonomic functions the body requires to survive.
Term
Vehicle hazards
Definition
Hazards directly related to the vehicle itself, including undeployed airbags; fuel system concerns; electrical system and battery electricity; stability of the vehicle; sharp glass and metal; leaking hot antifreeze; and engine oil, transmission oil, or antifreeze spills. Even the contents inside a vehicle's trunk or cargo area are typical vehicle hazards that can be encountered.
Term
Vehicle stabilization
Definition
Immediate action taken to prevent any unwanted movement of a crash-damaged vehicle.
Term
Vena cava
Definition
One of two large veins returning blood from the
peripheral circulation to the right atrium of the heart.
Term
Venipuncture
Definition
Piercing of a vein.
Term
Venom
Definition
The poison injected by venomous animals such as snakes, insects, and marine creatures.
Term
Venous return
Definition
Amount of blood flowing into the right atrium each minute from the systemic circulation.
Term
Ventilation
Definition
The mechanical process of moving air into
and out of the lungs.
Term
Ventral
Definition
Referring to the front of the body; anterior.
Term
Ventricles
Definition
Two pumping chambers in the heart.
Term
Ventricular fibrillation
Definition
Disorganized electrical activity
of the ventricular conduction system of the heart, result­ ing in inefficient contractile force. This is the main cause of sudden cardiac death in electrical injuries
Term
Venules
Definition
Small venous vessels that return blood to the
capillaries
Term
Verbal apraxia
Definition
Speech disorder in which the person has difficulty saying what he or she wants to say in a correct and consistent manner.
Term
Verbal stimulus
Definition
Any noise that elicits some sort of response from the patient
Term
Vertebrae
Definition
Specialized bones comprising the spinal column.
Term
Vertebral foramen
Definition
Open space in the middle of vertebra.
Term
Vertigo
Definition
An out-of-control spinning sensation not relieved by lying down
Term
Very high frequency
Definition
A type of radio signal used to make two-way radio contact between the communica­ tions center and the responders. Now considered old technology compared with more contemporary
800-MHz radio systems.
Term
Vesicants
Definition
Agents named from the most obvious injury they inflict on a person; will bum and blister the skin or any other part of the body they touch; also known as blister agents or mustard agents.
Term
Vesicles
Definition
The shipping containers of the cell. They are very simple in structure, consisting of a single
membrane filled with liquid; they transport a wide
variety of substances both inside and outside the cell.
Term
Vestibule
Definition
Term
Veterinary medical assistance team
Definition
Teams designed to
provide animal care and assistance during disasters.
Term
Vials .
Definition
Glass containers with rubber stoppers at the top
Term
Viral hemorrhagic fevers
Definition
A group of viral diseases of
diverse etiology (arenaviruses, filoviruses, bunyaviruses, and flaviviruses) having many similar characteristics, including increased capillary permeability, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, resulting in a severe multisystem syndrome.
Term
Viral shedding
Definition
Release of viruses from an infected host through some vector (e.g., sneezing, coughing,
bleeding).
Term
Virions
Definition
Small particles of viruses.
Term
Virulence
Definition
A term to describe the relative pathogenicity or the relative ability to do damage to the host of an infectious agent
Term
Virus
Definition
Microorganism that invades cells and uses
their machinery to live and replicate; cannot survive without a host, does not have a cell wall of its own, and consists of a strand of DNA or RNA surrounded by a capsid.
Term
Visceral
Definition
Portion of the peripheral nervous system that processes motor and sensory information from the
internal organs, includes the autonomic nervous
system.
Term
Visceral pain
Definition
Deep pain that arises from internal areas
of the body that are enclosed within a cavity.
Term
Visceral pleura
Definition
Lining of the pleural cavity that adheres tightly to the lung surface.
Term
Viscosity
Definition
The thickness of a liquid; a high-viscosity liquid does not flow easily (e.g., oils and tar); a low­ viscosity liquid flows easily (e.g., gasoline) and poses
a greater risk for aspiration and consequent pulmonary damage.
Term
Visual acuity card
Definition
A standardized board used to test vision.
Term
Vitreous chamber
Definition
The most posterior chamber of the
eyeball.
Term
Vitreous humor
Definition
Thick, jellylike substance that fills the
vitreous chamber of the eyeball.
Term
Voice over
Definition
Internet protocol Telephone technology
that gives Internet users the ability to make voice tele­
phone calls.
Term
Volatility
Definition
A measure of how quickly a material passes into the vapor or gas state; the greater the volatility, the greater its rate of evaporation.
Term
Volkmann contracture
Definition
A deformity of the hand,
fingers, and wrist caused by injury to the muscles of the forearm; also known as ischemic contracture
Term
Voltage
Definition
Difference in electrical charge between two points.
Term
Voluntary guarding
Definition
Conscious contraction of the
abdominal muscles in an attempt to prevent painful palpation.
Term
Volvulus
Definition
Intestinal obstruction caused by a knotting and twisting of the bowel.
Term
Vomiting
Definition
Forceful ejection of stomach contents through the mouth.
Term
Vowel
Definition
The letters a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y.
Term
Vulva
Definition
External female genitalia.
Term
Vulvovaginitis
Definition
Inflammation of the external female
genitalia and vagina.
Term
VX
Definition
Most toxic of the nerve agent class of military warfare agents.
Term
Warm zone
Definition
Area surrounding the hot zone that func­
tions as a safety buffer area, decontamination area, and as an access and egress point to and from the hot
zone; also called the contamination reduction zone.
Term
Warts
Definition
Benign lesions caused by the papillomavirus.
Term
Washout phase
Definition
Vascular response in shock when
postcapillary sphincters open, allowing fluid in the capillary beds to be pushed into systemic circulation; follows the stagnant phase.
Term
Water solubility
Definition
The degree to which a material or its vapors are soluble in water.
Term
Water-reactive materials
Definition
Materials that violently decompose and/or burn vigorously when they come in
contact with moisture
Term
Waveform
Definition
Movement away from the baseline in either a positive or negative direction.
Term
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Definition
Neurologic disorder
caused by a thiamine deficiency; most often seen in chronic alcoholics; characterized by ataxia, nystag­
mus, weakness, and mental derangement in the early stages. In later stages, the condition is much more likely to become permanent and is characterized by amnesia, disorientation, delirium, and hallucinations.
Term
Wheal
Definition
A firm, rounded, flat-topped elevation of skin that is evanescent and pruritic (itches); also known
as a hive
Term
Wheal
Definition
A firm, rounded, flat-topped elevation of skin that is evanescent and pruritic (itches); also known
as a hive
Term
Wheeze
Definition
A musical, whistling sound heard on inspiration
and/or expiration resulting from constriction or obstruction of the pharynx, trachea, or bronchi. Wheezing is commonly associated with asthma.
Term
Wilderness command physician
Definition
A physician who has received additional training by a Wilderness Emergency Medical Services Institute-endorsed course in wilderness medical care and medical direction of
wilderness EMS providers and operations.
Term
Wilderness emergency medical technician
Definition
An emer­
gency medical technician who has obtained EMT certification by Department of Transportation criteria and has completed additional modules in wilderness care; sometimes abbreviated as WEMT, W-EMT, or EMT-W
Term
Wilderness EMS
Definition
An individual or group that preplans
to administer care in an austere environment and then is called on to perform these duties when needed.
Term
Wilderness EMS system
Definition
A formally structured organi­ zation integrated into or part of the standard EMS system and configured to provide wilderness medical care to a discrete region.
Term
Wilderness first aid
Definition
A level of certification indicating a
provider has been trained in traditional first aid with added training in wilderness care and first aid admin­ istration in austere environments
Term
Wilderness first responder
Definition
A first responder who has obtained certification by Department of Transportation criteria and has completed additional modules in wilderness care.
Term
Wilderness medicine
Definition
Medical management in situa­ tions where care and prevention are limited by envi­ ronmental considerations, prolonged extrication, or resource availability.
Term
Window phase
Definition
The period after infection during which the antigen is present but no antibody is detectable.
Term
Withdrawal
Definition
Physical and/or psychological signs and
symptoms that result from discontinuing regular administration of a drug; effects are usually the oppo­
site of the effects of the drug itself because the body has changed itself to maintain homeostasis.
Term
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Definition
Type of preexcitation
syndrome characterized by a slurred upstroke of the
QRS complex (delta wave) and wide QRS
Term
Word root
Definition
The foundation of a word; establishes the
basic meaning of a word.
Term
Word salad
Definition
The most severe form of looseness of asso­ ciations in which the topic shifts so rapidly that it interrupts the flow of sentences themselves, producing a jumble of words.
Term
Workload management
Definition
Planning resources and support
services around demand.
Term
Wrap point
Definition
A machinery entanglement hazard formed
when any machine component rotates.
Term
Xenografting
Definition
Transplanting tissue from a member of a different species (e.g., porcine heart valves harvested
from pigs).
Term
Years of potential life lost (YPLL)
Definition
A method that
assumes that, on average, most people will live a productive life until the age of 65 years.
Term
Yeast
Definition
A unicellular type of fungus that reproduces by budding.
Term
Yersinia pestis
Definition
The anaerobic, gram-negative bacterium
that causes plague disease in human beings and rodents.
Term
Zone of coagulation In a full-thickness bum wound, the
central area of the bum devoid of blood flow. This
tissue is not salvageable and becomes visibly necrotic days after the injury.
Definition
Term
Zone of stasis or ischemia
Definition
Outside the zone of coagulation, where blood supply is tenuous. The capillaries may be damaged but oxygenated blood can still pass through them to perfuse the surrounding tissues.
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