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Emergency Medicine
A medical specialty in which physicians care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries which require immediate medical attention.
A medical specialty in which physicians care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries which require immediate medical attention.
Emergency Medicine Medical Terms
abrasion
Wearing away
activated charcoal
A form of charcoal with a high surface area that is specially formulated to bind to substances; used to prevent absorption of swallowed substances from the intestine
acute Myocardial Infarction
Heart attack
advanced life support (ALS)
A set of life-saving protocols and skills that extend Basic Life Support to further support the circulation and provide an open airway and adequate ventilation (breathing).
adverse effect
A harmful and undesired effect resulting from a medication or other intervention such as surgery
agonal respirations
An abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by gasping, labored breathing.
air ambulance
An aircraft used for emergency medical assistance.
airway adjuncts
The medical process of ensuring there is an open pathway between a patient's lungs and the outside world.
altered level of consciousness
any measure of arousal other than normal
alveolus (plural: alveoli)
The tiny air flaps in the lungs.
ambulance
Vehicle for carrying to hospital
anaphylactic shock
A widespread and very serious allergic reaction.
anaphylaxis
A life-threatening type of allergic reaction
anatomical position
The position with the body erect with the arms at the sides and the palms forward.
angina pectoris
The chest pain due to ischemia (a lack of blood, thus a lack of oxygen supply and waste removal)
anterior
Situated before or at the front of
aphasia
A lack of language abilities that results from damage to the brain
apnea
A temporary suspension of absence of breathing
arachnoid layer
The arachnoid mater, is one of the three meninges, the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord
arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm, such as beating too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly.
asthma
A disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
atrial fibrillation (AF or A-fib)
The most common cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat).
automated external defibrillator (AED)
A portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation
avulsion
tearing away
basic life support
Basic life support (BLS) is the level of medical care which is used for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries until the patient can be given full medical care at a hospital.
body substance isolation (BSI)
Body substance isolation is a practice of isolating all body substances (blood, urine, feces, tears, etc.) of individuals undergoing medical treatment, particularly emergency medical treatment of those who might be infected with illnesses such as HIV, or hepatitis so as to reduce as much as possible the chances of transmitting these illnesses
bradycardia
Too slow heart beats
broken bones
Fractures
bronchodilators
A bronchodilator is a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs.
bronchospasm
A sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles.
capillary refill time (CRT)
Cardiac arrest
The cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively
cardiogenic shock
A state in which the heart has been damaged so much that it is unable to supply enough blood to the organs of the body.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure which is performed in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person in cardiac arrest.
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
A stroke
cervical collar (neck brace)
An orthopedic medical device used to support a patient's neck and head.
chest compression
The prevention of the expansion of the chest.
chief complaint (CC)
A concise statement describing the symptom, problem, condition, diagnosis, physician recommended return, or other factor that is the reason for a medical encounter.
choking
The mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs.
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
A progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe
closed (simple) fracture
Fractures are those in which the skin is intact
closed head injury
Closed head injuries are a type of traumatic brain injury in which the skull and dura mater remain intact.
collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
The collection of air in the space around the lungs.
complete fracture
A fracture in which bone fragments separate completely.
concussion
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may result in a bad headache, altered levels of alertness, or unconsciousness.
congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
A condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body.
contusion
A bruise
crackles
Crackles, crepitations, or rales are the clicking, rattling, or crackling noises that may be made by one or both lungs of a human with a respiratory disease during inhalation.
crepitus
A clinical symptom characterized by peculiar cracking
C-spine
Cervical spine
cyanosis
Cyanosis is the appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to the tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen.
defibrillation
Defibrillation is a common treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Deformity/ dysmorphism
A major difference in the shape of body part or organ compared to the average shape of that part.
diabetes mellitus
A group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced.
diaphoresis/ hyperhidrosis
A medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably.
diaphoretic
Having the power to increase perspiration
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl),
A drug used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions.
direct pressure
Most effective method to control bleeding.
disease
An illness.
Dislocation/ luxation
A separation of two bones where they meet at a joint.
distal
Away from point
do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order
A request not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops.
dura mater
The outermost of the three layers of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
E911/Enhanced 911
Modern evolution of telecommunications.
edema
Excess fluid between tissue cells.
elastic bandage/ACE bandage
A stretchable bandage used to create localized pressure.
emergency medical services (EMS)
A type of emergency service dedicated to providing out-of-hospital acute medical care, transport to definitive care, and other medical transport to patients with illnesses and injuries which prevent the patient from transporting themselves
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/ Ambulance Technician
A healthcare provider of emergency medical services.
EMT-Basic (EMT-B)
EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I)
EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P)
epidural hematoma
A bleeding between the inside of the skull and the outer covering of the brain (called the "dura").
epiglottis
A flap that is made of elastic cartilage tissue covered with a mucous membrane, attached to the entrance of the larynx.
epilepsy
A brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time.
EpiPen
Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
febrile
Having or showing the symptoms of a fever.
fight or fight response
The body's response to perceived threat or danger.
first aid
The provision of initial care for an illness or injury.
first responder
A person who has completed a course and received certification in providing pre-hospital care for medical emergencies.
flail chest
A flail chest is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when a segment of the rib cage breaks under extreme stress and becomes detached from the rest of the chest wall.
fracture
A medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
A neurological scale that aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person for initial as well as subsequent assessment.
glucose
A simple sugar (monosaccharide) and an important carbohydrate in biology.
greenstick fracture
A fracture in a young, soft bone in which the bone gets eaten away and partially breaks.
hazardous materials (HAZMAT)
A dangerous good is any solid, liquid, or gas that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment.
head-tilt chin-lift
The primary maneuver used in any patient in whom cervical spine injury is not a concern.
hemiparesis
A weakness on one side of the body.
hemiplegia
A total paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body.
hemorrhage
Bleeding or the abnormal flow of blood.
hypertension
High blood pressure
hyperventilation/overbreathing
The state of breathing faster or deeper than normal, causing excessive expulsion of circulating carbon dioxide.
Incident Command System (ICS)
A systematic tool used for the command, control, and coordination of emergency response
incomplete fracture
A fracture that does not extend through the full transverse width of a bone.
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
A medical term that describes diabetes mellitus that requires insulin therapy to avoid ketoacidosis.
Intravenous (IV)
Within or administered into a vein.
intravenous cannula
A cannula or canula is a tube that can be inserted into the body, often for the delivery or removal of fluid or for the gathering of data.
ischemia
An inadequate supply of blood to a part of the body, caused by partial or total blockage of an artery.
jaw thrust maneuver
An effective airway technique , particularly in the patient in whom cervical spine injury is a concern.
Kendrick Extrication Device (KED)
A device that is used in vehicle extrication to remove victims of traffic collisions from motor vehicles.
laceration
A jagged wound or cut
larynx (plural larynges)
Voice box
level of consciousness (LOC)
A measurement of a person's arousability and responsiveness to stimuli from the environment.
local reaction
A reaction to treatment that occurs at the site at which it was administered.
long spine board/spinal board
A patient handling device used primarily in pre-hospital trauma care designed to provide rigid support during movement of a patient with suspected spinal or limb injuries.
manual cervical immobilization
mass (multiple) casualty incident (MCI)
Any incident in which emergency medical services resources, such as personnel and equipment, are overwhelmed by the number and severity of casualties
mechanism of injury
The mechanism of injury refers to the way damage to skin, muscles, organs and bones happen.
medical alert
medical condition
A broad term that includes all diseases and disorders.
medical direction/ online medical direction
A paramedic or emergency medical technician (EMT) to contact a physician from the field via radio or other means to obtain instructions on further care of a patient
meninges
A protective spine and brain membranes
meningitis
Inflammation of meninges.
myocardial infarction (MI)
Heart attack
nasal cannula (NC)
A device used to deliver supplemental oxygen or airflow to a patient or person in need of respiratory help.
nasopharyngeal (nasal) airway (NPA)
A tube that is designed to be inserted into the nasal passageway to secure an open airway
necrosis
The premature death of cells in living tissue
nitroglycerin
Medicine used to treat high blood pressure during surgery
non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus ( NIDDM)
A metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.
Non-rebreather mask (NRB)
A device used in medical emergencies that require oxygen therapy.
online medical control
open fracture/compound fracture
An injury where a broken bone is open through the skin.
OPQRST
OPQRST is an mnemonic initialism used by persons performing first aid, or medical providers, in order to facilitate taking a patient's symptoms and history in the event of an acute illness. It is specifically adapted to elicit symptoms of a possible heart attack
organ
A collection of tissues joined in structural unit to serve a common function
oriented
Supporting particular view
oropharyngeal (oral) airway
A medical device called an airway adjunct used to maintain a patent (open) airway
over the counter drugs
The drugs are medicines that may be sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare professional
over the counter drugs (OTC)
The drugs which typically stored behind the counter.
packaging
paramedic
Emergency medical worker
past medical history (PMH)
The medical history of a patient is information gained by a physician by asking specific questions, either of the patient or of other people who know the person and can give suitable information with the aim of obtaining information useful in formulating a diagnosis and providing medical care to the patient.
patent airway
A patent airway is one that is open and clear, where the patient is able to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.
perfusion
To introduce a liquid into tissue or an organ by circulating it through blood vessels or other channels within the body.
pertinent negative
Absence of a sign or symptom that helps substantiate or identify a patient's condition
pertinent positive
Presence of a sign or symptom that helps substantiate or identify a patient's condition
pharynx
The human pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the throat situated immediately posterior to (behind) the mouth and nasal cavity, and superior to the esophagus and larynx.
physiology
Study of functioning of living cells
pia mater
Membrane around brain and spine
posterior
behind
prehospital
Occurring before or during transportation (as of a trauma victim) to a hospital
prehospital care report (PCR)
prescription
Witten order of medicine
protocols
Medical guidelines for a medical treatment
proximal
Neat the center of the body
pulmonary aspiration
The entry of material (such as pharyngeal secretions, food or drink, or stomach contents) from the oropharynx or gastrointestinal tract into the larynx (voice box) and lower respiratory tract (the portions of the respiratory system from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs).
pulmonary embolism (PE)
A blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body
pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
A condition where there is a rhythm noted on the monitor that should result in adequate perfusion, but the patient is pulseless and apneic
rales
An intermittent crackling or bubbling sound produced by fluid in the air passages and air sacs of the lungs and heard through a stethoscope
refusal of care
Declined treatment based on an informed consent
rescue breathing
The act of breathing for a person who is not breathing, yet has a pulse
respiratory arrest
The cessation of breathing
SAMPLE History
An mnemonic acronym to remember key questions for a person's assessment.
scope of arrest
shock
Failure of the circulatory system to perfuse tissues; hypoperfusion of the circulatory system
side effect
adverse effect
sign
Something that indicates or expresses the existence of something else not immediately apparent
snoring
Noisy, raspy breathing, usually with the mouth open; indicates an airway obstruction
spinal immobilization
critical trauma patient care that involves the maintenance of the spinal column, in-line, in place so that further injury to that area will be prevented during patient removal or handling.
splint
Device to immobilize broken bone
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Formal guidelines developed by emergency organizations to assist in preplanning emergency operations and procedures before the incident
standing orders
stridor
Abnormal, high-pitched musical sound caused by an obstruction in trachea or larynx usually heard during inspiration
subcutaneous emphysema
Subcutaneous refers to the tissue beneath the cutis of the skin, and emphysema refers to trapped air.
subdural hematoma
A collection of blood on the surface of the brain.
symptom
An indication of a disease or other disorder, especially one experienced by the patient
syncope
brief lapse in consciousness
systemic reaction
T.K.O. rate
"To Keep Open" rate of infusing the IV solution
tachycardia
An excessively rapid heartbeat, typically regarded as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute in a resting adult
tissue
A group of cells in organism
tourniquet
Device to stop breathing
trachea
Windpipe
transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)/mini stroke
A stroke-like neurologic deficit that completely resolves within minutes to hours
triage
Prioritization of patients for medical treatment
unconscious
Experiencing loss of senses
ventricular Fibrillation (VF or V-Fib)
dysrhythmia in which the heart is in a state of disorganized electrical and mechanical activity, resulting in a lack of blood flow; treated with defibrillation
ventricular tachycardia (VT)
A rapid heartbeat that starts in the ventricles
vertigo
Dizzy sensation
wheezes
high-pitched sounds heard when air moves through constricted airways; commonly occurs in patients with asthma.
wheezing
A sign that a person may be having breathing problems.
wide open rate
No restriction of fluid flow from the IV bag to the patient
Wearing away
activated charcoal
A form of charcoal with a high surface area that is specially formulated to bind to substances; used to prevent absorption of swallowed substances from the intestine
acute Myocardial Infarction
Heart attack
advanced life support (ALS)
A set of life-saving protocols and skills that extend Basic Life Support to further support the circulation and provide an open airway and adequate ventilation (breathing).
adverse effect
A harmful and undesired effect resulting from a medication or other intervention such as surgery
agonal respirations
An abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by gasping, labored breathing.
air ambulance
An aircraft used for emergency medical assistance.
airway adjuncts
The medical process of ensuring there is an open pathway between a patient's lungs and the outside world.
altered level of consciousness
any measure of arousal other than normal
alveolus (plural: alveoli)
The tiny air flaps in the lungs.
ambulance
Vehicle for carrying to hospital
anaphylactic shock
A widespread and very serious allergic reaction.
anaphylaxis
A life-threatening type of allergic reaction
anatomical position
The position with the body erect with the arms at the sides and the palms forward.
angina pectoris
The chest pain due to ischemia (a lack of blood, thus a lack of oxygen supply and waste removal)
anterior
Situated before or at the front of
aphasia
A lack of language abilities that results from damage to the brain
apnea
A temporary suspension of absence of breathing
arachnoid layer
The arachnoid mater, is one of the three meninges, the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord
arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm, such as beating too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly.
asthma
A disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
atrial fibrillation (AF or A-fib)
The most common cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat).
automated external defibrillator (AED)
A portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation
avulsion
tearing away
basic life support
Basic life support (BLS) is the level of medical care which is used for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries until the patient can be given full medical care at a hospital.
body substance isolation (BSI)
Body substance isolation is a practice of isolating all body substances (blood, urine, feces, tears, etc.) of individuals undergoing medical treatment, particularly emergency medical treatment of those who might be infected with illnesses such as HIV, or hepatitis so as to reduce as much as possible the chances of transmitting these illnesses
bradycardia
Too slow heart beats
broken bones
Fractures
bronchodilators
A bronchodilator is a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs.
bronchospasm
A sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles.
capillary refill time (CRT)
Cardiac arrest
The cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively
cardiogenic shock
A state in which the heart has been damaged so much that it is unable to supply enough blood to the organs of the body.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure which is performed in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person in cardiac arrest.
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
A stroke
cervical collar (neck brace)
An orthopedic medical device used to support a patient's neck and head.
chest compression
The prevention of the expansion of the chest.
chief complaint (CC)
A concise statement describing the symptom, problem, condition, diagnosis, physician recommended return, or other factor that is the reason for a medical encounter.
choking
The mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs.
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
A progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe
closed (simple) fracture
Fractures are those in which the skin is intact
closed head injury
Closed head injuries are a type of traumatic brain injury in which the skull and dura mater remain intact.
collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
The collection of air in the space around the lungs.
complete fracture
A fracture in which bone fragments separate completely.
concussion
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may result in a bad headache, altered levels of alertness, or unconsciousness.
congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
A condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body.
contusion
A bruise
crackles
Crackles, crepitations, or rales are the clicking, rattling, or crackling noises that may be made by one or both lungs of a human with a respiratory disease during inhalation.
crepitus
A clinical symptom characterized by peculiar cracking
C-spine
Cervical spine
cyanosis
Cyanosis is the appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to the tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen.
defibrillation
Defibrillation is a common treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Deformity/ dysmorphism
A major difference in the shape of body part or organ compared to the average shape of that part.
diabetes mellitus
A group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced.
diaphoresis/ hyperhidrosis
A medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably.
diaphoretic
Having the power to increase perspiration
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl),
A drug used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions.
direct pressure
Most effective method to control bleeding.
disease
An illness.
Dislocation/ luxation
A separation of two bones where they meet at a joint.
distal
Away from point
do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order
A request not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops.
dura mater
The outermost of the three layers of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
E911/Enhanced 911
Modern evolution of telecommunications.
edema
Excess fluid between tissue cells.
elastic bandage/ACE bandage
A stretchable bandage used to create localized pressure.
emergency medical services (EMS)
A type of emergency service dedicated to providing out-of-hospital acute medical care, transport to definitive care, and other medical transport to patients with illnesses and injuries which prevent the patient from transporting themselves
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/ Ambulance Technician
A healthcare provider of emergency medical services.
EMT-Basic (EMT-B)
EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I)
EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P)
epidural hematoma
A bleeding between the inside of the skull and the outer covering of the brain (called the "dura").
epiglottis
A flap that is made of elastic cartilage tissue covered with a mucous membrane, attached to the entrance of the larynx.
epilepsy
A brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time.
EpiPen
Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
febrile
Having or showing the symptoms of a fever.
fight or fight response
The body's response to perceived threat or danger.
first aid
The provision of initial care for an illness or injury.
first responder
A person who has completed a course and received certification in providing pre-hospital care for medical emergencies.
flail chest
A flail chest is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when a segment of the rib cage breaks under extreme stress and becomes detached from the rest of the chest wall.
fracture
A medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
A neurological scale that aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person for initial as well as subsequent assessment.
glucose
A simple sugar (monosaccharide) and an important carbohydrate in biology.
greenstick fracture
A fracture in a young, soft bone in which the bone gets eaten away and partially breaks.
hazardous materials (HAZMAT)
A dangerous good is any solid, liquid, or gas that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment.
head-tilt chin-lift
The primary maneuver used in any patient in whom cervical spine injury is not a concern.
hemiparesis
A weakness on one side of the body.
hemiplegia
A total paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body.
hemorrhage
Bleeding or the abnormal flow of blood.
hypertension
High blood pressure
hyperventilation/overbreathing
The state of breathing faster or deeper than normal, causing excessive expulsion of circulating carbon dioxide.
Incident Command System (ICS)
A systematic tool used for the command, control, and coordination of emergency response
incomplete fracture
A fracture that does not extend through the full transverse width of a bone.
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
A medical term that describes diabetes mellitus that requires insulin therapy to avoid ketoacidosis.
Intravenous (IV)
Within or administered into a vein.
intravenous cannula
A cannula or canula is a tube that can be inserted into the body, often for the delivery or removal of fluid or for the gathering of data.
ischemia
An inadequate supply of blood to a part of the body, caused by partial or total blockage of an artery.
jaw thrust maneuver
An effective airway technique , particularly in the patient in whom cervical spine injury is a concern.
Kendrick Extrication Device (KED)
A device that is used in vehicle extrication to remove victims of traffic collisions from motor vehicles.
laceration
A jagged wound or cut
larynx (plural larynges)
Voice box
level of consciousness (LOC)
A measurement of a person's arousability and responsiveness to stimuli from the environment.
local reaction
A reaction to treatment that occurs at the site at which it was administered.
long spine board/spinal board
A patient handling device used primarily in pre-hospital trauma care designed to provide rigid support during movement of a patient with suspected spinal or limb injuries.
manual cervical immobilization
mass (multiple) casualty incident (MCI)
Any incident in which emergency medical services resources, such as personnel and equipment, are overwhelmed by the number and severity of casualties
mechanism of injury
The mechanism of injury refers to the way damage to skin, muscles, organs and bones happen.
medical alert
medical condition
A broad term that includes all diseases and disorders.
medical direction/ online medical direction
A paramedic or emergency medical technician (EMT) to contact a physician from the field via radio or other means to obtain instructions on further care of a patient
meninges
A protective spine and brain membranes
meningitis
Inflammation of meninges.
myocardial infarction (MI)
Heart attack
nasal cannula (NC)
A device used to deliver supplemental oxygen or airflow to a patient or person in need of respiratory help.
nasopharyngeal (nasal) airway (NPA)
A tube that is designed to be inserted into the nasal passageway to secure an open airway
necrosis
The premature death of cells in living tissue
nitroglycerin
Medicine used to treat high blood pressure during surgery
non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus ( NIDDM)
A metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.
Non-rebreather mask (NRB)
A device used in medical emergencies that require oxygen therapy.
online medical control
open fracture/compound fracture
An injury where a broken bone is open through the skin.
OPQRST
OPQRST is an mnemonic initialism used by persons performing first aid, or medical providers, in order to facilitate taking a patient's symptoms and history in the event of an acute illness. It is specifically adapted to elicit symptoms of a possible heart attack
organ
A collection of tissues joined in structural unit to serve a common function
oriented
Supporting particular view
oropharyngeal (oral) airway
A medical device called an airway adjunct used to maintain a patent (open) airway
over the counter drugs
The drugs are medicines that may be sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare professional
over the counter drugs (OTC)
The drugs which typically stored behind the counter.
packaging
paramedic
Emergency medical worker
past medical history (PMH)
The medical history of a patient is information gained by a physician by asking specific questions, either of the patient or of other people who know the person and can give suitable information with the aim of obtaining information useful in formulating a diagnosis and providing medical care to the patient.
patent airway
A patent airway is one that is open and clear, where the patient is able to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.
perfusion
To introduce a liquid into tissue or an organ by circulating it through blood vessels or other channels within the body.
pertinent negative
Absence of a sign or symptom that helps substantiate or identify a patient's condition
pertinent positive
Presence of a sign or symptom that helps substantiate or identify a patient's condition
pharynx
The human pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the throat situated immediately posterior to (behind) the mouth and nasal cavity, and superior to the esophagus and larynx.
physiology
Study of functioning of living cells
pia mater
Membrane around brain and spine
posterior
behind
prehospital
Occurring before or during transportation (as of a trauma victim) to a hospital
prehospital care report (PCR)
prescription
Witten order of medicine
protocols
Medical guidelines for a medical treatment
proximal
Neat the center of the body
pulmonary aspiration
The entry of material (such as pharyngeal secretions, food or drink, or stomach contents) from the oropharynx or gastrointestinal tract into the larynx (voice box) and lower respiratory tract (the portions of the respiratory system from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs).
pulmonary embolism (PE)
A blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body
pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
A condition where there is a rhythm noted on the monitor that should result in adequate perfusion, but the patient is pulseless and apneic
rales
An intermittent crackling or bubbling sound produced by fluid in the air passages and air sacs of the lungs and heard through a stethoscope
refusal of care
Declined treatment based on an informed consent
rescue breathing
The act of breathing for a person who is not breathing, yet has a pulse
respiratory arrest
The cessation of breathing
SAMPLE History
An mnemonic acronym to remember key questions for a person's assessment.
scope of arrest
shock
Failure of the circulatory system to perfuse tissues; hypoperfusion of the circulatory system
side effect
adverse effect
sign
Something that indicates or expresses the existence of something else not immediately apparent
snoring
Noisy, raspy breathing, usually with the mouth open; indicates an airway obstruction
spinal immobilization
critical trauma patient care that involves the maintenance of the spinal column, in-line, in place so that further injury to that area will be prevented during patient removal or handling.
splint
Device to immobilize broken bone
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Formal guidelines developed by emergency organizations to assist in preplanning emergency operations and procedures before the incident
standing orders
stridor
Abnormal, high-pitched musical sound caused by an obstruction in trachea or larynx usually heard during inspiration
subcutaneous emphysema
Subcutaneous refers to the tissue beneath the cutis of the skin, and emphysema refers to trapped air.
subdural hematoma
A collection of blood on the surface of the brain.
symptom
An indication of a disease or other disorder, especially one experienced by the patient
syncope
brief lapse in consciousness
systemic reaction
T.K.O. rate
"To Keep Open" rate of infusing the IV solution
tachycardia
An excessively rapid heartbeat, typically regarded as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute in a resting adult
tissue
A group of cells in organism
tourniquet
Device to stop breathing
trachea
Windpipe
transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)/mini stroke
A stroke-like neurologic deficit that completely resolves within minutes to hours
triage
Prioritization of patients for medical treatment
unconscious
Experiencing loss of senses
ventricular Fibrillation (VF or V-Fib)
dysrhythmia in which the heart is in a state of disorganized electrical and mechanical activity, resulting in a lack of blood flow; treated with defibrillation
ventricular tachycardia (VT)
A rapid heartbeat that starts in the ventricles
vertigo
Dizzy sensation
wheezes
high-pitched sounds heard when air moves through constricted airways; commonly occurs in patients with asthma.
wheezing
A sign that a person may be having breathing problems.
wide open rate
No restriction of fluid flow from the IV bag to the patient
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