A
Abandonment: Ending care of a patient without that patient’s consent or without ensuring that someone with equal or greater training will continue that care.
ABCs: Airway, breathing, and circulation.
Abdomen: The part of the trunk below the ribs and above the pelvis.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): A rupturing of the abdominal aorta.
Abdominal cavity: An area located in the trunk that contains the liver, pancreas, intestines, stomach, and spleen.
Abdominal thrusts: A technique for unblocking an obstructed airway by forcefully compressing the abdomen.
Abrasion: A wound characterized by skin that has been scraped or rubbed away.
Abruptio placentae: A partial or complete detachment of a normally implanted placenta at more than 20 weeks’ gestation.
Absorbed poison: A poison that enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes.
Abuse: Any behaviour or action that is used to scare, harm, threaten, control, exploit, or intimidate another person.
Acid: A substance with a pH of less than 7; usually corrosive and may cause chemical burns on the skin.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS): A condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Active listening: A process that helps you more fully communicate with a patient by focusing on what the patient is saying.
Acute: Having a rapid and severe onset and then quickly subsiding.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS): One of three forms of high-altitude illness; not a specific disease but a group of varied symptoms caused by altitude.
Acute myocardial ischemia: An episode of chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
Acute pulmonary edema: Fluid buildup in the lungs.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): A serious lung disease that leads to an increase in the quantity of fluid between the alveolar membrane and the surrounding pulmonary capillaries, which decreases the amount of oxygen the red blood cells can absorb.
Adolescent: A person between 13 and 18 years of age.
Adult: A person who is past the onset of puberty.
Adverse effects: Side effects that cause problems in a patient. These are the effects you must watch for when administering medications such as nitroglycerin.
Agonal respiration: Isolated or infrequent gasping in the absence of normal respiration; can occur when a patient is in cardiac arrest.
Airborne transmission: The transmission of a disease by inhaling infected airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Airway: The pathway for air to travel from the mouth and nose to the lungs.
Alkali: A substance with a pH greater than 7; can cause chemical burns on the skin.
Altered mental status: A disturbance in a patient’s level of responsiveness, including confusion and delirium; causes include injury, infection, poison, drug abuse, and fluid/electrolyte imbalance.
Alveoli: Small air sacs in the lungs where gases are exchanged between the lungs and the blood.
Alzheimer’s disease: A progressive, degenerative disease that affects the brain, resulting in impaired memory, thinking, and behaviour.
Amniotic sac: A fluid-filled sac that encloses and protects the developing fetus.
Amputation: The complete or partial severing of a body part.
Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction in which the air passages constrict and restrict the patient’s breathing.
Anatomical splint: A splint that uses an uninjured body part to immobilize an injured body part.
Anatomical obstruction: The blockage of the airway by an anatomical structure, such as the tongue.
Anatomical position: The natural, neutral position of the body.
Anatomy: The study of structures, including gross anatomy (structures that can be seen with the naked eye) and microscopic anatomy (structures seen under the microscope).
Aneurysm: A condition in which the wall of an artery or vein weakens, balloons out, and possibly ruptures.
Angina: Chest pain or pressure resulting from the heart needing more oxygen-rich blood than it is getting; pain or pressure usually lasts less than 10 minutes; also called angina pectoris.
Anterior: Toward the front of the body.
Antibodies: A type of protein found in blood and other bodily fluids; used by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.
Appendicitis: Acute inflammation of the appendix.
Arrhythmia: A disturbance in the conduction of electrical impulses within the heart; also called dysrhythmia.
Arteries: Large blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart and lungs to the body.
Arteriosclerosis: A form of cardiovascular disease marked by a hardening and narrowing of the arteries in the heart and other parts of the body; also called atherosclerosis.
Arthritis: An inflammation of the joints causing pain and swelling, and sometimes limiting motion.
Aspiration: Taking blood, vomit, saliva, or other foreign material into the lungs.
Assault: Abuse, either physical or sexual, resulting in injury and often emotional crisis.
Asthma: A condition that narrows the air passages and makes breathing difficult.
Asystole: A type of life-threatening arrhythmia in which there is no electrical activity in the heart.
Atria: The upper chambers of the heart.
Aura: An unusual sensation or feeling a patient may experience before an epileptic seizure; maybe a visual hallucination, an urgent need to get to safety, or a strange sound, taste, or smell.
Auscultation: Listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually with a stethoscope.
Automated external defibrillator (AED): An electronic device that shocks a patient’s heart to stop certain arrhythmias.
Avulsion: A wound in which a portion of the skin, and sometimes other soft tissue, is partially or completely torn away.
B
Baby: A child up to 1 year of age; also called an infant.
Bacteria: Single-celled micro-organisms that may cause infections.
Bag-valve-mask (BVM) resuscitator: A hand-held ventilation device consisting of a self-inflating bag, a one-way valve, and a face mask; can be used with or without supplemental oxygen.
Bandage: Material used to wrap or cover a part of the body; commonly used to hold a dressing or splint in place.
Bariatric: The science of providing healthcare to those who have extreme obesity.
Behavioural disorder: Any behaviour, resulting from situational, organic, or psychiatric causes, that is dangerous or disturbing to the patient or those around him or her.
Biological death: The irreversible damage caused by the death of brain cells.
Birth canal: The passageway from the uterus to the vaginal opening through which a baby passes during birth.
Bladder: An organ in the pelvis in which urine is stored until released from the body.
Blast injury: An injury resulting from an explosion; caused by pressure waves, flying debris, or being thrown.
Blood-borne pathogens: Bacteria and viruses present in human blood and bodily fluids that can cause disease in humans.
Blood glucose level (BGL): The amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Blood pressure (BP): The force exerted by blood against the blood vessel walls as it travels throughout the body.
Blood pressure cuff: A device used to measure a patient’s blood pressure.
Blood volume: The total amount of blood circulating within the body.
Body cavity: A hollow place in the body that contains organs, glands, blood vessels, and nerves.
Body mechanics: Using the body to gain mechanical advantage in the safest and most efficient way.
Body system: A group of organs and other structures working together to carry out specific functions.
Bone: A dense, hard tissue that forms the skeleton.
Bowel obstruction: An occlusion of the intestinal cavity that prevents normal flow of intestinal contents.
Brachial artery: A large artery located in the upper arm.
Brain: The centre of the nervous system that controls all body functions.
Breathing emergency: An emergency in which breathing is so impaired that life can be threatened.
Breech birth: The delivery of a baby feet- or buttocks-first.
Bronchi: The air passages that lead from the trachea to the lungs.
Bronchitis: A disease causing excessive mucous secretions and inflammatory changes to the bronchi.
Burn: An injury to the skin or other body tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
C
Capillaries: Tiny blood vessels linking arteries and veins that transfer oxygen and other nutrients from the blood to all body cells and remove waste products.
Capillary refill: An estimate of the amount of blood flowing through the capillary beds, such as those in the fingertips. Assessed by how quickly the nail beds return to pink after being compressed.
Carbon dioxide: A colourless, odourless gas; a waste product of respiration.
Cardiac arrest: A condition in which the heart has stopped functioning.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): A technique that combines rescue breathing and chest compressions for a patient whose breathing and heart have stopped.
Cardiovascular disease: A disease of the heart and blood vessels; commonly known as heart disease.
Carotid arteries: Arteries located in the neck that supply blood to the head and neck.
Cartilage: An elastic tissue that acts as a shock absorber when a person is walking, running, or jumping.
Catheter: See suction tip.
Cell: The basic unit of all living tissue.
Cervical collar: A rigid device positioned around the neck to limit movement of the head and neck.
Cervix: The upper part of the birth canal.
Chemical burns: Burns that are caused by caustic chemicals, such as strong acids or alkalis.
Chest thrusts: Forceful pushes on the chest; delivered to a patient with an obstructed airway in an attempt to expel any foreign object blocking the airway.
Chief complaint: A brief description, usually in the patient’s own words, of why EMS personnel were called to the scene.
Child: For the purpose of providing emergency medical care, anyone who appears to be between the ages of about 1 year and puberty; when using an AED, anyone between the ages of 1 and 8 years.
Child abuse: The physical, psychological, or sexual assault of a child, resulting in injury and/or emotional trauma.
Chocking: A technique involving the placement of items, such as wooden blocks, against the wheels of a vehicle to help stabilize it.
Cholesterol: A fatty substance made by the body and found in certain foods.
Chronic: Persistent over a long period of time.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A disease characterized by a loss of lung function.
Circulatory emergencies: Sudden illnesses or injuries involving the heart or blood vessels.
Circulatory system: A group of organs and other structures that carry oxygen-rich blood and other nutrients throughout the body and remove waste.
Clavicle: See collarbone.
Clinical death: The condition in which the heart stops beating and breathing stops.
Closed fracture: A fracture in which the skin is left unbroken.
Closed wound: A wound in which soft tissue damage occurs beneath the skin but the skin is not broken.
Clotting: The process by which blood thickens at a wound site to seal an opening in a blood vessel and stop bleeding.
Collarbone: A horizontal bone that connects with the sternum and the shoulder; also called the clavicle.
Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA): Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that occurs in groups of people who have not been recently hospitalized or have not had a medical procedure.
Compassion: An understanding of the emotional state of another person, combined with the desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of that person.
Competence: The state or quality of being adequately qualified for, or the ability to perform, a particular role; the ability of a patient to understand a responder’s questions and the implications of a decision.
Complete airway obstruction: A blockage of the airway that completely prevents air from reaching a patient’s lungs.
Concussion: A temporary impairment of brain function, usually without permanent damage to the brain.
Confidence: The state of being certain that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective.
Confidentiality: Protecting a patient’s privacy by not revealing any personal information you learn about the patient except to law enforcement or more advanced medical care personnel.
Conflict: A disagreement or difference of opinion between people or groups.
Conflict resolution: A method of settling disagreements through open communication and negotiation.
Congestive heart failure (CHF): A condition in which the heart loses its pumping ability, causing fluid buildup in the body; results in heart failure.
Consent: Permission to provide care, given by a patient or qualified representative, to a responder.
Contraction: The rhythmic tightening of muscles in the uterus during labour; or, the pumping action of the heart.
Coronary arteries: Blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood.
Coronary heart disease (CHD): A disease in which cholesterol and plaque build up on the inner walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart; also called coronary artery disease (CAD).
Cranial cavity: An area in the body that contains the brain and is protected by the skull.
Crepitus: A grating, crackling, or popping sound under the skin that can be due to a number of causes, including two pieces of bone rubbing against each other.
Critical burn: Any burn that is potentially life threatening, disabling, or disfiguring; a burn requiring more advanced emergency care.
Croup: A viral infection that causes swelling of the tissues below the vocal cords; a common childhood illness.
Crowning: The time during labour when the baby’s head begins to emerge from the opening of the vagina.
Crush injury: An injury caused when a crushing force is applied to any part of the body over a short or long period of time.
Cyanosis: A bluish colouration of the skin and mucous membranes due to the presence of deoxygenated blood in the vessels near the skin’s surface.
D
Decomposition: The chemical break-down of organic matter after death; may release toxic gases in enclosed spaces (e.g., when grain decomposes in a silo).
Defibrillation: An electric shock administered to correct a life-threatening heart rhythm.
Depressants: Substances that affect the central nervous system to slow physical and mental activity.
Dermis: The deeper of the two layers of skin.
Designer drug: A potent and illegal street drug formed from a medicinal substance whose chemical composition has been modified (designed).
Developmental disability: Impaired mental function, resulting from injury or genetics.
Diabetes: A disease in which there are high levels of blood glucose due to defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both.
Diabetic emergency: A situation in which a patient becomes ill because of an elevated or reduced blood glucose level (BGL).
Diaphragm: A dome-shaped muscle that aids breathing and separates the chest from the abdomen.
Diastolic blood pressure: The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
Digestive system: A group of organs and other structures that digest food and eliminate waste.
Dignity: The state of being worthy of honour and respect.
Direct contact transmission: The transmission of a disease by touching an infected person’s bodily fluids.
Direct pressure: The pressure applied on a wound to control bleeding.
Discretion: The ability to make responsible decisions.
Dislocation: The displacement of a bone from its normal position at a joint.
Distal: Away from the trunk of the body.
Distal circulation: Blood flow below the site of an injury.
Downwind: In the direction in which the wind blows.
Dressing: A pad placed directly over a wound to absorb blood and other bodily fluids and to prevent infection.
Drowning: A form of suffocation caused by being immersed in water or other liquid.
Drug: Any substance other than food intended to affect the functions of the body.
Duty to act: A legal responsibility of some individuals to provide a reasonable standard of emergency care; may be required by case law, statute, or job description.
Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing; shortness of breath.
Dysrhythmia: A disturbance in the conduction of electrical impulses within the heart; also called arrhythmia.
E
Ectopic pregnancy: When a fertilized ovum implants anywhere other than in the uterus.
Elder abuse: Any of four types of abuse: the infliction of pain or injury (physical abuse); mental anguish or suffering (psychological abuse); financial or material abuse; or unnecessary confinement or willful deprivation (neglect) by an older adult’s caretaker.
Electrical burn: A burn caused by an electrical source, such as an electrical appliance or lightning.
Embolism: A sudden blockage of a blood vessel by a travelling clot or other material, such as fat or air.
Emergency medical responder (EMR): A responder who has successfully completed a recognized training program in the care and transportation of a patient.
Emergency medical services (EMS) system: A network of community resources and medical personnel that provides emergency care to people who are injured or suddenly ill.
Emergency move: Moving a patient before completing care; done only when necessary.
Emotional crisis: A highly emotional state resulting from stress, often involving a significant event in a person’s life, such as the death of a loved one.
Empathy: Understanding another person’s emotions and mentally sharing those feelings.
Emphysema: A disease in which the alveoli lose their elasticity, become distended with trapped air, and stop working.
Endocrine system: A group of organs and other structures that regulate and coordinate the activities of other systems by producing chemicals that influence the activity of tissues.
Endotracheal: Pertaining to something within the trachea.
Enteral: Pertaining to the small intestine; within the small intestine; also called enteric.
Epidemic: An increase in the number of cases of a disease in a given group of people or geographical area, above what is normally expected for that population or area.
Epidermis: The outer layer of skin.
Epidural hematoma: Arterial bleeding between the skull and dura mater.
Epiglottis: The flap of tissue that covers the trachea to keep food and liquid out of the lungs.
Epiglottitis: A bacterial infection that causes a severe inflammation of the epiglottis.
Epilepsy: A chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures.
Epinephrine: A naturally occurring hormone; can be used to counter the effects of anaphylaxis.
Epistaxis: A nosebleed.
Esophagus: The tube leading from the mouth to the stomach.
Ethanol (ETOH): Grain alcohol or drinking alcohol; commonly referred to simply as alcohol.
Ethical: Conforming to accepted standards of conduct.
Exhale: To breathe air out of the lungs.
External bleeding: Bleeding from an open wound in the skin.
Extremities: The limbs of the body.
Extrication: The freeing of someone or something from an entanglement or difficulty.
F
Fainting: A loss of responsiveness resulting from a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain; also called syncope.
Febrile seizure: A seizure caused by a rapid increase in body temperature.
Femur: The thighbone.
Fibula: One of the bones in the lower leg.
Finger sweep: A technique used to remove foreign material from a patient’s airway.
First responder: A person trained in emergency care who may be called on to provide such care as a routine part of his or her job; often the first trained professional to respond to emergencies.
Flail chest: An injury involving fractured ribs that become completely separated from the rib cage and do not move with the rest of the chest during respiration.
Foreign-body airway obstruction: A blockage of the airway by a foreign object, such as a piece of food or small toy, or by fluids such as vomit, blood, mucus, or saliva; also referred to as a mechanical obstruction.
Fracture: A break or disruption in bone tissue.
Freeboard: The distance between the top of a watercraft, or the deck of a ship, and the waterline.
Frostbite: A serious condition in which body tissues freeze, most commonly in the fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
Full-thickness burn: A burn injury involving both layers of skin and underlying tissues; skin may be brown or charred, and underlying tissues may appear white.
G
Gastric distention: Air in the stomach, causing it to bloat.
Gastroenteritis: A condition often resulting from an infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
Genitalia: The external reproductive organs.
Genitourinary system: A group of organs and other structures that eliminate waste and enable reproduction.
Glands: Organs that release fluid and other substances into the blood or on the skin.
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): A standardized system used to determine a patient’s level of responsiveness; often performed on patients with suspected head injuries.
Glucometer: A device used to measure a patient’s blood glucose level.
Glucometry: The process of measuring the level of glucose circulating in the blood.
Good Samaritan laws: Laws that protect people who willingly give emergency care while acting in good faith, without negligence, with reasonable care and skill, and within the scope of their training.
H
Hallucinogens: Substances that affect mood, sensation, thought, emotion, and self-awareness; alter perceptions of time and space; and produce delusions.
Hazard: Any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects.
Hazardous materials: Substances that are harmful or toxic to the body; can be liquids, solids, or gases.
Head-tilt/chin-lift: A method of opening the airway when there is no suspected head and/or spinal injury.
Hearing impairment: Partial or complete deafness.
Heart: A fist-sized muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
Heart attack: A sudden illness involving the death of heart muscle tissue when it does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood; also called myocardial infarction (MI).
Heat cramps: Painful spasms of skeletal muscles following exercise or work in warm or moderate temperatures; usually involve the calf and abdominal muscles.
Heat exhaustion: A form of shock, often resulting from strenuous work or exercise in a hot environment.
Heat stroke: A life-threatening condition that develops when the body’s cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed and body systems begin to fail.
Hemorrhage: A loss of a large amount of blood in a short time.
Hemorrhoids: Clumps of tissue within the anal canal that contain blood vessels and the surrounding, supporting tissue made up of muscle and elastic fibres.
Hemothorax: A condition in which blood enters the pleural space as a result of a blunt or penetrating trauma.
Hepatitis: A viral infection of the liver.
Herpes: A viral infection that causes eruptions of the skin and mucous membranes.
High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE): An accumulation of fluid between the brain and skull; a progressive stage of acute mountain sickness that occurs 2 to 3 days after arrival at altitude; a serious condition that is difficult to diagnose.
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE): A serious, life-threatening condition in which fluid pools in the lungs, resulting in a breathing emergency; a progressive stage of acute mountain sickness that usually occurs 1 to 4 days after arrival at altitude.
Homeostasis: A constant state of balance or well-being of the body’s internal systems that is continually and automatically adjusted.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): The virus that destroys the body’s ability to fight infection. The resulting state is referred to as AIDS.
Humerus: The bone of the upper arm.
Hyperglycemia: A condition in which too much sugar is in the bloodstream.
Hypertension: High blood pressure.
Hyperventilation: Rapid breathing that upsets the body’s balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Hypoglycemia: A condition in which too little sugar is in the bloodstream.
Hypothermia: A life-threatening condition in which the body’s warming mechanisms fail to maintain normal body temperature and the entire body cools.
Hypoxia: A decrease in oxygen in the blood.
I
Immobilize: To use a splint or other method to keep an injured body part from moving.
Immune system: The body’s group of responses for fighting disease.
Immunization: A specific substance containing weakened or killed pathogens that is introduced into the body to build resistance to a specific infection.
Impaled object: An object remaining in a wound.
Implied consent: A legal concept assuming that patients who are unresponsive, or so severely injured or ill that they cannot respond, would consent to receive emergency care.
Incident command system (ICS): A system used to manage resources, such as personnel, equipment, and supplies, at the scene of an emergency. ICS is a component of the Incident Management System (IMS).
Indication: A sign, situation, or condition that formally indicates that a given intervention is appropriate.
Indirect contact transmission: The transmission of a disease by touching a contaminated object.
Infant: A child between the ages of 28 days (4 weeks) and 1 year.
Infection: A condition caused by disease-producing micro-organisms, also called pathogens or germs, in the body.
Infectious disease: Disease capable of being transmitted from people, objects, animals, or insects.
Inferior: Towards the feet.
Influenza: Respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and transmitted from patient to patient via large, virus-laden droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Informed (actual) consent: Permission the patient, parent, or guardian gives the responder to provide care. This consent requires the responder to explain his or her level of training, what the responder thinks is wrong, and the care he or she intends to give.
Ingested poison: A poison that is swallowed.
Inhalants: Substances inhaled to produce an effect.
Inhale: To breathe in.
Inhaled poison: A poison breathed into the lungs.
Injected poison: A poison that enters the body through a bite, sting, or syringe.
In-line stabilization: A technique used to bring a patient’s head and neck into neutral alignment and minimize movement.
Insulin: A hormone that enables the body to use sugar for energy; frequently used to treat diabetes.
Integumentary system: A group of organs and other structures that protect the body, retain fluids, and help prevent infection.
Interaction: The beneficial or detrimental modification of the effects of one drug by the prior or concurrent administration of another drug, thereby increasing or decreasing the pharmacological or physiological action of one or both drugs.
Internal bleeding: Bleeding that occurs inside the body.
Interpersonal communication: The process of speaking and listening to other people at an emergency scene; can be verbal or nonverbal.
Intervention: A medication, device, therapy, or action that produces an effect or that is intended to alter the course of an illness or injury.
Intracerebral hematoma: Bleeding within the brain.
Intramuscular: Within the muscle; a route for administering a drug.
J
Jaw thrust: A method of opening the airway when there is a suspected head and/or spinal injury.
Joint: A structure in which two or more bones are joined.
K
Kidney: An organ that filters waste from the blood to form urine.
Kidney stones: Solid concentrations of dissolved minerals found in the kidneys or ureters.
L
Labour: The birth process; beginning with the contraction of the uterus and dilation of the cervix and ending with the stabilization and recovery of the mother.
Laceration: A cut, usually from a sharp object; may have jagged or smooth edges.
Landing zone: The area where an aircraft lands.
Larynx: A part of the airway connecting the pharynx with the trachea; commonly called the voice box.
Lateral: Away from the midline.
Level of responsiveness (LOR): A patient’s state of awareness, ranging from being fully alert to unresponsive.
Ligament: A fibrous band that holds bones together at a joint.
Limb presentation: An abnormal birth in which the baby’s arms or legs present first; prevents possibility of a normal delivery and could be fatal.
Lividity: Following death, a large pooling of blood in the trunk resulting in discolouration.
Lungs: A pair of organs in the chest that provides the mechanism for taking oxygen in and removing carbon dioxide during breathing.
Lyme disease: An illness transmitted by a certain kind of infected tick.
Lymphatic system: A group of glands that supports the circulatory system and protects the body through the formation of antibodies.
M
Malignancy: A characteristic of a disease (usually cancer) in which abnormal cells divide without control and can spread to other cells of the body.
Mechanism of injury (MOI): The event or forces that caused a patient’s injury.
Medial: Towards the midline.
Medical control: The process that allows a physician to direct care given to a patient by pre-hospital professionals (may also be known as transfer of function or medical delegation).
Medication: A drug given to prevent or correct the effects of a disease or condition or otherwise enhance mental or physical well-being.
Membranes: A thin sheet of tissue that covers a structure or lines a cavity, such as the mouth or nose.
Meningitis: An inflammation of the brain or spinal cord caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Mental disability: Impaired mental function that interferes with normal activity.
Metered-dose inhaler (MDI): A device prescribed to many people with asthma, containing a medication that counters the effects of an asthma attack.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): A staph bacterium that can cause infection by being spread from one person to another through casual contact or contaminated objects and is resistant to many types of antibiotics.
Miscarriage: The spontaneous termination of pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation.
Multiple-casualty incident (MCI): An emergency situation involving two or more patients.
Muscle: A tissue that lengthens and shortens to create movement.
Musculoskeletal system: A group of tissues and other structures that supports the body, protects internal organs, allows movement, stores minerals, manufactures blood cells, and creates heat.
Myocardial infarction (MI): The death of cardiac muscle tissue due to a sudden deprivation of circulating blood; heart attack.
N
Narcotics: Powerful depressant substances used to relieve anxiety and pain.
Nasal cannula: A device used to administer oxygen through the nostrils to a breathing patient.
Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA): A curved tube inserted into the nose to assist in maintaining an open airway.
Nebulization: The use of a small-volume nebulizer to administer aerosolized medication (mist) over a few minutes, ensuring efficient drug delivery.
Neglect: A failure to provide the necessary care, aid, or guidance to dependent persons by those responsible for their care.
Negligence: The failure to provide care at the level for which you are trained, thereby causing injury or damage to another.
Neonate: A child between the age of 0 and 28 days (0 being the day of birth).
Nervous system: A group of organs and other structures that regulates all body functions.
Nitroglycerin: A medication often prescribed to people diagnosed with angina.
Non-rebreather mask: A special mask combined with a reservoir bag, used to administer high-concentration oxygen to a breathing patient through a mask covering both the nose and the mouth.
Nonverbal communication: Communication through body language, such as a nonthreatening posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
O
Occlusive dressing: A dressing or bandage that seals a wound and protects it from the air.
Older adult: An individual who is 65 years of age or older.
Open fracture: A fracture that results when bone ends tear the skin and surrounding tissue or when an object penetrates the skin and breaks a bone.
Open wound: A wound resulting in a break in the skin surface.
Organ: A collection of similar tissues acting together to perform specific body functions.
Oropharyngeal airway (OPA): A curved plastic tube inserted into the mouth and positioned at the back of the throat to keep the tongue from blocking the airway.
Osteoporosis: A disease characterized by low bone mass and bone tissue deterioration.
Overdose: A situation in which a patient takes enough of a substance that it has poisonous or fatal effects.
Oxygen: A tasteless, colourless, odourless gas necessary to sustain life.
Oxygen cylinder: A steel or alloy cylinder that contains 100% oxygen under high pressure.
Oxygen delivery device: A device used to administer oxygen from an oxygen cylinder to a patient.
Oxygen regulator: A device used to regulate the amount of oxygen administered to a patient in litres per minute (LPM).
P
Palpation: A method of assessing a patient by applying gentle pressure with the hands.
Pandemic: An epidemic that involves multiple countries, usually affecting a large number of people.
Paradoxical movement: The movement of one part of the chest wall in the opposite direction from the rest of the chest wall.
Paralysis: A loss of muscle control; a permanent loss of feeling and movement.
Paresthesia: A tingling, burning, or prickling sensation in the extremities.
Partial airway obstruction: A blockage of the airway that still allows air to enter a patient’s lungs; typically dislodged by coughing.
Partial-thickness burn: A burn injury involving both layers of skin; characterized by red, wet skin and blisters.
Patella: The kneecap.
Pathogen: A disease-causing agent; also called a micro-organism or germ.
Pathophysiology: The study of the abnormal changes in mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions that are caused by injury or illness.
Pelvic cavity: The lowest part of the trunk that contains the bladder, rectum, and, in females, the reproductive organs.
Pelvis: The lower part of the trunk that includes a group of large bones that form a protective girdle around the organs in the pelvic cavity.
Peptic ulcer: A small erosion in the gastrointestinal tract caused by the destruction of the gastric or intestinal mucosal lining by hydrochloric acid.
Perfusion: The circulation of blood throughout the body.
Peritonitis: An inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Personal flotation device (PFD): A buoyant device designed to be worn to keep a person afloat.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Specialized clothing or equipment worn for protection from hazards.
Pharmacology: The study of drugs and how they interact with the body.
Pharynx: A part of the airway formed by the back of the nose and throat.
Physical assault: Abuse that may result in injury to the body.
Physical disability: A serious injury that results in the loss of limb function or a condition with which there is an impairment that interferes with activity or movement.
Physiology: How living organisms function (e.g., movement and reproduction).
Placard: A sign or notice; a poster.
Placenta: An organ attached to the uterus and unborn child through which nutrients are delivered to the baby; it is expelled after the baby is delivered.
Placenta previa: A condition in which the placenta is attached in the lower uterus.
Plasma: The liquid part of blood.
Platelets: Disc-shaped structures in the blood that are made of cell fragments; help stop bleeding by forming blood clots at wound sites.
Pneumonia: A group of illnesses characterized by lung infection and fluid- or pus-filled alveoli, resulting in inadequate oxygen in the blood.
Pneumothorax: A condition in which air enters the pleural space, usually as a result of a blunt or penetrating trauma.
Poison: Any substance that causes injury, illness, or death when introduced into the body.
Poison Control Centre: A specialized health centre that provides information in cases of poisoning or suspected poisoning emergencies.
Posterior: Towards the back.
Postpartum bleeding: Bleeding after the birth of a neonate; characterized by more than 500 mL (17 oz.) of blood loss.
Pregnancy: A condition in which the egg (ovum) of the female is fertilized by the sperm of the male, forming an embryo.
Preschooler: A child 3 to 5 years of age.
Pressure bandage: A bandage applied snugly to create pressure on a wound to aid in controlling bleeding.
Pressure regulator: A device attached to an oxygen cylinder that reduces the delivery pressure of oxygen to a safe level.
Primary assessment: A check for conditions that are an immediate threat to a patient’s life.
Prolapsed cord: A complication of childbirth in which a loop of umbilical cord protrudes through the vagina prior to delivery of the baby.
Prone: A position in which a patient is lying face-down on his or her stomach.
Protocols: Standardized methods.
Proximal: Closer to the trunk of the body.
Pulmonary embolism: A blockage of a pulmonary artery by a clot or other foreign material.
Pulse: The beat felt in arteries with each contraction of the heart.
Pulse oximeter: A device used to measure the percentage of red blood cells that are saturated with oxygen.
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA): A life-threatening arrhythmia in which there is electric activity in the heart, but it is insufficient to produce a pulse.
Puncture: A wound that results when the skin is pierced with a pointed object, such as a nail, a piece of glass, or a knife.
R
Rabies: A disease caused by a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal.
Radial pulse: The pulse felt in the wrist.
Radiation burn: A burn caused by rays, energy, or electromagnetic waves.
Rapid body survey (RBS): A hands-on check that is completed quickly, unless intervention is required; used to look for life-threatening injuries and conditions.
Rapid transport category (RTC): The category that describes patients who require immediate transport to medical care; associated with load-and-go emergencies.
Recovery position: A position for an unresponsive patient that helps to keep the airway open and allows any blood or vomit to drain from the mouth.
Refusal of care: The declining of care by a person.
Reproductive system: A group of organs and other structures that enable sexual reproduction.
Rescue ventilations: Artificially simulating normal respiration in a non-breathing patient (e.g., with a BVM).
Respiration: The process by which the body takes in oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide; breathing.
Respiratory arrest: A condition in which breathing has stopped.
Respiratory distress: A condition in which breathing is difficult.
Respiratory rate: The number of times a patient breathes per minute.
Respiratory system: A group of organs and other structures that bring air into the body and remove waste through a process called breathing or respiration.
Responsiveness: The state of being aware of one’s self and one’s surroundings.
Resuscitation mask: A pliable, dome-shaped device that fits over the nose and mouth; used to administer oxygen and assist with rescue breathing.
Rib cage: The cage of bones formed by the 12 pairs of ribs, the sternum, and the spine.
Ribs: Bones that attach to the spine and sternum and protect the heart and lungs.
Right-of-way: The right of a vessel or vehicle to cross in front of other vessels or vehicles.
Rigid splint: A splint made of hard, inflexible material such as boards, metal strips, and folded magazines or newspapers.
Rigor mortis: The rigid stiffening of heart and skeletal muscle after death.
Roller bandage: A bandage made of gauze or gauze-like material used to wrap a dressing.
Routine maintenance: Maintenance work that is planned and performed on a regular basis to ensure proper working order of equipment and/or vehicles.
Rule of Nines: A method used to estimate the percent of body surface area burned.
Rule of Palms: A method used to estimate the percent of body surface area burned.
Rule of Thirds: A method of determining if an injury is a joint or mid-shaft injury; works by dividing the long bones into thirds.
S
SAMPLE: An acronym for remembering the questions to ask when gathering important information about a patient; stands for Signs and symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events before the incident.
Scapula: See shoulder blade.
School age: A child between 5 and 12 years of age.
Secondary assessment: A check for injuries or conditions that could become life threatening if not cared for.
Seizure: A disorder in the brain’s electrical activity, marked by loss of responsiveness and often uncontrollable muscle movement.
Sepsis: A life-threatening illness in which the body is overwhelmed by its response to infection; commonly referred to as blood poisoning.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS): A viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS-associated Coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
Sexual assault: Forcing another person to take part in a sexual act.
Shock: A life-threatening condition that occurs when the circulatory system fails to provide adequate oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body.
Shoulder blade: A large, flat, triangular bone at the back of the shoulder in the upper part of the back; also called the scapula.
Side effect: An often unavoidable effect of using a drug; an action or effect other than those for which the drug was originally given.
Signs: Any observable evidence of injury or illness, such as bleeding or an unusually pale skin colour.
Skeletal muscles: Muscles that attach to bones.
Skeleton: The bones of the body considered together.
Skin: A tough, supple membrane that covers the entire surface of the body.
Sling: A bandage used to hold and support an injured part of the body; often used to support an injured arm.
Soft tissues: Body structures that include the layers of skin, fat, and muscles.
Spinal cavity: An area in the body that contains the spinal cord and is protected by the bones of the spine.
Spinal column: The series of vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the tip of the tailbone (coccyx).
Spinal cord: A bundle of nerves extending from the base of the skull to the lower back, protected by the spinal column.
Spine: A series of bones (vertebrae) that surrounds and protects the spinal cord; also called the backbone.
Splint: A device used to immobilize body parts.
Sprain: The excessive stretching and tearing of ligaments and other soft tissue structures at a joint.
Stable patient: A patient who does not have a life-threatening condition.
Standard of care: The minimal standard and quality of care expected of an emergency care provider.
START system: A simple system used at the scene of multiple-casualty incidents to quickly assess and prioritize care according to three conditions: respiration, circulation, and level of responsiveness.
Status epilepticus: A continuous seizure or succession of seizures without a period of responsiveness.
Sternum: The long, flat bone in the middle of the front of the rib cage; also called the breastbone.
Stillbirth: The birth of an infant after 20 weeks of pregnancy that died during the pregnancy or labour.
Stimulants: Substances that affect the central nervous system to speed up physical and mental activity.
Stimuli: Anything that rouses or excites an organism or body part to respond.
Stoma: An artificial opening connecting a typically hollow organ (e.g., the trachea or gut) to the outside environment.
Stomach: One of the main organs of digestion, located in the abdomen.
Strain: The excessive stretching and tearing of muscles and tendons at a location other than a joint.
Stress: A normal response to an abnormal physical or emotional situation; occurs when demands are out of balance with resources for coping.
Stress management: Techniques or interventions designed to help an individual cope with stress.
Stroke: A disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain that causes permanent damage; also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
Subarachnoid hematoma: Arterial bleeding in the subarachnoid space.
Subcutaneous: Under the skin.
Subdural hematoma: Venous bleeding in the subdural space.
Substance abuse: The deliberate, persistent, excessive use of a substance without regard to health concerns or accepted medical practices.
Substance misuse: The use of a substance for purposes other than those intended by the manufacturer, or exceeding the recommended dosage.
Sucking chest wound: A type of penetrating chest injury in which a sucking sound is heard with each breath a patient takes due to air freely passing in and out of the chest cavity.
Suctioning: The process of removing matter such as saliva, vomitus, or blood from a patient’s mouth and throat by means of a mechanical or manual device.
Suction tip: A rigid or flexible tubing attached to the end of a suction device and placed in the mouth or throat of a patient to remove foreign matter; sometimes referred to as a catheter.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): The sudden death of a seemingly normal, healthy baby that occurs during the baby’s sleep without evidence of disease.
Suicide: Self-inflicted death.
Superficial burn: A burn injury involving only the top layer of skin, characterized by red, dry skin.
Superior: Towards the head.
Supine: A position in which a patient is lying face-up on his or her back.
Sympathy: Understanding another person’s emotions.
Symptoms: Something the patient tells you about his or her condition, such as “my chest hurts,” or “I feel sick to my stomach.”
Syncope: Temporary loss of responsiveness; usually related to temporary insufficient blood flow to the brain; also known as fainting, blacking out, or passing out.
Systolic blood pressure: The pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting.
T
Tachypnea: Rapid breathing.
Tact: Acting appropriately according to one’s situation and environment; the ability to communicate without offending others.
Tendon: A fibrous band that attaches muscle to bone.
Tension pneumothorax: The continual flow of air into the pleural space, which cannot escape; eventually causes the lung to collapse.
Third trimester bleeding: Bleeding during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Usually caused by abruptio placentae, placenta previa, or uterine rupture.
Thoracic cavity: An area in the body that contains the heart and lungs and is protected by the rib cage and upper portion of the spine.
Tibia: One of the bones in the lower leg.
Tissue: A collection of similar cells acting together to perform specific body functions.
Titrate: To continuously monitor and adjust the flow of oxygen (or other substances) to a patient.
Toddler: A child 1 to 2 years of age.
Tourniquet: A constricting band applied over an artery above the site of an open wound with severe bleeding; used to decrease blood flow to the injured area for a short period of time.
Trachea: A tube leading from the upper airway to the lungs.
Traction: A pulling force applied to a body part to care for specific musculoskeletal injuries.
Traction splint: A splint used primarily to stabilize fractures of the femur.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA): A temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain; sometimes called a mini-stroke.
Trendelenburg position: A position in which a patient is in a supine position with his or her feet elevated 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.) above the head; helps to improve blood flow to the head and torso.
Triage: The process of sorting and providing care to multiple patients according to the severity of their injuries or illnesses.
Triangular bandage: A bandage that can be used as a sling or to hold a dressing or splint in place.
Tripod position: A position in which a patient is sitting upright, leaning forward, struggling to breathe.
Trunk: The part of the body containing the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
Tuberculosis (TB): A respiratory disease caused by a bacterium.
U
Umbilical cord: A flexible structure that attaches the placenta to the unborn child, allowing for the passage of blood, nutrients, and waste.
Universal precautions: Safety measures taken to prevent occupational-risk exposure to blood or other bodily fluids.
Unresponsiveness: The state of a patient who is unaware of the surrounding environment and is unresponsive to stimuli.
Unstable patient: A patient with a life-threatening condition.
Upwind: In the direction from which the wind is blowing.
Urinary system: A group of organs and other structures that eliminate waste products from the blood.
Urinary tract infection (UTI): An infection, usually bacterial, at any point within the urinary tract.
Uterine rupture: A spontaneous or traumatic rupture of the uterine wall.
Uterus: A pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis in which an embryo is formed and develops into a baby.
V
Vaccine: A medical substance containing killed or weakened micro-organisms that is introduced into the body to prevent, kill, or treat a disease.
Vagina: The lower part of the birth canal through which the baby passes during birth.
Vascular system: A group of blood vessels that carry blood through the body.
Vector-borne transmission: The transmission of a disease by an animal or insect bite through exposure to blood or other bodily fluids.
Veins: Blood vessels that carry oxygen-poor blood from all parts of the body to the heart.
Ventilation: The process of providing oxygen to the lungs through rescue breathing or by other means.
Ventricles: The two lower chambers of the heart.
Ventricular fibrillation: A life-threatening arrhythmia in which the heart muscle quivers rather than pumping blood.
Ventricular tachycardia: A life-threatening arrhythmia in which the heart muscle contracts too quickly for adequate pumping of blood to the body.
Vertebrae: The 33 bones of the spinal column.
Virus: A disease-causing agent or pathogen that requires another organism to live and reproduce.
Visual impairment: Inability to see adequately or at all; also referred to as blindness or partial blindness.
Vital organs: Organs whose functions are essential to life, including the brain, heart, and lungs.
Vital signs: Important information about the patient’s condition, obtained by checking level of responsiveness, breathing, pulse, skin characteristics, blood pressure, and pupils.
W
Workplace first aid attendant: A designated person who provides advanced first aid in the workplace.
Wound: An injury to the soft tissues.
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