skills for health science professionals: first aid vocabulary

third degree burns

also called full thickness burns; affect both layers of skin and the tissues beneath the skin, known as subcutaneous tissue

shock

also called hypoperfusion; reduction of blood flow in the body, particularly to the brain and heart

second degree burns

also called partial-thickness burns; affect both layers of skin

first degree burns

also called superficial burns; the most mild of burn classifications because it only damages only the first layer of skin

cyanosis

blue discoloration caused by lack of oxygen

puncture wounds

caused when a sharp object pierces a hole in the skin

incisions

clean wounds with regular, smooth edges

sling

device used to keep an injured hand, forearm, arm, or shoulder immobilized

burns

injuries caused by fire, heat, chemicals, radiation, or electricity

open wound

injury where the skin or mucous membrane is broken

closed wound

injury which causes damage to tissue under the skin, without breaking the skin

wounds

injury which damages the body's tissues

good samaritan acts

laws which offer some soem protection to providers who respond to emergency medical situations

bandage

material used to secure dressings and splints

CPR- cardiopulmonary resuscitation

procedure in which chest compressions and rescue braths are used to revive the heart and lungs

malpractice

professional negligence which occurs when healthcare workers unintentionally harm patients as a result of not following their profession's scope practice

EMS- emergency medical services

professionals who provide care for serious emergencies and can be reached by dialing 9-1-1

splint

rigid device which supports and immobilizes an injured body part; are used to secure suspected bone or joint injuries

cast

rigid dressing used to immobilize an injured body part

lacerations

rough, irregular wounds caused by jagged or blunt objects which crush or rip the skin

dressing

sterile covering for for a wounds or injury used to stop bleeding, prevent infection, and absorb secretions

skin graft

surgical procedure inwhich healthy skin is removed from one part of the body and used toj cover damaged or missing skin elsewhere on the body

amputations

wounds in which a body part is completely cut off of the body

abrasions

wounds in which the top layer of skin in rubbed or scraped off by a rough surface

avulsions

wounds in which tissue is torn and separated from the body

minor wounds

wounds which are shallow and produce very little blood, and can be treated at home

major wounds

wounds which require immediate attention due to its extensive damage