EMT vocabulary

systolic blood pressure

The pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries when the ventricle contracts.

spinal cord

a column of nervous tissue that exits from the brain and extend to the level of L2 within the spinal column. All nerves to the trunk and extremities originate from this.

generalized tonic-clonic seizure (grand mal seizure)

a common type of seizure that produces unresponsiveness and a convulsion that exhibits generalized jerky muscle activity.

tension pneumothorax

a condition in which the buildup of air and pressure within the thoracic cavity associated with an injured lung is so severe that it begins to shift the injured lung to the uninjured side, resulting in compression of the heart, large vessels, and the uninjured lung.

occlusive dressing

a dressing that can form an airtight seal over a wound.

burn shock

a form of nonhemorrhagic hypovolemic shock resulting from a burn injury.

tachycardia

a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute

respiratory distress

increased respiratory effort resulting from impaired respiratory function, while tidal volume and respiratory rate are still adequate.

ulcers

open wounds or sores within the digestive tract

spinal shock

shock caused by injury to the spinal cord, causing paralysis and loss of sensation below the level of the spinal cord injury. signs include motor and sensory dysfunction. normal to low heart rate and warm, dry, pink skin may occur if vasodilation and relative hypovolemia (neurogenic hypotension) are present.

orthopnea

shortness of breathe while lying flat

hematemesis

vomitting of blood

adequate breathing for an adult

12-20 per minute

adequate breathing for a child

15-30 per minute

adequate breathing for an infant

25-50 per minute

cyanosis

a blue-gray color of the mucous membranes and/or skin, which indicates inadequate oxygenations or poor perfusion.

tachypnea

a breathing rate that is faster than the normal rate.

bradypnea

a breathing rate that is slower than the normal rate.

syncope

a brief period of unresponsiveness caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain; fainting

non-traumatic fracture

a broken bone resulting from a disease that causes degeneration and dramatic weakening of the bone, making it prone to fracture.

cardiac contusion

a bruise to the heart wall caused by severe blunt trauma to the chest where the heart is violently compressed between the sternum and the spinal column.

congestive heart failure (CHF)

a cardiac disease in which the heart cannot pump blood sufficiently to meet the needs of the body.

cavitation

a cavity formed by a pressure wave resulting from the kinetic energy of a bullet traveling through body tissue; also called pathway expansion.

contusion

a closed injury to the cells and blood vessels contained within the dermis that is characterized by discoloration, swelling, and pain; a bruise; bruising or swelling of the brain.

hematoma

a closed injury to the soft tissues characterized by swelling and discoloration caused by a mass of blood beneath the epidermis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

a condition typically found in type 1 diabetics where the blood glucose level is excessively elevated and insulin level is extremely low to absent, which causes glucose to be excreted in the urine, dehydrating the patient, and causes the body to metabolize fat for energy, producing ketones and creating an acidic environment.

hyperglycemic hypersmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS)

a condition typically found in type 2 diabetics where the blood glucose level rises excessively, causing loss of large amounts of fluid from glucose spilling into the urine, leading to severe dehydration.

ventricular fibrillation (VF or V-fib)

a continuous, uncoordinated, chaotic rhythm that does not produce pulses

diabetes mellitus (DM)

a disease in which the normal relationship between glucose and insulin is altered.

bronchodilator

a drug that relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles and reverses bronchoconstriction

blunt trauma

a force that impacts or is applied to the body but is not sharp enough to penetrate it, such as a blow or a crushing injury.

SAMPLE history

a format for taking a patient history. An acronym used to remember categories of information necessary to the patient history: signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, pertinent past history, last oral intake, and events leading to the injury or illness.

malaise

a general feeling of weakness or discomfort.

stridor

a harsh, high-pitched sound heard on inspiration that indicates swelling of the larynx or obstruction of the upper airway.

bradychardia

a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute.

asystole

a heart rhythm indicating absence of any electrical activity in the heart

hypoxemia

a low oxygen content in arterial blood

non-traumatic brain injury

a medical injury to the brain that is not caused by external trauma. Stroke is an example.

AVPU

a mnemonic for alert, responds to verbal stimuli, responds to painful stimulus, unresponsive, to characterize levels of responsiveness.

OPQRST

a mnemonic for remembering the questions to ask when assessing the patient's chief complaint or major symptoms, such as pain onset, provocation/palliation, quality, radiation, severity and time of the complaint

silent heart attack

a myocardial infarction (heart attack) that does not cause chest pain or discomfort.

priapism

a persistent erection of the penis resulting from injury to the spinal nerves to the genitals.

modified secondary assessment

a physical exam that is focused on a specific injury site, performed on a responsive patient with no significant mechanism of injury or critical injuries; or on a medical patient who is alert, oriented and stable.

obstructive shock

a poor perfusion state resulting from a condition that obstructs forward blood flow.

Fowler's position

a position in which the patient is lying on the back with upper body elevated at a 45 degree to 60 degree angle.

Semi-Fowler's position

a position in which the patient is lying on the back with upper body elevated at less than 45 degrees.

lateral recumbent

a position in which the patient is lying on the left or right side.

paresthesia

a prickling or tingling feeling that indicates some loss of sensation.

evisceration

a protrusion of organs from a wound.

hypoxia

a reduced oxygen delivery to the tissures

paradoxical movement

a section of the chest that moves in the opposite direction to the rest of the chest during the phases of respiration. typically seen with a flial segment.

Status eplepticus

a seizure lasting longer than 2 minutes or seizures that occur consecutively without a period of responsiveness between them. This is a serious medical emergency that may be life threatening.

Traumatic asphyxia

a severe and sudden compression of the thorax that causes a rapid increase in pressure within the chest that affects blood flow, ventilation, and oxygenation.

mottling

a skin discoloration similar to cyanosis but occurring in a blotchy pattern; a possible sign of shock.

dressing

a sterile covering for an open wound that aids in the the control of bleeding and prevention of further damage and contamination.

ischemic stroke

a stroke caused by a clot obstructing a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in an inadequate amount of blood being delivered to a portion of the brain distal to the blocked vessel

hemorrhagic stroke

a stroke caused by rupture of a blood vessel in the brain that allows blood to leak and collect in or around the brain tissue.

stroke

a sudden disruption in blood flow to the brain that results in brain cell damage. Blood flow might be interrupted by a ruptured artery or blocked by a clot or other foreign matter in an artery that supplies the brain.

quality improvement (QI)

a system of internal and external reviews and audits of an EMS system to ensure a high quality of care.

septic shock

a type of distributive shock caused by an infection that releases bacteria or toxins into the blood.

neurogenic shock

a type of distributive shock that results from massive vasodilation.

thrombotic stroke

a type of ischemic stroke caused by a stationary clot that forms in and blocks a cerebral artery.

embolic stroke

a type of ischemic stroke caused by plaque or other material that lodges in and blocks a cerebral artery.

midsagittal

a vertical plan that divides the body into equal right and left halves.

ventricular tachycardia (VT or V-Tach)

a very rapid heart rhythm that may or may not produce a pulse and is generally too fast to adequately perfuse the body's organs.

hyperthermia

abnormally high core body temperature above the normal 38 degrees Celcius

hypothermia

abnormally low core body temperature; core body temperature below 37degrees celcius (98.6 degrees F)

apnea

absence of breathing; respiratory arrest.

SBAR

acronym for situation, background, assessment, and recommendation; a method of organizing a communications about a patient.

pneumothorax

air in the pleural space causing collapse of the lung.

decompensatory shock (decomp)

an advanced stage of shock in which the body's compensatory mechanisms are no longer able to maintain a blood pressure and perfusion of the vital organs.

Traumatic brain injury

an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force, such concussion, whose signs and symptoms may emerge over time.

cardiac hyertrophy

an increase in the size of the heart from a thickening of the heart wall without a parallel increase in the size of the cavity.

penetration/puncture

an open injury caused by a sharp, pointed object being pushed into the soft tissues.

avulsion

an open injury characterized by a loose flap of skin and soft tissue that has been torn loose or pulled completely off.

abrasion

an open injury to the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) caused by a scraping away, rubbing, or shearing away of the tissue.

laceration

an open injury usually caused by forceful impact with a sharp object and characterized by a wound whose edges may be linear (smooth and regular) or stellate (jagged and irregular) in appearance; a wound that penetrates the brain.

open pheumothorax

an open wound to the chest that allows air to enter the pleural space and causing the lung to collapse.

sucking chest wound

an open wound to the chest that permits air to enter into the thoracic cavity.

aura

an unusual sensory sensation that may precede a seizure episode by hours or only a few seconds.

neruological deficit

any deficiency in the nervous system's functioning, typically exhibited as a motor, sensory, or cognitive deficit.

signs

any objective evidence of medical or trauma conditions that can be seen, heard, felt, or smelled in a patient.

body mechanics

application of the study of muscles and body movement (kinesiology) to the use of the body and to the prevention and correction of problems related to posture and lifting.

ligaments

bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones about a joint and support organs

ecchymosis

black and blue discoloration

subdural hematoma

bleeding between the brain and the dura mater.

epistaxis

bleeding from the nose resulting from injury, disease, or environment; a nose bleed.

subarachnoid hemorrhage

bleeding that occurs between the arachnoid membrane and the surface of the brain.

pulmonary contusion

bleeding within the lung tissue that causes a disturbance in gas exchange between the alveoli in the lungs.

pulmonary embolism

blockage in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs

occluded

blocked or closed; not patent, as an occluded airway

hemothorax

blood in the pleural space, causing collapse of the lung.

hematuria

blood in the urine.

pericardial tamponade

blood or fluid filling the fibrous sac around the hear, causing compression of the heart and decreasing the ability of the ventricles to effectively fill and eject blood.

transient ischemic attack (TIA)

brief, intermittent episode with stroke like symptoms that typically disappear within minutes, but usually no longer than 1 hour. They are caused by an oxygen deficit in the brain tissue (ischemia) and are often a precursor to stroke.

hematochezia

bright red blood in the stool

resuscitation

bringing a patient back from a potential or apparent death; an attempt to restore normal or adequate physiologic function

in-line stabilization

bringing the patient's head into a neutral position in which the nose is in line with the navel and the neck is not flexed or extended and holding it there manually.

cirmferential burn

burn that encircles a body area

full thickness burn

burn that involves all the layers of the skin and can extend beyond the subcutaneous layer into the muscle, bone, or organs below; also called a third-degree burn.

partial-thickness burn

burn that involves the epidermis and portions of the dermis, second-degree burn.

respiratory arrest

complete stoppage of breathing

brain herniation

compression and pushing of the brain through the foramen magnum.

neurogenic hypotension

condition associated with injury to the spinal cord that results in vasodilation and relative hypovolemia.

symptoms

conditions that must be described by the patient because they cannot be observed by another person.

informed consent

consent for treatment that is given by a competent patient based on full disclosure of possible risks and consequences.

involuntary consent

consent that is assumed when the patient is either mentally incompetent or legally not permitted to make his own medical decisions.

stenosis

constriction of narrowing of a passage or opening, for example the valves of the heart.

bronchoconstriction

constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles causing a narrowing of the air passageway.

hemoptysis

coughing up blood or blood-stained sputum

retractions

depressions seen in the neck, above the clavicles, between the ribs, or below the rib cage from excessive muscle use during breathing.

battle sign

discoloration of the mastoid suggesting basilar skull fracture.

raccoon sign

discoloration of tissue around the eyes suggestive of basilar skull injury.

compensated respiratory distress

early respiratory distress

defibrillation

electrical shock of current delivered to the heart through the patient's chest wall or internally rom an implanted device to help the heart restore a normal rhythm.

standard of care

emergency care that would be expected to be given to a patient by any trained EMT under similar circumstances.

palpation

feeling, as for a pulse

superficial burn

first degree burn, burn that involves only the epidermis.

basilar skull

floor of the skull.

pulmonary edema

fluid in and around the alveoli in the lungs.

agonal respirations

gasping-type respirations that have no pattern and occur very infrequently; a sign of impending cardiac or respiratory arrest.

hyperglycemia

high blood glucose. A blood glucose level greater than 120 mg/dL. Symptoms include polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia.

hypercarbia

increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood

early respiratory distress

increased respiratory effort caused by impaired respiratory function

incomplete spinal cord injury

injury to the spinal cord that does not affect all spinal cord tracts: motor, light touch, and pain. May produce conflicting and confusing assessment findings as some motor and sensory functions remain intact while others do not.

advance directive

instructions, written in advance, such as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, a living will, or a durable power of attorney.

sphygmomanometer

instrument used to measure blood pressure.

cerebrum

largest part of the brain, responsible for most conscious and sensory functions, the emotions, and the personality.

auscultation

listening for sounds within the body with a stethoscope.

pareital pain

localized, intense, sharp, constant pain associated with irritation of the peritoneum.

chronic

long term, progressing gradually

Brown-Sequard syndrome

loss of different functions on opposite sided of the body from injury to one side of the spinal cord.

central cord syndrome

loss of function in upper extremities caused by injury to the middle portion of the spinal cord.

hypoglycemia

low blood glucose. a blood glucose level of 60mg/dL with signs or symptoms or a blood glucose level of less than 50 mg/dL with or without signs or symptoms.

Trendelenburg position

lying on the back with the lower part of the body elevated higher that the head on an inclined plane.

evidence-based medicine

medical practice based on scientific evidence that certain procedures, medications, and equipment improve patient outcome.

positive pressure ventilation (PPV)

method of aiding a patient whose breathing is inadequate by forcing air into his lungs.

pathogens

microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that cause disease

concussion

mild injury that causes temporary loss of brain function

bilaterally

on both sides

patent

open, not blocked; open airway

pallor

pale or abnormally white skin color

quadriplegic

paralyzed from the neck down

paraplegic

paralyzed from the waist down.

minor consent

permission obtained from a parent or legal guardian for emergency treatment of a minor or a mentally incompetent adult.

expressed consent

permission that must be obtained from every conscious, mentally competent adult before emergency treatment may be provided.

cardiogenic shock

poor perfusion resulting from an ineffective pump function of the heart, typically the left ventricle.

central chemoreceptors

receptors located in the medulla that are most sensitive to changes in carbon dioxide and the pH.

chemoreceptors

receptors that constantly monitor the arterial content of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and the blood pH and stimulate change in respiratory rate and depth.

power grip

recommended gripping technique. the palm and fingers come in complete contact with the object and all fingers are bent at the same angle.

power lift

recommended technique for lifting. feet are apart, knees bent, back and abdominal muscles tightened, back as straight as possible, lifting force driven through heels and arches, upper body rising before hips.

cardiac compromise

reduced heart function with the patient displaying no pulse, no breathing, and unresponsiveness.

hypovolemic shock

shock caused by the loss of blood or fluid from the intravascular space resulting in a low blood volume.

hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock (hemorrhagic shock)

shock from the loss of whole blood from the intravascular space.

dyspnea

shortness of breath or perceived difficulty breathing.

pertinent negatives

signs or symptoms that might be expected in certain circumstances, based on the chief complaint or physical exam, but are denied by the patient or not found on examination.

bronchioles

small branches of the bronchi

bronchospasm

spasm or constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi or bronchioles

baroreceptors

stretch-sensitive receptors located in the aortic arch and carotid bodies that constantly measure the blood pressure.

Diaphoretic

sweating heavily, inducing perspiration

edema

swelling caused by fluid accumulating in the tissues

scope of practice

the actions and care that an EMT is legally allowed to perform, as typically defined by state laws.

tidal volume

the amount of air breathed in and out in one normal respiration.

Intracranial pressure (ICP)

the amount of pressure within the skull.

capillary refill

the amount of time it take for capillaries that have been compressed to refill with blood

implied consent

the assumption that, in a true emergency where a patient who is unresponsive or unable to make a rational decision is at significant risk of death, disability or deterioration of condition, that patient would agree to emergency treatment.

hydrostatic pressure

the blood pressure or force exerted against the inside of vessel walls; the "push" effect that forces fluid out of a capillary.

cardiac arrest

the cessation of cardiac function with the patient displaying no pulse, no breathing, and unresponsiveness.

spinal column

the column of 33 vertebrae that enclose and protect the spinal cord. Cervical-7, Thoracic-12, Lumbar-5, sacral-5, coccyx-1

perfusion

the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to the cells of all organ systems, which results from the constant adequate circulation of blood through the capillaries

baseline vital signs

the first set of vital sign measurements to which subsequent measurements can be compared.

blood pressure

the force exerted by the blood on the interior walls of the blood vessels

eschar

the hard, tough, leathery dead soft tissue formed as a result of a full-thickness burn.

shock

the insufficient delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to some of the body's cells and inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide and other wastes that results from inadequate circulation of blood. (hypoperfusion)

compliance

the measure of the ability of the chest wall and lungs to stretch, distend, and expand.

ventilation

the mechanical process by which air is moved in and out of the lungs, primarily caused by changes in pressure inside the chest.

bloody show

the mucus and blood that are expelled from the vagina as labor begins.

duty to act

the obligation to care for a patient who requires it.

white blood cells

the part of the blood that helps the body's immune system defend against infection

diastolic blood pressure

the pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries when the left ventricle is at rest.

sterilization

the process by which an object is subject to certain chemical or physical substances (typically, superheated steam in an autoclave) that kill all microorganisms on the surface of an object

postictal state

the recovery period that follows the clonic phase of a generalized seizure. In this state the patient commonly appears weak, exhausted, confused, and disoriented and progressively improves

systemic vascular resistance

the resistance of blood flow through a vessel based on the diameter of the vessel

administration

the route and form by which a drug is given.

crepitus

the sound or feel of broken fragments of bone grinding against each other.

compensatory shock, compensated shock

the stage of shock in which a cascade of organ and gland stimulation and hormones occurs to increase the blood pressure, restore arterial wall tension, and maintain a near normal blood pressure and perfusion of the vital organs.

downtime

the time from when the patient goes into cardiac arrest until CPR is effectively being performed.

total downtime

the total time from when a patient goes into cardiac arrest until he is delivered to the emergency department.

vital signs

the traditions signs of life; assessments related to breathing, pulse, skin, pupils, and blood pressure

bronchi

the two main branches leading from the trachea to the lungs, providing the passageway for air movement.

stroke volume

the volume of blood ejected by the left ventricle with each contraction

conduction

transfer of heat through direct physical touch with nearby objects.

convolusion

unresponsiveness accompanied by a generalized jerky muscle movement affecting the entire body

decompensated respiratory failure

when the respiratory compensatory mechanisms have begun to fail and respiration becomes inadequate.

acute

with rapid onset.