Emergency Preparedness & Assessment Vocabulary

stoma

surgically constructed opening in throat used for breathing.

edema

swelling because of excess fluid in tissues.

orientation

the ability to comprehend one's environment regarding time, place, situation and identity of persons.

log roll

the method used to turn a patient with a spinal injury, in which the patient is moved to the side in one motion.

auscultate

to listen.

primary survey

an examination of of the patient to determine the presence of any life-threatening emergencies; the initial assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation on a patient.

active range of motion (AROM)

movement of joint through a range of motion produced by muscle contraction, WITHOUT assistance.

paralysis

loss of sensation of the skin, such as numbness, tingling, prickling, or burning, with no apparent cause.

Emergency Medical Service (EMS)

mobile emergency health providers.

clammy

moist.

passive range of motion (PROM)

movement of a joint through a range of motion produced by an outside force, WITH assistance.

cyanosis

a bluish tint to the skin and mucous membrane caused by a decrease in oxygen.

Trainer's Angel

a device made specifically to cut off the side tabs of the face mask to hinge it back or remove it.

ashen

a gray skin color seen in shock patients.

secondary survey

a head-to-toe physical assessment; an additional assessment of a patient to determine the existence of any injuries other than those found in the primary survey.

coma

a state of unconsciousness or stupor.

HOPS

a system of medical evaluation based on History, Observation, Palpation and Stress tests.

isolated injury assessment

a thorough examination of a specific part of the body to determine the extent of injury that may have occurred.

Emergency Action Plan

a written plan that describes procedures and roles that must be in place for emergency situations.

PERL

abbreviation used for Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light.

assessment

evaluation of a patient's physical condition.

expiration

exhalation, the act of breathing out.

distended

expanded or swollen.

mucus

fluid secreted from the nose.

mechanism of injury

how the injury occurred.

inspiration

inhalation, the act of breathing something into the lungs.