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| Refers to anatomical position and movement of limbs. To move away from the midline. The opposite of Adduct, which is to move towards the midline. You can remember the root AB means "away" by remembering that ABnormal means away from normal. |
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| Commonly known as a boil. A skin infection with a localized collection of pus, much like a large whitehead. |
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| To become adapted to the surrounding environment, in particular to become adapted to heat or cold. |
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| The calcaneal tendon. Attaches the calf muscles to the heel. So named after the Greek legend of Achilles. |
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| joint t the top of the shoulder, where the acromion process of the scapula and the lateral end of the clavicle join. An acromio-clavicular ("AC") injury may be diagnosed by point tenderness over the AC joint after a fall onto the shoulder. |
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| Also known as the acromion process of the scapula; the projection of the scapula, at the top of the shoulder, that connects to the clavicle. |
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| To move toward the midline. Contrasted to ABduct, which means to move away from the midline. |
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| The outer part of the adrenal gland, as opposed to the inner past which is known as the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex secretes steroid hormones including cortisol. |
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| The central part of the adrenal gland, that secretes hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine). The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. |
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| Pertaining to the hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) or its effects. Adrenergic drugs are those that have effects similar to those of adrenaline. |
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| Bacteria that need oxygen to live. Aerobic = Needing oxygen to live. |
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Definition
| the causes of a disease, or the science of studying such causes. |
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| Mood. When used in the context of the psychological or mental status of an individual, affect means the physical signs of emotion; someone who shows no signs of emotion may be considered to have a flattened affect which may be suggestive of an underlying depressive disorder |
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| Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. A slowly progressive but uniformly fatal disease, resulting in infection of, and depletion of, a certain subset of white blood cells (T lymphocytes), resulting in susceptibility to many infections which would not otherwise harm the individual. AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) |
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| The predominant protein in blood plasma. |
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| Something that causes an allergic reaction. Examples include ragweed, pollen, penicillin, and shellfish. |
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Definition
| Advanced Life Support. A level of medical care involving drugs, IVs, and other invasive techniques. |
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| A chemical sometimes used as an aid in wilderness water disinfection. |
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| The small terminal air sacs in the lung. |
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| bacteria that live without oxygen. In the human body, anaerobic bacteria are found primarily in the mouth and in the intestines. Some bacteria grow more abundantly without oxygen but can still grow when exposed to oxygen - these are facultative anaerobes. Others cannot live in the presence of oxygen and these are known as obligate anaerobes. |
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| living by preference, or by necessity, without oxygen (usually applied to species of bacteria). |
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| Medications to decrease pain. |
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| A massive immediate allergic reaction characterized by swelling of the mucous membranes of the airways and shock. Histamine is a major component of anaphylactic shock. |
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Definition
| a small hollow between two tendons, at the base of the thumb. The scaphoid bone can be palpated here, and persistent point tenderness here is sufficient to have a high degree of suspicion for a fracture of the scaphoid bone. A scaphoid fracture is often difficult to see on the initial X-ray, but if the clinical picture fits, the wrist must be put in a cast for six weeks to allow proper healing. |
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Definition
| evidence from individual cases, as opposed to more rigorous evidence from planned scientific studies. |
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Definition
| A balloon-like weakening in the wall of a blood vessel. |
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Definition
| An X-ray of blood vessels made by injecting a special X-ray opaque dye into the vein or artery |
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Definition
| to form an angle. An angulated fracture has a bend where there normally isn't one. |
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Definition
| inability to find the right words. |
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Definition
| A medication to help prevent or stop a seizure (convulsion). |
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Definition
| A medicine that blocks the inflammatory affects and/or the release of histamine, as found in many allergic conditions. |
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Definition
| The opening at the lower end of the digestive tract, though which faeces are passed. |
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Definition
| Referring to a story; means that it illustrates an important point but isn't necessarily true in detail. |
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Definition
| Inflamation of the appendix, a small sac or "appendage" that protrudes from the end of the large intestine where it joins the small intestine in the right lower quadrant. |
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Definition
| Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Also known as "shock lung." Caused by capillaries in lung leaking protein (and thus fluid) into normally air containing areas (alveoli). A not uncommon feature in the severely injured multi-trauma patient. |
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Definition
| Inflammation of the joints. |
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| Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity which may cause abdominal swelling if it is of a sufficient volume. Causes include |
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Definition
| Collapse of small segments of lung. |
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| When you develop an allergic (immune) reaction against part of your own body. This may be caused by an infection with a germ that 'looks" like a part of your own body. Your lymphocytes then attack the part of your body as well as the germ. Examples include inflammation of the bowel, joints, biliary system and thyroid gland. |
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| The part of the nervous system controlling involuntary actions (e.g. the heart rate), as opposed to the voluntary nervous system, which controls voluntary actions (e.g. movement). The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling the state of internal organs. It is divided into two main parts - the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic. Activation of the sympathetic portion of the autonomic nervous system causes an elevation in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, and generally makes the body ready for "fight or flight." The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and digestion and can be considered predominant when the individual is in a relaxed state. |
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Definition
| when a strong pull by a tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of bone. |
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| along the long axis of a limb. |
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| Small single-celled organisms. They are distinguished from the cells of more complex organisms by, among other things, their small size and lack of a nucleus. |
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Definition
| A class of sedative drugs. Phenobarbital is an example. |
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Definition
| the rate the human body makes heat "at idle." |
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Definition
| Base, as in a basilar skull fracture at the base of the skull. |
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Definition
| Postauricular ecchymosis (bruising behind the ear), suggesting a basilar skull fracture. |
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Definition
| Decubitus ulcers. Skin breakdown and ulceration caused by pressure. A form of pressure necrosis. Often caused by being in one position for too long. Beware the prolonged use of hard spinal boards. |
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Definition
| A class of drugs that relaxes muscles, masks anxiety, and causes sedation. Diazepam (e.g., Valium®) is a well-known example. Others include chlordiazepoxide (e.g., Librium®), lorazepam (e.g., Ativan®), alprazolam (Xanax®), and midazolam (Versed®). |
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Definition
| Found mostly in heavy smokers of Asian origin, is essentially severe vasoconstriction that causes necrosis and gangrene of fingers. |
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Definition
| A medication that blocks the beta adrenergic receptors; these are receptors that respond to epinephrine and related hormones by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, causing sweaty palms, and similar reactions. Thus, beta blockers are used to treat hypertension and to "rest" the heart after a myocardial infarction. |
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Definition
| Refers to types of bacteria that cause a particular kind of lysis (disruption) of red blood cells when grown in culture. The type of "strep" (Streptococcus) that sometimes causes kidney and heart damage is beta-haemolytic. |
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Definition
| the major muscle of the front of the upper arm which, when contracted, causes flexion at the elbow joint. At the shoulder, it has two tendons and two attachments, thus the name "biceps." The "triceps" muscle has three attachments at one end. |
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Definition
| One side is the mirror image of the other. |
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Definition
| Dark chemicals that are secreted into the gastrointestinal tract by the liver. They give stool its characteristic dark brown colour. Bile pigments are waste products from the haemoglobin molecules of dead red blood cells. |
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Definition
| Many medicines, if they appear in the blood, diffuse into tissues almost immediately. However, not as many medicines pass from the blood into the brain, suggesting that there is something lining the brain blood vessels that prevents substances from diffusing into the brain. This gives rise to the term "blood-brain barrier". |
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| A single large dose of a medication, as contrasted with a continuous infusion via an IV or a specific amount of a drug or fluid given rapidly as a single dose. |
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Definition
| Sounds like those normally heard only over the trachea or major bronchi. When heard over part of the lung it suggests consolidation the most common cause of which is pneumoma. |
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Definition
| Narrowing of small airways in the lungs. Bronchospasm may come from asthma or from inhalation injury. Bronchospasm may also contribute to a COPD exacerbation. |
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Definition
| Used in reference to reactive chemicals such as acids or iodine. To "buffer" is to chemically hold some of the acid or iodine in reserve. In this way, there is a low concentration of the acid or iodine, but when this is used up, more is released from the buffer chemical. |
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Definition
| A severe skin infection, mostly in children, characterized by fragile blisters. ("Bullous" means having blisters.) |
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Definition
| the middle of the three ankle ligaments under the lateral malleolus. |
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| the calorie (with a small c) is the amount of energy needed to raise one gram of water one degree Centigrade. The Calorie (large C), known as the kilocalorie or kilogram-calorie, is the amount of energy needed to raise a kilogram of water (1000 grams, or a litre) one degree Centigrade. |
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Definition
| The name of a family of bacteria known to cause dysentery in humans. |
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Definition
| The smallest blood vessels. Site of gas and nutrient exchange. |
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Definition
| Pump failure. Generalized poor perfusion from inadequate cardiac output, often from a myocardial infarction. When a porion of the muscle which forms the pumping heart wall dies, the affectiveness of the heart as a pump diminishes, sometimes to the point where the heart cannot maintain an adequate output. |
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Definition
| Also known as cavities, these erosions into a tooth are caused by the action of mouth bacteria. |
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Definition
| Opacities in the lens of the eye. |
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Definition
| Hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. |
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Definition
| Something that induces loose bowel movements. |
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Definition
| A syringe that has a large tip of a size to fit nasogastric (NG) tubes, Foley urinary catheters, and chest tubes. Most syringes have a "Luer-Lock" tip that fits needles and intravenous tubing. |
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Definition
| A skin infection which is characterized by spread of the bacteria through the interstitial spaces of the tissue. |
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Definition
| Chest Physical Therapy. Strictly speaking, chest PT includes a variety of techniques. However, it is commonly used to refer to clapping. |
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Definition
| Periodic breathing, with waxing, waning, and periods of apnoea (no breathing). Common in congestive heart failure, and at altitude. |
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Definition
| Scarring of the liver. Leads to fluid retention, especially in the abdomen (ascites), and to oesophageal varices. Most common cause in Western society is abuse of alcohol. A common cause in the developing world is hepatitis. |
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Definition
| A legal action where a person attempts to reclaim money from someone who allegedly wronged the person; distinguished from a criminal action, which is brought by the government against a person for violating the law. |
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Definition
| pounding moderately on the chest, with a cupped hand, with the patient in a slightly head-down position with the affected lung uppermost. |
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Definition
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Definition
| A type of vascular headache characterized by occurring in clusters over a period of several days. The underlying cause may be similar to migraine headaches but the distinguishing feature of a migraine is that it is always one-sided. |
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Definition
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| the effect of cold on the vascular system and kidneys to cause an increase in urine output. |
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Definition
| When referring to pain, means pain that comes in spasms, rather than being continuous. |
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Definition
| ligaments on either side of a joint. They keep the joint from bending sideways. |
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Definition
| Fluids that contain water and suspended particles such as proteins. These particles do not settle out because they are so small, but are not truly "dissolved." Examples include blood plasma, dextran (a type of starch suspension) and albumin (a common blood protein). |
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Definition
| Left lateral decubitus position. |
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Definition
| Swelling of one of the muscular compartments of a leg or less commonly an arm, leading to pressures so high that nerves are damaged and perfusion is cut off. |
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Definition
| The use of defence mechanisms to return the body to a normal state. An example is the way blood pressure does not drop immediately when blood is lost. This is achieved by reducing the affective volume of the circulatory system through constriction of blood vessels. |
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Definition
| The inside of the eyelid. |
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Term
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Definition
| Inflammation of the lining of the eye and eyelids. |
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Term
| Conservation of Energy (Law) |
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Definition
| Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can be stored as potential energy, or transferred from one object to another. |
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Term
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Definition
| An area of lung tissue that is filled with fluid and "solid" rather than spongy like normal lung. Indicative of an infection - pneumonia. |
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Term
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Definition
| The clear covering of the front of the eye. |
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Term
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Definition
| the anatomic plane that divides the body into front and back. |
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Definition
| The part of the back lying on either side of the spine at the bottom of the posterior rib cage. Also known as the renal angle. Used as a landmark for the underlying kidney. Tenderness to a firm tap here suggests a disorder of the kidney. |
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Term
| Counter-current heat exchange |
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Definition
| When the deep arteries and veins of the arms and legs can exchange heat with one another, allowing perfusion of cold extremities without loss of heat. |
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Term
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Definition
| crunching on palpation. Caused by broken bones or air under the skin. |
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Term
| Critical Incident Stress Debriefing |
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Definition
| CISD is a form of limited intervention that is thought to be effective in preventing many of the ill effects resulting from exposure to a traumatic incident and its attendant immediate and delayed stress reactions. The evidence supporting it's use is weak and in some cases compulsory debriefing after a stressful event may be counter-productive. |
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Definition
| An incident causing such a high level of psychological stress that many exposed to it develop immediate or delayed stress reactions. |
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Term
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Definition
| A viral upper respiratory infection, primarily in children, which causes swelling of the large airways just under the larynx and a stridorous cough. |
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Term
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Definition
| Cross-shaped. A common reference relates to the cruciate ligaments of the knee which are configured in shape of a cross and stabilise the knee. |
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Term
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Definition
| A fluid containing water and salts. Normal Saline, Dextrose and Lactated Ringer's solution are examples of crystalloids. |
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Term
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Definition
| A culture is a sample from a suspected infection that is placed on a medium (e.g. agar in a Petri dish) that supports the growth of the suspected microbe; the medium is checked at intervals for growth of the microbe. |
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Term
| Cumulative Stress Reaction |
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Definition
| a set of abnormal and maladaptive responses to chronic high levels of stress. |
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Definition
| Cerbrovascular Accident or Stroke |
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Definition
| Medicines that paralyze eye muscles and dilate the pupil. |
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Definition
| An intravenous solution of 5% dextrose (glucose) in water. |
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Term
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Definition
| To trim away dead tissue. |
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Term
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Definition
| Failure of defence mechanisms to cope with external stresses. |
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Definition
| A medicine that shrinks swollen mucous membranes. These medicines are vasoconstrictors. An example is pseudo-ephedrine |
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Definition
| See left Lateral Decubitus position. |
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Term
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Definition
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Definition
| a psychological reaction, characterized by unusual physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural signs and symptoms, occurring weeks or months after exposure to a critical incident, and often triggered by a seemingly innocuous stimulus. |
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Definition
| A legal doctrine that allows the doctor to delegate functions to others. |
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Definition
| the large ligament under the medial malleolus at the ankle. Not to be confused with the deltoid muscle at the shoulder. Deltoid means shaped like a Greek delta, or triangle. |
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Term
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Definition
| the large muscle on the lateral aspect of the shoulder. Not to be confused with the deltoid ligament under the medial malleolus at the ankle. Deltoid means shaped like a Greek delta, or triangle. |
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Term
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Definition
| Fixed and firm beliefs that have no basis in reality and may be a sign of a major underlying psychiatric illness. |
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Definition
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Definition
| Oedema of the lower parts of the body. When one is standing or sitting most of the time, this becomes pedal oedema in the ankles; when lying, it becomes presacral oedema in the lower back. |
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Term
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Definition
| the diffusion of solute molecules through a semi-permeable membrane, passing from the side of higher concentration to that of the lower; a method sometimes used, in patients with defective renal function, to remove from the blood elements that are normally excreted in the urine. |
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Term
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Definition
| Disseminated intravascular coagulation. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A list of possible causes of a particular sign, symptom, or combination of signs and symptoms. |
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Term
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Definition
| Distal lnterphalangeal Joint. The finger or toe joint nearest the end of the digit. |
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Term
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Definition
| The technique of placing a gloved finger into the rectum and breaking up and manually removing impacted stool. |
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Term
| Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation |
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Definition
| Widespread inappropriate clotting throughout the entire vascular system, causing clots where they're not needed, and causing a depletion of clotting factors for use in areas that actually need a clot. Also known as DIC. |
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Term
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Definition
| A medication that causes an increased urine output. Lasix® (furosemide) is a strong, commonly used diuretic. Acetazolamide (Diamox®) is a mild diuretic. |
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Term
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Definition
| Inflammation in an acquired out-pouching of the large intestine (a diverticulum). Diverticulosis is the state of having diverticula, while diverticulitis is an actual inflammation usually due to infection. |
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Definition
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Definition
| Doctor of Osteopathy. A degree offered by Osteopathic medical schools in the USA. DOs are now licensed to practice medicine in all states in the US. A minority of physicians in the U.S. are DOs. |
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Term
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Definition
| movement toward the dorsum (dorsal side). For example, dorsiflexion at the ankle means moving the foot up. |
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Term
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Definition
| Acute syncope from a cardiac arrhythmia. |
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Term
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Definition
| Deep Venous Thrombus. A blood clot, commonly in the deep veins of the leg. |
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Term
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Definition
| Infectious bacterial diarrhoea when bacteria invade the wall of the intestine, usually causing high fever, abdominal pain and crucially, bloody diarrhoea. |
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Definition
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Definition
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Definition
| A pregnancy outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy may rupture and cause an acute abdomen or enough bleeding to cause death. |
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Term
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Definition
| Emergency Medical Technician. A person who has completed training according to the relevant national authority (U.S. Department of Transportation) and who has met the educational objectives of the curriculum laid down, and is functioning as a part of an EMS system. Also refers generically to EMTs who have gone on to higher levels of training up to EMT-P. |
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Term
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Definition
| Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic. A person who has completed training according to the relevant national authority (U.S. Department of Transportation) and who has met the educational objectives of the curriculum laid down, and is functioning as a part of an EMS system. Whereas "plain" EMTs (EMT-As or EMT-Ambulances, also more properly known as EMT-Basics) can only perform Basic Life Support techniques, EMT-Ps can perform Advanced Life Support techniques under a doctor's orders. |
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Definition
| inflammation of the brain tissue indicating an underlying infection. |
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Term
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Definition
| a disease that is constantly present in a community. |
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Term
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Definition
| Narcotic-like chemicals that are produced in the brain or spinal cord to block pain. |
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Term
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Definition
| Relating to the inside of the trachea e.g. endotracheal tube (ETT). |
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Term
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Definition
| Ears, Nose, and Throat. A medical specialty. Also referred to as otorhinolaryngology |
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Term
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Definition
| A protozoan amoeba parasite known to cause dysentery in humans. |
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Term
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Definition
| Bites of an animal, insect or arachnid that contain venom (poison). Not all bites of poisonous species are envenomated. |
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Term
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Definition
| Pnemonic. Extra Ocular Motions Intact. Means the patient can look left, look right, look up, and look down. |
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Term
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Definition
| The statistical study of injury and illness. Used to assess diseases, medical treatment and preventive measures. |
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Term
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Definition
| A small organ that sits behind and just on top of the testicle. Part of the apparatus of sperm maturation and storage. |
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Term
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Definition
| A bacterial infection of the epiglottis, primarily in children, that causes severe pain, drooling and stridor, which may lead to airway obstruction. |
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Term
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Definition
| Also known as adrenaline. The major hormone in the blood responsible for the sympathetic "fight or flight reaction" (sweaty palms, tachycardia, nervousness). |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| the fold of skin-like tissue around the margin of a fingernail or toenail. |
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Term
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Definition
| A slowly-spreading circular red rash that is a sign of Lyme Disease. |
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Term
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Definition
| A hard, leathery material that forms following third degree burns. |
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Term
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Definition
| Cutting into the dense eschar that results from a third-degree burn. This is done to prevent circumferential constriction (around a limb or even the chest) which may otherwise impede circulation or cause difficulty breathing. |
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Term
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Definition
| Oil of Cloves. A local anaesthetic used in dental work. |
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Term
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Definition
| Cells that are larger and more complex than single-celled prokaryotes. Plants and animals are all made up of eukaryotic cells. |
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Term
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Definition
| The tubes that drain the middle ear into the back of the throat. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| When referring to motions of the ankle, the movement made when trying to place the soles of both feet together. This is the most common mechanism for an ankle sprain. |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| rotation away from the midline. |
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Term
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Definition
| Movements of the eyes (up, down, and to both sides). |
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Term
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Definition
| Abnormal muscle contractions of the back, neck, or face. Sometimes seen as a side effect of antipsychotic medicines such as haloperidol (e.g., Haldol®), or from antinausea medicines such as prochlorperazine (e.g., Stemetil®). A dystonic reaction is one type of extrapyramidal symptom. |
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Term
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Definition
| A thick, yellow, white, or gray material that exudes from inflamed tissues. For example, most second degree burns develop an exudate. |
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Term
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Definition
| Cutting open the fascia. Fascia are the fibrous membranes that enclose muscular compartments in the legs and arms. Used to relieve pressure from compartment syndrome. |
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Term
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Definition
| a type of control system that measures a quantity (e.g., temperature), then changes things based on that quantity. A house thermostat is a good example of a (negative) feedback system. |
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Term
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Definition
| an elevation in body temperature due to a higher set-point of the body thermostat, usually due to an infection. This is in contrast to an increase in temperature due to overheating despite the best efforts of body cooling mechanisms. This is heat illness, not fever. |
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Term
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Definition
| Tending to break down fibrin, a major component of blood clots. |
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Definition
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Definition
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Definition
| Plant life. In regards to humans, it refers to the normal population of bacteria found on the skin, in the mouth, in the GI tract, and elsewhere. In some ways, we are dependent on this "normal flora" for our well-being. Cows would starve without their GI bacteria that break down cellulose into a digestible form. |
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Term
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Definition
| A catheter placed through the urethra into the urinary bladder to allow free drainage of urine. Foley catheters may be placed to allow measure urine output, relive urinary retention or treat incontinence. |
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Term
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Definition
| Tiny droplets filled with bacteria that come out when you sneeze or cough. |
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Term
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Definition
| A group of organisms including moulds, mildew, toadstools, and mushrooms, distinguished by several features from animals and plants. |
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Term
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Definition
| The manner in which a person walks. e.g. an antalgic gait is an abnormal pattern of walking caused by pain in the legs or back. |
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Term
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Definition
| Dry gangrene refers to death of tissue (necrosis) with shriveIing and blackening, as after frostbite. Wet gangrene refers to infected dead tissue, and gas gangrene refers to a specific and deadly type of infection (Clostrdium perfringens) associated with formation of gas bubbles within the tissue. Either way, gangrene is death of tissue. |
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Term
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Definition
| Diffuse irritation of the stomach lining. |
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Term
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Definition
| A fiberoptic device used to look for ulcers and other abnormalities in the oesophagus and stomach; it is passed down the oesophagus. Also known as OGD |
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Term
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Definition
| Invisible living agents of disease, including protozoa, bacteria, viruses, fungi and prions. |
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Term
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Definition
| bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Causes ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, gastritis, oesophageal varices (dilated veins), or from a variety of problems with the large or small bowel. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| increased pressure of the fluid within the eye. Extremely painful and if untreated, can lead to blindness. |
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Term
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Definition
| The joint between the head of the humerus and the glenoid of the scapula. The largest of the joints making up the shoulder |
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Term
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Definition
| The articular surface of the scapula which forms a joint with the head of the humerus. The "socket" of the ball-and-socket shoulder joint. |
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Term
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Definition
| A concentrated preparation of antibodies against the tetanus poison. |
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Term
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Definition
| sensation of a lump in the throat due to stress. |
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Term
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Definition
| a small organ in the skin that is thought to act as a switch to switch blood between the superficial and deep circulation. |
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Term
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Definition
| Also known as dextrose. The simplest kind of sugar. It is the only kind the brain can use, and is the form of sugar found in the blood. Other more complex or different sugars are found in foods (e.g., lactose in milk, fructose in fruit). Sucrose is table sugar. |
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Term
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Definition
| A complex carbohydrate stored in muscle and liver. It is an important source of "quick energy." |
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Term
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Definition
| A concept used in reference especially to aircraft crashes. The number of survivors markedly decreases over the first 24 hours after a crash. |
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Term
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Definition
| In relation to trauma, the concept of an injured patient receiving life saving surgery within 1 hour. Statistically, trauma patients survival drops if surgery is delayed longer than an hour. |
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Term
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Definition
| A law in the USA that exempts certain people from liability due to a civil action (prevents people from suing them) if they are offering emergency aid, generally without compensation, and in good faith. Good Samaritan Laws vary from state to state. |
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Term
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Definition
| A method of staining bacteria using iodine and other stains. Bacteria that stain deep purple are called "Gram positive," and those that remain light pink are called "Gram negative." For example, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species are Gram positive, whereas E. coli is gram negative. Gram positive and negative bacteria are also very different in many other ways, for example, their susceptibility to various antibiotics. |
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Term
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Definition
| Block the effects of histamine on acid secretion in the stomach. Common H2 blockers, including ranitidine (Zantac®) and cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet®), are often prescribed for ulcer disease. These drugs have been largely, but not exclusively, been surpassed by another class of drugs, the PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors). |
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Term
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Definition
| High altitude Cerebral (O)edema. |
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Term
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Definition
| High altitude flatus expulsion. |
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Term
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Definition
| sensory impressions of objects or people that do not exist in reality; hallucinations may be visual, auditory, or even tactile or olfactory (smell) |
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Term
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Definition
| High altitude pulmonary (O)edema. |
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Term
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Definition
| High altitude retinal haemorrhage. |
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Term
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Definition
| a physiological solution of salts similar to Ringer's solution (see below). |
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Term
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Definition
| An abnormality of the cardiac conduction system. |
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Term
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Definition
| fainting from heat illness. |
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Term
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Definition
| A collection of blood in soft tissues. |
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Term
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Definition
| An allergic reaction to incompatable transfused blood that causes lysis (rupture) of red blood cells. This causes severe illness. Haemolytic reactions are not exclusive to incompatable tranfused blood and may occur in other circumstances. |
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Term
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Definition
| Dilated veins around the anus or inside the anal canal. May bleed and can protrude. |
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Term
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Definition
| Blood behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane). |
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Term
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Definition
| An anticoagulant (blood thinner). |
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Term
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Definition
| inflammation of the liver; usually but not always caused by a viral infection. |
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Term
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Definition
| Protrusion of an organ or tissue out of the cavity in which it normally resides. Common examples are umbilical or inguinal hernias. |
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Term
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Definition
| A substance found in certain cells in the skin and blood. When released, histamine causes inflammation (bronchial constriction, skin and mucous membrane swelling, and itching). Histamine effects are blocked by antihistamine drugs. |
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Term
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Definition
| Human Immunodeficiency Virus. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| If the foot is forcibly dorsiflexed (pushed up), and the resulting traction on the calf causes pain, the test is positive. A positive test is associated with (but not diagnostic of) a DVT. Theoretical risk of dislodging a clot in the leg which can travel to the lung means that it is not wise to over-do Homan's test. |
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Term
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Definition
| the state of dynamic equilibrium. More simply, keeping something the same despite things that tend to disturb it. An example is human thirst - when we get dehydrated, our thirst drives us to drink and replenish body water stores. Thirst is one of the homeostatic mechanisms that tends to keep body water at a stable level. |
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Term
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Definition
| a "warm-blooded" animal, including mammals, but not reptiles, which are poikilotherms ("cold-blooded"). Homeotherms keep their body temperatures very constant via sophisticated control mechanisms. The core temperature of poikilotherms, however, varies more widely with the surrounding temperature. |
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Term
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Definition
| A chemical messenger released in one part of the body that travels through the blood and has an effect in a distant site. Epinephrine is a hormone, as is hydrocortisone. |
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Term
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Definition
| the bone of the upper arm. |
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Term
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Definition
| sudden bursts of blood flow (and warmth) in a very cold extremity. |
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Term
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Definition
| The order of the animal kingdom that includes bees, wasps, hornets, and ants. |
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Term
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Definition
| When adrenaline (epinephrine) levels are high and the sympathetic nervous system is activated. An example would be when you are being chased across a field by a large bull. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| high potassium in the blood. |
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Term
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Definition
| A solution with a higher osmotic pressure (more dissolved solutes) than normal blood. |
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Term
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Definition
| Increased deep tendon reflexes. Usually from damage to the brain or spinal cord. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A salt solution more concentrated (having a higher osmotic pressure) than blood. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| increased suspicion and attention to one's environment. |
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Term
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Definition
| a low level of potassium in the blood. |
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Term
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Definition
| a level of sodium ('natrum', in Latin) in the blood that is less than normal. This may come from a lack of sodium or an excess of water in the blood. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| the part of the brain that serves as a control centre for many bodily functions, including temperature and water balance. |
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Term
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Definition
| Low thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolic rate. |
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Term
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Definition
| Inadequate rate or depth of breathing. |
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Term
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Definition
| Low blood volume. Normal for an adult is 5-6 litres. |
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Term
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Definition
| A low level of oxygen in the blood. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Intra Cranial Pressure. The pressure inside the skull. |
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Term
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Definition
| Juvenile-onset or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Now called Type I DM. |
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Term
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Definition
| Lack of normal peristaltic movements moving food/faecal material along through the stomach and intestines. Caused by illness, electrolyte disturbance, trauma or surgery. |
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Term
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Definition
| Intramuscular or into the muscle |
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Term
| Immediate Stress Reaction |
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Definition
| a psychological reaction, characterised by unusual physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural signs and symptoms, occurring at, or soon after, exposure to a critical incident. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A superficial skin infection caused by staphyllococcal aureus. Characterized by clear fluid leaking from the area, and a golden crust. See also Bullous Impetigo. |
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Term
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Definition
| loss of voluntary control leading to urination or defecation. |
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Term
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Definition
| The time lag from exposure to a contagious disease until the development of symptoms. |
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Term
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Definition
| Death of tissue from lack of blood supply and hence oxygen |
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Term
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Definition
| A muscle on the bottom of the eye; when it contracts, the eye rotates so it looks down. Entrapment of this muscle in a blow-out fracture of the lower part of the orbit can prevent the eye from looking up. That is, the muscle becomes stuck in the fracture site. |
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Term
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Definition
| A reaction of the body to injury or infection, characterized by redness, warmth, pain, swelling, and decreased function. These mechanisms protect the area from further injury and infection, and help institute healing. The response may also be disproportionate and damaging, e.g. in anaphylaxis. |
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Term
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Definition
| Relating to or affecting the region of the groin. |
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Term
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Definition
| The likelihood of particular injuries for a particular mechanism of injury. |
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Term
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Definition
| Water losses through sweating and respiration which occur all of the time, even at cooler temperatures, and of which we are generally unaware. Approximately 700 ml a day when inactive at room temperature. |
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Term
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Definition
| Inability to go to sleep normally. |
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Term
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Definition
| rotation toward the midline. |
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Term
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Definition
| The fluid on the outside of the body's cells. Formed from plasma leaking out of small veins and capillaries. The fluid then drains into lymph vessels, which then drain back into the large central veins in the chest. Also known as intercellular fluid. Along with the blood, interstitial fluid makes up the extracellular fluid volume. |
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Term
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Definition
| within the joint. When referring to fractures, it means that the fracture line extends into the joint. This tends to make proper healing more difficult. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Within the blood vessels. |
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Term
| Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) |
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Definition
| A technique involving IV injection of dye, followed by X ray imaging as dye is excreted by the kidneys, outlining the ureters and any obstructing stones or other abnormalities. |
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Term
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Definition
| When referring to motions of the ankle, to the movement made when trying to place the tops of both feet together, and the soles facing outward. |
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Term
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Definition
| The coloured part of the eye. |
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Term
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Definition
| Inadequate blood flow. Damage subsequently occurs in tissues if oxygen delivery by the blood cannot keep pace with oxygen demand. |
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Term
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Definition
| Intravenous. Inside the vein. |
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Term
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Definition
| Yellow colouring of the skin and eyes from the build up of bile pigments, often from liver failure or hepatitis. |
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Term
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Definition
| A plant with characteristic yellow or orange blossoms and translucent stems that grows near stinging nettles. The sap of this plant is an effective antidote when rubbed on nettle stings. |
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Term
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Definition
| a fibrous sac around a joint that supports the joint and contains the joint fluid inside the synovial membrane. |
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Term
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Definition
| kilocalorie. The amount of energy needed to warm a litre of water (1000 ml) by one degree Centigrade. Daily food consumption and energy expenditure averages about 2500 Kcal for a sedentary 70 Kg man, but ranges up to 4000 Kcal or higher when on difficult field tasks. |
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Term
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Definition
| The physics of trauma. Particularly, the ways that the laws of motion can help explain injury. |
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Term
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Definition
| Energy associated with mass in motion. Kinetic energy = Mass x (Speed)2. |
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Term
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Definition
| Inflammation of the vocal cords leading to hoarseness. |
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Term
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Definition
| Spasm of the vocal cords leading to airway obstruction. |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
| Left Lateral Decubitus Position |
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Definition
| Also known as the coma position, 3/4 prone position or recovery position. The patient is on the left side, with knees and hips slightly bent, and with the head on the flexed right arm, tilted slightly face down. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A large dose of a drug, given at the beginning of a course of the drug, to rapidly build up therapeutic levels of the drug. |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
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Definition
| An infectious disease, transmitted by the bite of certain ticks. Named after the Connecticut town where the disease was first discovered. |
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Term
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Definition
| Small subcutaneous bumps that are found in many places, especially in the neck, armpit, and groin. They lie along lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are' 'factories" for certain kinds of white blood cells, and enlarge in response to infection or, less commonly, cancer. |
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Term
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Definition
| Infection spreading up lymph vessels. Characterized by a red, warm line along the course of the lymph vessels. |
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Term
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Definition
| The network of lymphatic vessels. They return fluid that 'leaks' out of capillaries back to the central circulation. Lymph nodes are found along Iymphatics. |
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Term
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Definition
| A type of white blood cell which mainly fights viral infections. |
|
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Term
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Definition
| refers to a flat rash, as compared to a papular rash, which is a rash with palpable bumps. |
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Term
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Definition
| plural of malleolus, see below. |
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Term
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Definition
| The bony prominences on either side of the ankle. The medial and lateral malleoli are formed by the distal tibia and fibula, respectively. |
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Term
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Definition
| A small rip in the lining of the GI tract at the junction of the oesophagus and the stomach. Usually caused by vomiting or attempting to vomit. A cause of GI bleeding. |
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Term
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Definition
| A diuretic. A type of sugar that is not absorbed by the body, but excreted in the urine. It is sometimes given IV to decrease swelling, for instance to decrease swelling in the brain. It works by increasing osmotic pressure of the blood, thus pulling water out of the swollen area. (The main effect in brain swelling is now thought to be to dilute the blood, by drawing water into the blood vessels, and allow it to flow through the brain more easily.) |
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Term
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Definition
| Military Anti-Shock Trousers. A pneumatic garment placed over the casualties legs and pelvis and inflated to provide splinting and improve venous blood return. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Metacarpophalangeal Joint. The joint where a finger joints the hand. The knuckle. |
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Term
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Definition
| Medical Doctor. A medical degree offered by "allopathic" medical schools; the majority of licensed physicians in the U.S. are MDs whereas the majority of the doctors in the UK and Ireland are MB or "Bachelor of Medicine". |
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Term
| Mechanism of Injury (MOI) |
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Definition
| The way in which an injury occurs; specifically, the physical forces and other external factors that contribute to a particular injury. |
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Term
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Definition
| A state act that provides for the licensing of physicians, defines the practice, of medicine, and prohibits those who are unlicensed from practicing medicine. In Ireland, the Medical Practitioners Act, most recently updated in 2007, governs these parameters. |
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Term
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Definition
| Irritation or infection of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. |
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Term
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Definition
| Menstrual periods with more than normal blood loss. |
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Term
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Definition
| Blood and other material passing from the uterus during a woman's period. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Menstrual bleeding between periods. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Trade name Hypnovel®. A short-acting muscle relaxing benzodiazepine, similar to diazepam (i.e., Valium®). |
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Term
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Definition
| Headaches caused by spasm of cerebral blood vessels. Typically one sided and severe. |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
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Definition
| Non-lethal complications from a disease or injury. Examples would include brain damage or amputation of a limb, or a long hospitalization. |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
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Definition
| unevenly coloured, blotchy. |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
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Definition
| A small single-celled parasite that is known to cause upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. |
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Term
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Definition
| Drops that dilate the pupil. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An O2-carrying molecule found in muscles. It is similar to the haemoglobin molecule found in red blood cells. When released in large amounts after a crush injury, it is toxic to the kidney. |
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Term
|
Definition
| High levels of myoglobin in the urine. May cause renal failure. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Nurse Practitioner. Known in the UK and Ireland as a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist). An R.N. (Registered Nurse) who has gone on to more advanced training. NPs and PAs are similar in their training and capabilities. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A near-syncopal episode is when one feels faint or light headed but doesn't actually pass out. |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Shock caused by dilation of blood vessels. This may come from direct spinal injury (actually, to the paraspinal sympathetic nerve ganglia), or from a sudden outflow of nerve impulses after a psychological shock. |
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|
Term
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome |
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Definition
| Hyperthermia, hypertension, and muscle spasms. A rare complication of long-term use of drugs such as Haldol®. |
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Term
|
Definition
|
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Term
|
Definition
| An object in motion remains in motion until something stops it (even if that something is just friction). |
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Term
|
Definition
| The way this "unusual" law works is this. Imagine pushing against a brick wall with 20 pounds of force. The 20 pounds of force that you place on the wall will be opposed by an equal and opposite force of 20 pounds by the wall. In other words, the force you exert on something gets transmitted back in the same amount. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A virus well-known for causing viral enteritis ("stomach flu"). |
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Term
|
Definition
| Normal Saline. An intravenous solution of 0.9% sodium chloride (table salt). It is "normal" because it is similar in concentration to blood. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug, e.g., Ibuprofen (e.g., Brufen®) is an example. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A type of diagnostic study made by injecting very slightly radioactive particles into the blood, then using a special camera to make a picture of where the radioactivity deposits. Examples include a bone scan, looking for areas of infection or cancer, or a lung scan, looking for clots in the pulmonary arteries. |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
|
Definition
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Accumulation of fluid in body tissues. Can be caused by congestive heart failure, renal or liver failure, or fluid overload. May be localised to one area, or generalised. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Gastroesophageal reflux. Stomach acid coming back up the oesophagus, causing irritation of the oesophagus and "heartburn" chest pain. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Irritation of the oesophagus. The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The expanded upper part of the ulnar bone. It is the bony tip of the elbow. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| relating to the sense of smell. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Osmotic pressure from plasma proteins. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A medical and surgical eye doctor (an M.D. or D.O.). Not to be confused with an optometrist (0.0.), who checks refraction for glasses. |
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|
Term
| Oral Rehydration Solution |
|
Definition
| Available in powder form, this is an oral electrolyte replacement solution that has saved thousands from dying from the severe diarrhoea of cholera. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| The bony parts surrounding the eye socket. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The movement of a solvent from a concentrated solution to a less concentrated solution, by passage through a semi-permeable membrane. The result is that the concentration of the two solutions is equalised. In living organisms, the solvent is water and the semi-permeable membranes are cell walls. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The Pressure tending to move fluids across a semi-permeable membrane such as blood vessel walls. The more concentrated a solution is (i.e. the more molecules of solute dissolved in it), the greater the osmotic pressure it will exert. Solutes include salt, sugar and larger molecules such as proteins. Osmotic pressure and the resulting osmosis tends to move water move from the less concentrated solution across the membrane to the more concentrated solution, thus diluting the more concentrated solution. |
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Term
|
Definition
|
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Term
|
Definition
| outer ear (ear canal) infection. |
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Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A special lighting device for looking into the ear |
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Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ in the epigastric region (just under the bottom of the breastbone at the top of the abdomen). Pancreatitis may come from alcohol abuse, trauma, certain medical problems, or a gallstone in the common duct that connects the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas to the gut. |
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Term
|
Definition
| a raised spot on the skin less than 5 mm diameter. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An organisms that lives at the expense of another organism, usually inside or on the victim . As distinguished from symbionts and commensals - organisms that live together without harming one another |
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|
Term
| Parasympathetic Nervous System |
|
Definition
| The parasympathetic nervous system, along with its companion sympathetic nervous system, make up the autonomic nervous system. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| unusual sensations, usually due to damage to nerves or biochemical abnormalities; a feeling of "pins and needles" is a common paresthesia. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A type of virus known for causing stomach flu. |
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Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Pulmonary Embolism. A blood clot in a blood vessel of the lung |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| swelling in the tissue around the feet and ankles. May be a sign of heart failure. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| 1. a person of the same civil rank or standing; an equal before the law. 2. one who ranks with another in respect to endowments or other qualifications; an equal in any respect. When talking about trained peers in respect to CISD, we mean people who have similar enough backgrounds to be regarded as "one of us." Thus, a CISD-trained peer must be an emergency services worker. For SAR personnel, an ideal "CISD-trained peer" is a member of a SAR team with CISD training. |
|
|
Term
| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease |
|
Definition
| (PID) An infection of the female genital tract which may cause infertility |
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Term
|
Definition
| An ulcer in the duodenum or stomach that has eroded through the wall of the intestine or stomach. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The delivery of blood to a tissue. A poorly perfused tissue receives little blood. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An abscess at the base (root) of a tooth. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Inflammation of the sac around the heart, often due to a viral illness. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Referring to the area behind the genitalia but in front of the anus. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The membranous covering of a bone. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| The rhythmic contractions of the gastrointestinal tract that propel digesting food and faecal matter along their course from one end to the other. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Infection of the peritoneum (the inside lining of the abdomen). Symptoms and signs may include severe abdominal pain, high fever, and a rigid abdomen. The most common cause in a young otherwise healthy person is appendicitis. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An abscess inside a tonsil on one side of the throat. A peritonsillar abscess may need surgical drainage. Also known as Quincy. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light and Accomodation. |
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Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
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Definition
| Mucus from a respiratory infection. |
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Term
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Definition
| A rash, similar to sunburn, caused by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet "A" light after taking certain medications. For example, doxycycline. |
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Term
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Definition
| Someone who has completed a specified course of training, usually 2 years of intense training at a medical school, and who can carry out some but not all functions of a physician. Must work under supervision of a physician. |
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Term
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Definition
| Proximal Interphalangeal (joint). The finger or toe joint second from the end; between the DIP and MCP joints. |
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Term
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Definition
| If you can press your finger into the skin and it leaves a dent, we call this "pitting oedema." Your finger momentarily presses out the oedema fluid from the skin. |
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Term
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Definition
| an inactive substance resembling a medication, or an inactive treatment resembling a real treatment, which may be used as a control in experiments. The effect, real or psychological of administering an inert 'medication'. The effect may be very powerful. |
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Term
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Definition
| at the ankle; flexing the ankle so that the foot moves downward, toward the plantar aspect (bottom) of the foot. |
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Term
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Definition
| The fluid component of blood, excluding white and red blood cells and platelets. |
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Term
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Definition
| The component of whole blood responsible for the initial plugging of leaks, which they do by sticking to the damaged edges of the blood vessels and each other. Platelets are implicated in strokes and myocardial infarctions. |
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Term
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Definition
| A viral inflammation of the lining of the chest. |
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Term
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Definition
| Pain that is worse with a deep breath. |
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Term
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Definition
| An infection of the tissue of the lung. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| "cold-blooded." See homeotherm. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
| Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) |
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Definition
| a psychiatric disorder which is caused by an exposure to a severe stress. This disorder usually needs special treatment by a mental health professional. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Also known as vasopressors. Pressors are drugs that increase blood pressure. Dopamine, dobutamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine |
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Term
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Definition
| The outlook for progression or resolution of a disease; how a person with the disease may reasonably expect to do. |
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Term
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Definition
| Single celled or simple organisms e.g. bacteria |
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Term
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Definition
| Twisting the forearm so the palm is down. |
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Term
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Definition
| "Tending to ward off disease." E.g., Aspirin is given to patients who are at risk of a myocardial infarction as a prophylactic measure. |
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Term
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Definition
| A walnut-sized gland that surrounds the male urethra. Cancer of the prostate is the most common male cancer. |
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Term
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Definition
| The basic building block of living things. Made up of intricately folded chains of small molecules called amino acids. Though there are only about 20 amino acids, there are millions of different proteins owing to different combinations of amino acids. Muscles are made of proteins, many hormones are proteins, and enzymes are proteins. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A person who is psychotic has only loose connections with reality . He or she may see or hear things that aren't there, and not see or hear things that you can see and hear . |
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Term
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Definition
| Fluid in the lungs that has oozed out of small capillaries. This may be caused by increased pressure in the capillaries from congestive heart failure, or from damage to the capillary walls, as in ARDS. |
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Term
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Definition
| Electronic devices that are attached to a finger, toe, or ear lobe. By monitoring the colour absorption of the blood perfusing the skin with each pulse, these monitors can give a real-time readout of the percentage oxygen saturation of the blood. |
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Term
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Definition
| The difference between systolic and diastolic pressures. For instance, if the BP is 120/80, the pulse pressure is 40. A narrowed pulse pressure, felt as a weak and thready pulse, is one of the early signs of shock. |
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Term
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Definition
| Point like. When used to describe keratitis (erosion of the cornea of the eye), it refers to many small pinpoint erosions. |
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Term
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Definition
| Pus draining from the gums. |
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Term
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Definition
| The quinolone family of antibiotics includes moxifloxacin (Avelox®), ciprofloxacin (Ciproxin®), and ofloxacin (Taravid®). These antibiotics kill a variety of bacteria, and are unrelated to penicillins or sulfa drugs. They are not considered safe for women who might be pregnant, or for children or adolescents. |
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Term
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Definition
| toward the radius (toward the thumb). Opposite of ulnar. |
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Term
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Definition
| Soft crackles in the lungs. May be simulated by rubbing some of your hair between two fingers (next to your ear). Generally signifies pulmonary oedema. |
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Term
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Definition
| A disease characterized by spasm of the finger and toe arteries in the cold, causing cold, blue digits. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| retreat to infantile or childish defence mechanisms. |
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Term
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Definition
| a normal total volume of blood in a vascular system that is expanded beyond normal; seen in heat stress, neurogenic shock from spinal injuries, or from psychogenic shock (fainting). |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| The thin layer of the back of the eye that contains light and colour detecting cells. |
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Term
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Definition
| Behind the peritoneum. The kidneys, pancreas, and parts of the intestine are retroperitoneal, rather than free in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. |
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Term
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Definition
| When referring to a medical or scientific study, "retrospective" means a study that, after the fact, analyzes medical records. This is in distinction to a "prospective" study, which lays out, in advance, the way the study will be carried out. Prospective studies are generally more reliable than retrospective. |
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Term
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Definition
| A particular type of liver failure in combination with encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissue) that is associated with a variety of viral infections. Aspirin as also been implicated. |
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Term
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Definition
| One of the most important blood types. A person's blood is RH positive or negative. People with RH negative blood will have an allergic reaction against RH positive blood if it is transfused. This is particularly important in the setting of childbirth where the mother and the fetus may be of different Rh blood types. |
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Term
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Definition
| breakdown of skeletal muscle. This leads to release of myoglobin into the blood. Myoglobin is excreted in the urine (myoglobinuria) which may lead to kidney failure. |
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Term
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Definition
| A common type of autoimmune arthritis. |
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Term
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Definition
| Rhinitis caused by overuse of nasal decongestants. |
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Term
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Definition
| A stuffy, runny nose. Rhinitis may be a result of allergy or of a minor viral infection (a "cold"). |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A group of small intracellular parasites including the organisms that cause Typhus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. |
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Term
| Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever |
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Definition
| An infectious disease transmitted by the bite of certain ticks. |
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Term
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Definition
| Range Of Motion (of a joint). |
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Term
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Definition
| A virus well-known for causing diarrhoea ("stomach flu"), especially in children. |
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Term
| Sacral (or Presacral) Oedema |
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Definition
| Swelling in the skin of the lower back. Generally from congestive heart failure, renal failure, liver failure, or fluid overload. Seen instead of pedal oedema in those restricted to bed rest. |
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Term
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Definition
| Mouth-watering; drooling. |
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Term
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Definition
| A family of bacteria known to cause dysentery in humans. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| one of the eight wrist (carpal) bones. Also sometimes known as the carpal navicular bone - the tarsal navicular bone is found in the foot. Both words, navicular and scaphoid, refer to the bone's boat-like shape. The scaphoid bone can be palpated in the anatomic snuffbox at the base of the thumb. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Flashing lights that obscure part of the visual field. Associated with the beginning of a migraine headache. |
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Term
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Definition
| The white part of the eye. |
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Term
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Definition
| The sac holding the testicles. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| not moving around. May be a diplomatic way of describing the lifestyle of someone who is a 'couch potato'. |
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Term
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Definition
| A type of shock caused by massive infection. Sepsis is characterized as "warm" shock, because there is a high cardiac output and dilated peripheral blood vessels. |
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Term
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Definition
| Shigella is the name of a family of bacteria known to cause dysentery in humans. |
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Term
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Definition
| A shift in blood supply from one area to another. |
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Term
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Definition
| Found in some with African ancestry; caused by an abnormal haemoglobin molecule in red blood cells. When subjected to low O2 levels, the abnormal haemoglobin crystallises, causing red blood cells to twist into "sickle" shapes. The cells then aggregate and cause clots in many small blood vessels. Lack of O2 then causes more sickle cells to deform, making the problem worse. Sickle cell genes protect against malaria, which is why it still exists despite the disadvantage to some who carry it. |
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Term
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Definition
| Under the tongue (sublingual). |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Snow blindness. A sunburn of the cornea. |
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Term
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Definition
| AKA SubQ. Subcutaneous. (USA) |
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Term
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Definition
| Slowing down or stopping. |
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Term
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Definition
| acute syncope from a cardiac arrhythmia. |
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Term
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Definition
| Upper airway "wheezing" indicating partial obstruction, as occurs in croup or epiglottitis. A cough that is barking or seal-like is called a stridorous cough. |
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Term
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Definition
| Having a decreased level of consciousness, but not being unconscious. |
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Term
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Definition
| Bleeding into the cerebrospinal fluid, often from a ruptured aneurysm. |
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Term
| Subconjunctival Haemorrhage |
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Definition
| Bleeding under the outer covering of the eye (conjunctiva) over the sclera (white part of the eye). |
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Term
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Definition
| A splint, usually made from plaster, fibreglass, or a flexible splint such as a Sam Splint™. It is shaped like a long "U," and covers both sides of a limb. For the forearm and wrist, it starts at the palm, goes proximal up the forearm, around the back of the elbow, then back down the forearm to the back of the hand. For the ankle, it goes from one side of the leg, down under the foot, then up the other side of the leg. |
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Term
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Definition
| A sulfa antibiotic often used in eye drops and eye ointments. Not commonly used in the UK and Ireland. |
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Term
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Definition
| In relation to the forearm, twisting the forearm so the palm is up. |
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Term
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Definition
| When checking the neck, ability to move the neck in all directions without pain. |
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Term
| Sympathetic Nervous System |
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Definition
| The fight or flight mechanism. The sympathetic nervous system, along with its companion parasympathetic nervous system, make up the autonomic nervous system. |
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Term
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Definition
| Drugs that mimic the fight-or flight sympathetic nervous system response. Also known as adrenergics, because of the similarity to the effects of adrenaline. |
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Term
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Definition
| relating to syncope (fainting), e.g. "the patient had a syncopal episode" (i.e., passed out). |
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Term
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Definition
| fainting, passing out, becoming unconscious. |
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Term
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Definition
| Having effects throughout the body. |
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Term
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Definition
| The anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments are found below the lateral malleolus at the ankle. They connect the lateral malleolus (the distal fibula) with the talus (the large tarsal bone just above the heel). The anterior talofibular ligament is the most commonly sprained ligament in ankle sprains. |
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Term
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Definition
| also known as temperature homeostasis. Refers to keeping the body core temperature at a constant temperature near 99°F (37°C), and the mechanisms and control systems that achieve this. |
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Term
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Definition
| Inflammation of the temporal artery. |
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Term
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Definition
| a dense, fibrous band that joins a muscle to a bone. Similar in appearance to ligaments that join bone to bone. |
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Term
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Definition
| A "tetanus shot." Contains a modified form of the tetanus poison. This "toxoid" will make the body develop antibodies that will protect against the real tetanus toxin (poison). Needs to be administered in adults every 10 years to maintain immunity. |
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Term
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Definition
| a chemical found in cocoa and chocolate that has stimulant actions similar to caffeine. |
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Term
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Definition
| A clot in a small superficial vein with resulting inflammation. |
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Term
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Definition
| A yeast infection of the mouth, common in children. Thrush is characterized by irritation and redness of the mucous membranes and white "stuck-on" appearing patches. The same term is used to refer to a common fungal infection of the vagina or foreskin. |
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Term
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Definition
| transient ischemic attack. An acute neurological deficit, similar to a stroke, but that completely resolves within 24 hrs. |
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Term
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Definition
| A superficial skin infection with a variety of fungi, including jock itch, ringworm, and athlete's foot. |
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Term
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Definition
| ringing in the ears. Seen as a toxic effect from high aspirin levels, or from ear infection or head trauma. |
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Term
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Definition
| To administer a medication in increments until a desired effect occurs, e.g., giving morphine until the patient has pain relief. |
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Term
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Definition
| A type of civil suit that alleges intentional harm. |
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Term
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Definition
| The formal name for a group of plants including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| across the long axis of a limb. |
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Term
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Definition
| Non-dysentery diarrhoea that occurs about 2-5 days after travelling to a different country. One cause is a particular bacterium called" enterotoxigenic" E. coli. travellers'' diarrhoea is also known as "turista" or "Montezuma's Revenge." |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| toward the ulna (toward the little finger). As opposed to radial (toward the thumb). |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Normal urine output is 1-2 ml/kg/hr for children, or about 30-50 ml/hr for an average adult. |
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Term
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Definition
| An allergic wheal-like rash (like mosquito bites without the bite), which may occur over the entire body. AKA a hive. |
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Term
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Definition
| The oil in poison ivy and similar plants to which so many people are allergic. |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
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Definition
| The uvula is the floppy piece of tissue that hangs down in the back of the throat. The "Punching Bag" |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A migraine or cluster headache; caused by spasm of cerebral blood vessels. |
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Term
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Definition
| any medicine that causes vasodilatation. Nifedipine is a vasodilator sometimes used in the prehospital setting. |
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Term
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Definition
| Spasm (constriction) of the blood vessels, as occurs in small arteries to reduce blood flow to the area they supply. |
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Term
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Definition
| An insect or other carrier of disease to another species. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| a species of bacteria known to cause dysentery in humans. |
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Term
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Definition
| The more virulent a type of bacteria is, the fewer are the bacteria needed to create a selfsustaining infection. |
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Term
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Definition
| Small semi-alive "germs" that can cause disease. Viruses cannot reproduce by themselves, but are parasites that require a cell of some other organism to reproduce. Viruses generally consist of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein coat, but little else. They are much smaller than even the smallest bacterial cells. |
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Term
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Definition
| A tough ligamentous plate on the volar (palm) side of each finger joint. |
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Term
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Definition
| the same side of the arm as the palm. |
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Term
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Definition
| Same as hypovolaemia. Low blood volume. |
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Term
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Definition
| Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician. |
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Term
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Definition
| The mechanism of injury causing many neck injuries, when the head is "whipped" forward and / or back on the neck from sudden acceleration or deceleration forces, as in a car accident or at the end of a climber's fall. |
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Term
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Definition
| World Health Organization. |
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Term
| Wilderness Command Physician (WCP) |
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Definition
| A physician (MD. or MB) who is permitted to provide medical command to advanced-level EMTs, and who has specialised training in the direction of Wilderness EMTs. |
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Term
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Definition
| A system capable of providing medical care and rescue beyond the means of routine or conventional EMS systems. This may require transport of equipment, personnel, and medications on team member's backs over rugged terrain to the patient, and during evacuation from the site to an entry point into the "normal" EMS system. |
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Term
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Definition
| A specially trained member of a well-organized, wilderness-oriented, physician controlled system that provides medical care to patients in backcountry or wilderness situations. |
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Term
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Definition
| A tract or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings; an uninhabited region left in its natural condition; something likened to a wild region in its bewildering vastness, perilousness, or unchecked profusion. |
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Term
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Definition
| Yersinia is the name of a family of bacteria known to cause dysentery in humans. |
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