Term
|
Definition
| A type of radio signal in the ultra-high frequency range that allows splitting a frequency into individual talk groups used as a communication link with other system users. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A set of three numbers that automatically sends the call to the emergency dispatch center. E9-1-1 is enhanced 9-1-1, which gives the dispatcher the ability to determine the caller's location by routing the
call through several CAD systems. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Terminating care when it is still needed
and desired by the patient and without ensuring that appropriate care continues to be provided by another qualified health care professional. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A shorter way of writing something. |
|
|
Term
| Abdominal compartment syndrome |
|
Definition
Syndrome caused by diffuse intestinal edema, a result of fluid accumu
lation in the bowel wall. It may be caused by overre suscitation with crystalloids and results in shock and renal failure. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
An injury in which a severe laceration or incision of the abdomen breaches through all layers of muscle to allow abdominal contents, most often the intestines, to protrude above
the surface of the skin. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The ending of a pregnancy for any reason before 20 weeks' gestation; the lay term miscarriage is referred to as a spontaneous abortion |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Separation of the placenta from the
uterine wall after the twentieth week of gestation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A generalized seizure characterized by a blank stare and an alteration of consciousness. |
|
|
Term
| Absolute refractory period |
|
Definition
| Corresponds with the onset of the QRS complex to approximately the peak of the T wave; cardiac cells cannot be stimulated to conduct an electrical impulse. no matter how strong the stimulus. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Movement of small organic molecules, elec
trolytes, vitamins, and water across the digestive tract and into the circulatory system. Also the movement of a drug from the site of input into the circulation |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Use of a substance for other than its approved, accepted purpose or in a greater amount than prescribed |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Inflammation of the gallbladder in the absence of gallstones. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A grief stage in which the individual has come to terms with the reality of his or her (or a loved one's) imminent death. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Muscles of the neck, chest, and abdomen that become active during labored breathing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An extra bundle of working myocar dial tissue that forms a connection between the atria and ventricles outside the normal conduction system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Recognition given to an EMD center
by an independent auditing agency for achieving a consistently high level of performance based on indus try best practice standards. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A mechanism in which a drug is processed
by enzymes |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A body chemical that stops the action of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter involved in the stimulation of nerves) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Fluid produced in the stomach; breaks down the food material within the stomach into chyme. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Delicate balance between the body's acidity and alkalinity |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Materials that have a pH value less than 7.0
(e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Specific immunity directed at a particular pathogen that develops after the body has been exposed to it once (e.g., immunity to chickenpox after first exposure). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Listening to the words that the patient is saying as well as paying attention to the significance of those words to the patient. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The degree of movement at
a joint as determined by the patient's own voluntary movements. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A process used to move substances
against the concentration gradient or toward the side that has a higher concentration; requires the use of energy by the cell but is faster than diffusion
A process used to move substances
against the concentration gradient or toward the side that has a higher concentration; requires the use of energy by the cell but is faster than diffusion |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sudden blockage of arterial blood flow that occurs because of a thrombus, embolus, tumor, direct trauma to an artery, or an unknown cause |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Short-term medical treatment usually
provided in a hospital for patients who have an illness or injury or who are recovering from surgery. |
|
|
Term
| Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) |
|
Definition
A term used to refer
to patients presenting with ischemic chest discomfort. Acute coronary syndromes consist of three major syndromes: unstable angina, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An exposure that occurs over a short timeframe (less than 24 hours); usually occurs at a spill or release. |
|
|
Term
| Acute renal failure (ARF) |
|
Definition
| When the kidneys suddenly stop functioning, either partially or completely, but even tually recover full or nearly full functioning over time. |
|
|
Term
| Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) |
|
Definition
| Collection of fluid in the alveoli of the lung, usually as a result of trauma or serious illness. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The involvement in a repetitive behavior
(gambling, substance abuse, etc.). In physical addiction
the individual has become dependent on an external substance and develops physical withdrawal symptoms if the substance is unavailable. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The involvement in repetitive behavior such as gambling or substance abuse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The combined effect of two drugs given at the same time that have similar effects. |
|
|
Term
| Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) |
|
Definition
| Formed from metabolism of nutrients in the cell; serves as an energy source throughout the body. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fat cell; a connective tissue cell that has differentiated and become specialized in the synthesis (manufacture) and storage of fat. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
connective tissue Tissue that stores lipids; acts as an insulator and protector of the organs
of the body. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A branch of law that deals with rules, regulations, orders, and decisions created by governmental agencies. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Having the characteristics of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Hormones released by the
adrenal cortex essential for life; assist in the regulation
of blood glucose levels, promote peripheral use of lipids, stimulate the kidneys to reabsorb sodium, and have antiinflammatory effects. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To gather or stick to a surface in a condensed layer. |
|
|
Term
| Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) |
|
Definition
| A life threatening condition that causes lung swelling and fluid buildup in the air sacs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A document in which a competent person gives instructions to be followed regarding his or her health care in the event the person later becomes incapacitated and unable to make or commu nicate those decisions to others. |
|
|
Term
| Advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) |
|
Definition
| An EMS professional who provides basic and limited advanced skills to patients who access the EMS system. |
|
|
Term
| Adverse effect (reaction) |
|
Definition
An unintentional, undesirable,
and often unpredictable effect of a drug used at therapeutic doses to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A person who assists another person in carry
ing out desired wishes; a paramedic should function as a patient's advocate in all aspects of prehospital care. |
|
|
