First Aid/Appendix A: Glossary

AbrasionAbrasion A superficial wound in which the topmost layers of the skin are scraped off ABCs ABCs Airway, breathing and circulation AEDAED Automated External Defibrillator AirwayAirway The passages which transfer air from the outside environment to the lungs; the tracha, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli ArteryArtery A blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart; contains oxygen-rich, high-pressure blood in the systemic cardiorespiratory system AvulsionAvulsion A tearing away of a section of skin from the layers of tissue beneath it BystanderBystander Any person, trained or untrained, who assists in an emergency situation, but not as part of a duty of employment CapillaryCapillary The smallest blood vessels in the body; the skin is rife with capillaries Carotid arteryCarotid artery The main artery providing blood supply to the head.thumb|The carotid artery is the largest artery shown here; click for a larger version. CausationCausation Determination of whether the defendant's actions are causally linked to any harm CirculationCirculation The movement of blood throughout the body; performed by the heart ConsciousnessConsciousness (level of) A state of awareness or lack thereof ConsentConsent A legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of an action CPRCPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CyanosisCyanosis The bluish coloration of the skin due to the presence of deoxygenated blood near the skin surface; occurs when the oxygen saturation of arterial blood falls below 85% DefibrillationDefibrillation Delivering a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the affected heart with a device called a defibrillator Diabetes a disease causing an inability to regulate the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood DistalDistal The point on a limb furthest from its point of attachment to the body Duty of careDuty of care A legal obligation imposed on an individual requiring that they exercise a reasonable standard of care while performing any acts that could foreseeably harm others EMSEMS Emergency Medical System or Emergency Medical Services HistoryHistory One of the 3 parts of a secondary survey HypoxiaHypoxia A condition in which insufficient oxygen reaches body tissue IncisionIncision A clean cut caused by a sharp-edged object Insulin a hormone that allows glucose to travel from the bloodstream into the cells LacerationLaceration Irregular wounds caused by a blunt impact to soft tissue which lies over hard tissue; tearing of skin LandmarkLandmark The location of compressions; on the midline of the chest, even with the nipples LiabilityLiability A legal doctrine that makes a person responsible for the damage and loss caused by their acts and omissions regardless of culpability; the requirements to prove liability are a)a duty of care exists b)the standard of care was breached c)causation exists Myocardial infarctionMyocardial Infarction Heart attack; bleeding or blockage cuts off blood flow to part of the heart muscle NailbedNailbed The tissue under the nail; pinching the nail and observing the blood return to the nailbed is a good test of circulation at that location OedemaEdemaOedema (Edema) Swelling in the lower legs and ankles. Oedema is caused by a fluid build-up in the body. ProximalProximal The point on a limb closest to its point of attachment to the body PuncturePuncture A wound caused by an object puncturing the skin Semi-proneRecoverySemi-prone position A position which keeps the tongue from obstructing the airway and allows any fluids to drain from the mouth (aka recovery position) Standard of careStandard of Care The degree of prudence and caution required of an individual who is under a duty of care; the requirements of the standard are closely dependent on circumstances TachycardiaTachycardia A rapid pulse generally a pulse over 100 at rest VeinVein A blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart; most veins carry low-oxygen blood