Southeast Region EMS Council, LLC
SEREMS ETT Glossary
Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL
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AbandonmentThe provider ends the provider-patent relationship
without making sure the patient’s healthcare needs are met. | |
AbrasionAn injury that only affects the surface of the
skin and results in mild oozing of
blood. It is commonly known as “road rash.” | |
Advance DirectiveA way for a person to spell out ahead of time the care they would like to receive should they become unable to state their wishes. Examples of advance directives include Comfort One and POLST. | |
Aerosol-Generating Procedure (AGP)A procedure that is likely to produce a fine mist of suspended airborne particles (aerosol). Airway suction and bag-valve-mask ventilation are examples of AGPs. Vomiting and coughing can also generate aerosols. A respirator mask, such as an N-95, protects against the greater risk of infection associated with an aerosol. | |
AlveoliThe
location of air exchange in the body. Lung passages end in tiny sacs known as
alveoli, which are surrounded by small blood vessels (capillaries). Oxygen diffuses
across the thin membrane of each alveolus and the thin membrane of the capillary,
while carbon dioxide makes the journey in reverse. "Alveoli" is plural; "alveolus" is singular. | |
AmputationAn extremity or part of it of has been cut or
torn completely free from the body. | |
Anaphylactic ShockA life-threatening allergic reaction usually
associated with low blood pressure, shortness of breath and wheezing, and nausea
and vomiting. | |
Anatomical PositionWhen describing an injury or other exam finding, the finding is described as if the patient were standing up with both arms slightly outstretched and palms facing forward. For example, even if the patient is lying supine, “superior” will always reference the top of the head and not the part that may be farthest from the ground in the patient's current position. | |
Angulated FractureA break in a bone that leaves the limb at an angle. | |
ArteryA blood vessel that carries blood away from the
heart. The blood usually carries oxygen (except for the pulmonary artery which
carries de-oxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs). | |
AssaultThreatened or actual physical harm. If an ETT attempts to move a patient or to provide treatment against the patient’s wishes, the ETT may be guilty of assault. | |
AuscultationThis is the term used for listening (usually
with a stethoscope). It is commonly used when listening to obtain a blood pressure or
to a patient’s lung sounds. | |
AVPUThis is used to describe a patient’s level of consciousness. The letters stand for: A-Alert OR Awake (these words do not mean the same thing, be sure you understand which one is meant when you hear that AVPU = A) V- Responds to verbal stimuli P- Responds to pressure on the space between thumb and first finger U- Unresponsive to any stimuli. You may see P as painful stimulus in the text; EMS is transitioning away from pain to pressure. | |
AvulsionA tearing away of soft tissue. May be minor like
a torn-off nail or severe like a torn-off ear or partial amputation. | |