GLOSSARY

Bronchodilator

A drug that widens the bronchi to help with breathing, commonly taken for asthma, e.g., Ventolin.

Bronchus (plural: Bronchi)

Any of the major air passages of the lungs that diverge from the windpipe.

CAB

Refers to Compressions, Airway, Breathing when doing CPR.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

An emergency lifesaving procedure to revive heart and lung function, usually a combination of chest compressions and some form of rescue breathing, that’s performed when a patient’s heart has stopped beating.

Cardiovascular Disease

Diseases and injuries to the Cardiovascular System, including heart attacks, heart failure, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and strokes.

Chain of Infection

The specific steps needed for an infection to occur. They are Mode of Transmission, Portal of Entry, Susceptible Host, Infectious Agent, Reservoir or Source, Portal of Exit.

Chain of Survival

A series of five actions that, if done quickly and correctly, give a patient in Sudden Cardiac Arrest the greatest chance of survival. They are: Recognize SCA and Call 9-1-1; Start CPR Early; Begin Defibrillation Quickly; Provide Effective Advanced Life Support (ALS); Ensure Proper Post-SCA Care.

CT or CAT Scan

A computed tomography (CT) or computed axial tomography (CAT) scan allows doctors to see inside your body. It uses x-rays and a computer to create pictures of your organs, bones, and other tissues, giving a lot more detail than an x-ray.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin caused by poor circulation or not enough oxygen in the blood.

Defibrillation

The use of a carefully controlled electric shock, administered either through a device (e.g., an AED) on the exterior of the chest wall or directly to the exposed heart muscle, to normalize the rhythm of the heart or restart it.

Defibrillator

A medical device that provides an electric shock to the heart and is used in addition to immediate and efficient CPR. (See Automated External Defibrillator)

Diabetes Mellitus (also known as diabetes)

A disease that prevents your body from properly using the energy from the food you eat.

Diaphragm

The large, dome-shaped major muscle of respiration, found below the lungs.The diaphragm contracts rhythmically and continually, and most of the time, involuntarily. When we breathe in, the diaphragm contracts and flattens and the chest cavity enlarges.

Downer

Downers is a slang term for a group of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) depressants. They create the opposite effects of uppers or stimulants. Downers slow down your heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, and they decrease alertness and focus.

DR BOSH

An acronym that helps a person easily remember important information to collect related to a patient’s past medical history (the P in SAMPLE). It stands for Diabetes, Respiratory Conditions, Blood Pressure, Other Medical Conditions, Seizures, and Heart Problems.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Medical services given by trained medical professionals, like paramedics.

Emergency Scene Management (ESM)

Controlling and securing an emergency scene and giving initial and ongoing patient care.

Endocrine System

The system responsible for producing and distributing hormones in the body.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy (sometimes called a seizure disorder) is a disorder of the brain. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy when they’ve had two or more seizures.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is the drug form of a hormone (adrenaline) that the body produces on its own. It’s a life-saving medication that helps to reverse symptoms of an allergic reaction.