First Aid Key Terms

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction that can affect the whole body

Allergen

Any substance that causes an allergy

Antihistamine

A drug that slows down or stops the actions of histamine; the substance that causes an allergic reaction

Hemorrhage

Excessive blood loss over a short period of time due to an internal or external injury

Shock

A condition in which the body experiences a lack of sufficient oxygen available to the organs and tissues

Burn

Injury to body tissue caused by heat, caustics, radiation, and/or electricity

Rule of Nines

A method of calculating the surface area of the body that has been affected by burns

Syncope

Fainting

Petit mal

A generalized seizure in which the person has impaired awareness and responsiveness, and may lose consciousness

Grand mal

A generalized seizure in which a person may experience a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions

Fracture

A break

Dislocation

Displacement of a bone at a joint

Sprain

Injury to a joint accompanied by stretching or tearing of the ligaments

Dressing

Covering place over a wound or injured part

Bandage

Material used to hold dressings in place, secure splints, and support and protect body parts

First Aid

It is the immediate care that is given to the victim of an injury or illness to minimize the effect of the injury or illness until experts can take over