EMT Practice Lecture Notes

These vocabulary flashcards cover essential EMT concepts including types of shock, anatomy, patient assessment mnemonics, vital sign parameters, and communication protocols.

Shock

The inadequate circulation of blood throughout the body.

Acute Myocardial Infarction

A medical condition commonly known as a heart attack.

White blood cells

Cells that protect the body from infections.

Kidneys

Organs that eliminate toxic waste products and control fluid balance; they are located in the abdominal cavity between the liver and spleen.

Right atrium

The primary chamber of the heart that receives blood from the vena cava.

Myocardium

The muscular tissue of the heart, also known as cardiac muscle.

Perfusion

The adequate circulation of blood to the body's cells.

Perfusion triangle

The three essential components of circulation: the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Septic shock

Shock resulting from a severe infection, often characterized by widespread dilation of the vascular system.

Anaphylactic shock

Shock commonly caused by foods, medications, or insect stings.

Compensated shock

A stage of shock where the body is still able to maintain adequate circulation.

Cardiogenic shock

A type of shock associated with pulmonary edema and impaired ventilation.

Obstructive shock

Shock caused by physical obstruction of blood flow, such as in cardiac tamponade.

Neurogenic shock

Shock caused by a radical change in the size of the vascular system, commonly accompanied by hypothermia in acute injury settings.

Hypovolemic shock in burns

Shock caused by severe burns resulting specifically from the loss of plasma.

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Hormones that stimulate an increase in heart rate, increase the strength of cardiac contractions, and cause vasoconstriction in nonessential areas.

Systolic blood pressure

The pressure in the blood vessels measured during the contraction of the heart.

Diastolic blood pressure

The measurement of pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is relaxed.

Sphygmomanometer

The medical term for a blood pressure cuff.

Vital signs

Outward signs that indicate what is occurring inside the patient's body.

Pulse point

A place on the body where an artery is close to the surface and positioned over a bone.

Tachycardia

A pulse rate higher than normal, such as a rate of $120$ beats per minute.

Bradycardia

A slow heart rate, such as a pulse rate of $40$ beats per minute.

Normal adult respiratory rate

A breathing rate ranging from $12$ to $20$ breaths per minute.

Auscultation

The act of listening to sounds within the body, typically using a stethoscope.

Normal body temperature

A temperature of $98.6$ degrees.

Pulse oximeter

A device used to measure the oxygen saturation levels in the blood.

SAMPLE

An acronym for history gathering: Signs/symptoms, Allergies, Medication, Past medical history, Last intake, and Events.

OPQRST (P)

In the OPQRST pain assessment mnemonic, the P stands for Provocation.

Capnography

A measurement of End tidal carbon dioxide ($CO_2$).

Diaphoretic

A medical term used to describe a patient who is sweating.

Bilateral

A term describing an injury or condition occurring on both sides of the body, such as fracturing both femurs.

Prone

A physical position where the body is lying face down.

Proximal

A directional term indicating a position closer to the trunk or point of origin; for example, the elbow is proximal to the wrist.

Chief Complaint (CC)

The portion of the patient history that should be recorded using the patient's own words.

Closed loop communication

A communication technique where a team member repeats a request back to the team leader to confirm understanding.

Syncopal episode

A brief or temporary loss of consciousness.

Pertinent negative

A finding where a patient denies having a specific symptom that might otherwise be expected, such as a cardiac patient denying difficulty breathing.

FCC (Federal Communications Commission)

The federal agency responsible for assigning and licensing radio frequencies used by EMS units.

Base station

A two-way radio terminal located at a fixed site like a hospital or dispatch center.

Continuous Quality Improvement

The process of reviewing emergency calls to ensure they conform to current medical standards.