First Aid Definitions Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering essential first aid definitions and concepts.

Emergency Action Principles

Checking the area for danger before helping (fire, wires, gas, explosives, rip currents).

Primary Survey

A quick check of life-threatening problems (ABCs + H).

Airway (A)

Ensuring the airway is open so air can enter lungs (head-tilt chin-lift).

Breathing (B)

Checking if the person is breathing (look, listen, feel).

Circulation (C)

Checking pulse to see if blood is circulating (carotid artery).

Hemorrhaging (H)

Checking for severe, life-threatening bleeding.

Good Samaritan Law

Law that protects people from being sued when they help in an emergency in good faith.

Implied Consent

Permission assumed when a person is unconscious or unable to respond.

Normal Pulse

Resting heart rate between 60–100 beats per minute.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Carotid Artery

Main artery in the neck used to check pulse in emergencies.

Brachial Artery

Artery located inside the upper arm.

Femoral Artery

Large artery located in the groin that runs down the leg.

Hemorrhaging

Severe, uncontrolled bleeding.

Capillary Bleeding

Slow oozing blood from tiny vessels near the skin; easiest to control.

Venous Bleeding

Dark red blood that flows steadily from veins.

Arterial Bleeding

Bright red blood that spurts with each heartbeat; most dangerous type.

Wound

Any injury that damages body tissue.

Open Wound

A wound where the skin is broken.

Closed Wound

Injury under the skin with no break in the surface (like bruises).

Abrasion

Scrape where skin is rubbed off (low bleeding).

Incision

Clean, straight cut caused by sharp object (heavy bleeding).

Laceration

Jagged or torn cut in skin (high infection risk).

Puncture

Small, deep hole caused by pointed object (highest infection risk).

Avulsion

Tissue torn away from body (very severe and bloody).

Infection

Invasion and growth of bacteria in body tissue.

Fever

Elevated body temperature caused by infection.

Redness

Skin turning red due to inflammation.

Swelling

Enlargement of tissue due to fluid buildup.

Pain

Discomfort caused by tissue damage or infection.

Pus

Thick fluid made of dead white blood cells and bacteria.

Antibiotics

Medicines that kill bacteria (do NOT work on viruses).

Virus

Germ that causes illness but must run its course (like flu or cold).

Shock

Condition where the body cannot deliver enough blood and oxygen to vital organs.

Hemorrhagic Shock

Shock caused by major blood loss.

Metabolic Shock

Shock caused by fluid loss, burns, or dehydration.

Septic Shock

Shock caused by severe infection spreading in the body.

Psychogenic Shock

Fainting caused by fear, pain, or emotional stress.

Anaphylactic Shock

Severe allergic reaction (foods like peanuts, seafood, eggs).

Shock Symptoms

Pale skin, cold clammy skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing.

Shock Treatment

Elevation of legs, keep warm, do not move unnecessarily.

Strain

Injury to muscle or tendon.

Sprain

Injury to ligament.

Tendon

Connects muscle to bone.

Ligament

Connects bone to bone.