Sports Medicine - Emergency Management & Safety Vocab

blood pressure

the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries as it circulates throughout the body

core temperature

the temperature of an organism's deep internal organs, such as the brain, heart, and liver, which must be maintained within a narrow, stable range for proper physiological function and survival

homeostasis

the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment, such as body temperature or blood glucose levels, despite external changes

pulse

the regular movement of blood through your body that is caused by the beating of your heart and that can be felt by touching certain parts of your body

respiration

the action of breathing

vital signs

body temperature, pulse rate (or heart rate), respiratory rate (breathing rate), blood pressure, and oxygen saturation

active range of motion

the ability of a joint to move through it’s full range of motion using its own muscles

ashen

the pale gray color of ash.

assessment

the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.

clammy

unpleasantly damp and sticky or slimy to touch.

coma

a state of prolonged unconsciousness where a person is unresponsive to their surroundings and does not show any signs of awareness

cyanosis

a bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood

emergency action plan (EAP)

a written document that outlines the specific procedures and actions individuals and organizations must take in the event of an emergency to ensure safety and minimize harm

emergency medical services (EMS)

a system that provides immediate medical care to individuals experiencing sudden and serious illnesses or injuries

SOAP

subjective, objective, assessment, plan

SAMPLE

signs and symptoms, allergies, medication, past history, last intake, events leading up to incident

Log roll

used to move a patient without flexing the spinal column

paralysis

the loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel anything) in part or most of the body, typically as a result of illness, poison, or injury.

passive range of motion (PROM)

the movement of a joint through its full range of motion without the active participation of the muscles surrounding the joint. 

PERL

pupils, equal, round, light and accomodation

primary survey

a rapid, systematic assessment to identify and manage immediately life-threatening injuries in a trauma patient, focusing on the ABCDEs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) to control shock, airway obstruction, and massive hemorrhage

secondary survey

a thorough, head-to-toe physical examination and detailed history that is performed after a patient's immediate life-threatening conditions have been managed in the primary survey

trainer’s angel

a specialized tool used by sports medicine professionals to gain rapid access to an injured football player's airway by cutting through the side attachments of a helmet face mask, allowing it to be hinged open

automated external defibrillator (AED)

portable medical device that can diagnose and treat life-threatening heart rhythms, known as ventricular fibrillation (VF), by delivering an electric shock to the heart. 

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

an emergency treatment that's done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped

chain of survival

a series of sequential, interconnected steps that must be performed quickly and effectively to improve outcomes for someone experiencing cardiac arrest

chest compressions

giving strong, rapid pushes to the chest to keep blood moving through the body.

circulation, airway, breathing (CAB)

prioritizes immediate chest compressions to restore blood circulation, followed by airway management and breathing support. 

good samaritan laws

a legal statute that protects individuals who provide emergency medical assistance to others in good faith, without expectation of compensation. 

head tilt, chin lift maneuver

a basic medical maneuver to open a patient's airway, especially when unresponsive, by tilting the head back and lifting the chin to move the tongue away from the back of the throat and prevent airway obstruction

obstructed airway maneuver

an emergency life-saving technique used to clear a foreign object from the airway

sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)

a condition where the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating

acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

the final stage of infection with HIV. It happens when the body's immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

aseptic

the absence of microorganisms, particularly disease-causing pathogens

hepatitis

inflammation to the liver

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

a virus that attacks the body's immune system.

OSHA

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration - federal agency tasked with assuring safe and healthful conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing occupational safety and health standards and providing information, outreach, training, education, and compliance assistance

pathogen

a microorganism or other biological agent that can cause disease in a host organism

sterile technique

a set of practices used to prevent the introduction of microorganisms into a sterile field or environment

universal precautions

infection control measures designed to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens

MRSA

a strain of bacteria that is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin

staph bacterium

a group of bacteria that can live on the skin and in the nose of humans and cause various infections, from mild skin infections like abscesses to severe, potentially deadly conditions such as bloodstream infections

abc’s of bleeding

Alert, Bleeding, and Compression

packing a wound

the technique of filling a deep or tunneling wound cavity with sterile dressing material to promote healing from the inside out, absorb drainage, and control bleeding or prevent infection

tourniquet

a device, such as a band of rubber, cloth, or nylon, that is wrapped tightly around a limb to control bleeding or blood flow by compressing the blood vessels