Responding to Emergencies

Module 3 Vocabulary 2023 Responding to Emergencies

Heimlich Maneuver/Abdominal Thrust

A method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of someone who is choking.

Myocardial Infarction/heart attack

Occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen because the blood vessels are blocked. This is an emergency that can result in serious heart damage or death

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

medical procedures used when a person's heart or lungs have stopped working. CPR is used until medical help arrives and must be started immediately to prevent or lessen brain damage. Involves chest compressions and artificial breathing

Dyspnea

difficult or labored breathing. Shortness of breath.

emergency situations

Any situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security of property or environment.

first aid

emergency care given immediately to an injured person by the first people to respond to an emergency.

petit mal seizure

A type of seizure that involves brief, sudden lapses in attention. Someone having a petit mal seizure may appear to stare into space for a few seconds. Other symptoms include lip-smacking, eyelid fluttering, and chewing motions.

RACE

Acronym used to help remember duties in the case of a fire. RESCUE, ALARM, CONFINE, EXTINGUISH/EVACUATE

Bleeding

internal or external loss of blood

Epilepsy

A neurological disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures

Resuscitation

The process of correcting physiological disorders (such as lack of breathing or heartbeat) in an acutely ill patient. CPR is an example of resuscitation

Shock

occurs when body organs and tissues do not receive an adequate supply of blood. Shock is dangerous and life-threatening. Bleeding, heart attack, severe infection, and low blood pressure can lead to shock.

Aspiration

The inhalation of food, fluid, or foreign material into the lungs. Aspiration can cause pneumonia or death.

hypoglycemia/insulin reaction

deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream. Low blood sugar. Can result from either too much insulin or too little food.

Vomitus/Emesis

the substance from vomiting or the act of throwing up. The act of ejecting stomach contents through the mouth and/or nose.

cyanosis

bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

Syncope

Fainting. A sudden loss of consciousness

FAST

An acronym to educate the public on the signs of a stroke. Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time.

Stroke/Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)

The sudden death of brain cells, and damage to the brain from lack of blood supply. Can be from brain bleeding or blockage of blood vessels.

hyperglycemia

High blood sugar. Too much sugar in the blood because the body lacks insulin. Associated with Diabetes.

Grand Mal Seizure

A type of seizure that involves a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. A grand mal seizure is usually caused by epilepsy but may have other triggers, such as very low blood sugar, high fever, or a stroke.

unconscious/ loss of consciousness

a state in which an individual lacks normal awareness of self and the surrounding environment. The patient is not responsive and will not react to any activity or stimulation. Syncope is the medical term for temporary loss of consciousness.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A serious diabetes complication where the body produces excess blood acids (ketones). This condition occurs when there isn't enough insulin in the body.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

a temporary lack of oxygen in the brain. A warning sign of a stroke and sometimes called a mini-stroke. Symptoms include weakness on one side of the body, vision problems, and slurred speech. These are transient and often resolve within 24 hours

What does the R stand for in RACE?

• Reward the staff

• Rescue the oxygen tanks

• Remove anyone in danger

• Report the fire

Remove anyone in danger

What does the A stand for in RACE?

• Activate the alarm or call 911

• Alarm the residents

• Ask questions of the nurse

• Act quickly

Activate the alarm or call 911

What does the C stand for in RACE?

• Call the police

• Contain the fire if possible

• Collect the residents

• Calm- stay calm

Contain the fire if possible

What does the E stand for in RACE?

• End the disaster

• Enter through the fire doors

• Elude the fire

• Extinguish or Evacuate

Extinguish or Evacuate