EMS Chapter 2

infectious disease

a medical condition caused by the growth and spread of harmful organisms within the body.

communicable disease

a disease that can be spread from one person or species to another

pahogen

a microorganism that is capable of causing disease in a susceptible host

contamination

the presence of harmful microorganisms or substances in a product or environment that can lead to disease.

direct contact

occurs when an organism is moved from one person to another through touching without any intermediary

indirect contact

involves the spread of infection from the patient with an infection to another person through an inanimate object

vector-borne transmission

involves the spread of infection by animals or insects that carry an organism from one person or place to another

acute stress reactions

occur during a stressful situation

delayed stress reactions

manifest after the stressful event.

cumulative stress reactions

when you are exposed to prolonged or excessive stress

critical incident stress management (CISM)

the process is used to confront the responses to critical incidents and defuse them, directing the emergency services personnel toward physical and emotional equilibrium

aerosol-generating procedure

the spread of an organism via droplets or dust