Wilderness First Responder
ABCDE's
Primary survey: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Environment.
Abortion
The premature expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus
Accessory
Assisting the main actor; for example, chest wall muscles are accessory (to diaphragm)
muscles of respiration
Acidosis
A condition caused by accumulation of acid or loss of base in the body.
ACL
Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Part of the knee ligament group
Acute
Sharp, severe. Having rapid onset, severe symptoms and a short course; not chronic
Alveoli
Microscopic air sacs within the lung where gas exchange takes place.
Ambulate
To walk - Ambulatory: able to walk
Apnea
Absence of breathing.
Artery
A blood vessel transporting blood away from the heart.
Asphyxia
Suffocation
Asystole
No contractions (beating) of the heart
Aspiration
Aspiration—Drawing in as by suction. Foreign bodies may be aspirated into the nose, throat, or lungs
on inspiration.
Auscultation
Listening for and interpreting sounds that occur within the body, usually with a
stethoscope.
Avulsion
A flap of tissue that is not completely detached from the body
BP
Blood Pressure. A vital sign that measures the force of blood circulation
, BRAT Diet—
Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast; diet for patients with diarrhea.
Battle's sign—
Bruising behind the ear may be a sign of a fracture of the base of the skull.
CNS
Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord)
Capillary
Microscopic blood vessels connecting arteries to veins where exchange of gasses and nutrients
occur.
Cartilage
Thick, smooth white tissue covering the ends of bones, allowing for friction-free movement of
joints
Compartment syndrome
Increased pressure inside the fascial compartment of the muscles, usually
of the leg or arm.
Conjunctiva
Mucous membrane lining the outer surface of the eye.
Convulsion
A violent, involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the voluntary muscles—a
"fit," a seizure
Cornea
Mucous membrane covering the anterior chamber of the eye
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
Crepitus
A sensation that feels like bubble wrap popping, indicating air beneath the skin
CSF
Cerebrospinal fluid—fluid produced within the brain and circulating around the brain and spinal
cord
CSM
Circulation, Sensation and Motor function. Better known as the neurovascular exam.
C-Spine
Cervical Spine. The uppermost 7 vertebrae of the spinal column
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration, observed first in the nail beds and oral mucosa, that results from
inadequate oxygenation of the blood
Decerebrate
Posture—
Characterized by extension and rotation of the arms and extension of the legs.
ABCDE's
Primary survey: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Environment.
Abortion
The premature expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus
Accessory
Assisting the main actor; for example, chest wall muscles are accessory (to diaphragm)
muscles of respiration
Acidosis
A condition caused by accumulation of acid or loss of base in the body.
ACL
Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Part of the knee ligament group
Acute
Sharp, severe. Having rapid onset, severe symptoms and a short course; not chronic
Alveoli
Microscopic air sacs within the lung where gas exchange takes place.
Ambulate
To walk - Ambulatory: able to walk
Apnea
Absence of breathing.
Artery
A blood vessel transporting blood away from the heart.
Asphyxia
Suffocation
Asystole
No contractions (beating) of the heart
Aspiration
Aspiration—Drawing in as by suction. Foreign bodies may be aspirated into the nose, throat, or lungs
on inspiration.
Auscultation
Listening for and interpreting sounds that occur within the body, usually with a
stethoscope.
Avulsion
A flap of tissue that is not completely detached from the body
BP
Blood Pressure. A vital sign that measures the force of blood circulation
, BRAT Diet—
Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast; diet for patients with diarrhea.
Battle's sign—
Bruising behind the ear may be a sign of a fracture of the base of the skull.
CNS
Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord)
Capillary
Microscopic blood vessels connecting arteries to veins where exchange of gasses and nutrients
occur.
Cartilage
Thick, smooth white tissue covering the ends of bones, allowing for friction-free movement of
joints
Compartment syndrome
Increased pressure inside the fascial compartment of the muscles, usually
of the leg or arm.
Conjunctiva
Mucous membrane lining the outer surface of the eye.
Convulsion
A violent, involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the voluntary muscles—a
"fit," a seizure
Cornea
Mucous membrane covering the anterior chamber of the eye
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
Crepitus
A sensation that feels like bubble wrap popping, indicating air beneath the skin
CSF
Cerebrospinal fluid—fluid produced within the brain and circulating around the brain and spinal
cord
CSM
Circulation, Sensation and Motor function. Better known as the neurovascular exam.
C-Spine
Cervical Spine. The uppermost 7 vertebrae of the spinal column
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration, observed first in the nail beds and oral mucosa, that results from
inadequate oxygenation of the blood
Decerebrate
Posture—
Characterized by extension and rotation of the arms and extension of the legs.
