Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

12 Glossary

acute coronary syndrome – A term used to describe the symptoms and problems caused by ischemia in the arteries of the heart. acute myocardial infarction (AMI) – The actual death of heart cells when they are cut off from oxygen after blood flow is obstructed to an area. acute stress reaction –A psychological condition that occurs in response to a stressful or traumatic event. alert – The condition in which the patient’s eyes open spontaneously and the patient appears to be aware and responsive to the environment, following commands and tracking objects and people by sight and sound. allergic reaction – When a patient’s immune system reacts to a substance. allergy – A negative reaction to a substance by the body’s systems.

Vital Vocabulary ABCs – A mnemonic to remember airway, breathing, and circulation. abandonment – When a first aider leaves their patient and/or stops providing aid. abuse – Any harm done to anyone by a person in a position of trust and/or authority. abrasion (scrape) – An open wound where the outer layer of skin has been scraped away but deeper layers are intact. accessory muscles – Muscles in the neck, between the ribs and in the abdomen that are used to assist breathing.

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