Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

12 Glossary

rule of nines – A measurement technique to determine the extent of a burn in which the body is divided into sections each roughly equal to 9% of the total body surface area (BSA). rule of palm – A measurement technique to determine the extent of a burn using the patient palm size (excluding the fingers). The palm is approximately 1% of the body surface. SAMPLE – A mnemonic used to remember questions to ask when gathering the patient’s history. It stands for signs and symptoms, allergies, medications being taken, past and pertinent medical history, last oral intake, and events leading up to the incident or accident. scald burn – A burn produced by hot liquids. scene assessment/scene size up – A step in the PSM process that involves looking at the scene to provide information on scene safety and the MOI/NOI before you enter the scene and begin patient care.

secondary assessment – The history and focused exam used to gather additional information about the patient and their chief complaint or condition. secondary blast – Being struck by objects propelled by the blast force such as metal, glass, or masonry. secondary scan/full body scan – A thorough and systematic head-to-toe exam on the patient using DOTS. This exam is performed during the secondary assessment if the patient has experienced a significant method of injury or if they are unconscious. seizure (convulsion) – A temporary alteration in a person’s level of consciousness. severe allergic reaction – When a patient’s immune system reacts negatively to a substance causing swelling of the mouth, throat, airway and/or any difficulty breathing. shock – An impairment caused when perfusion is reduced enough to affect body processes negatively through organ failure.

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