Abrasion
When the top layers of skin get rubbed away, leaving a scrape or scratch.
Automated external defibrillator (AED)
A medical device used to treat cardiac arrest.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
An illness that occurs from breathing in carbon monoxide (CO) gas.
Cardiac Arrest
When changes in the normal electrical activity of the heart make it suddenly stop beating.
Cardiac Chain of Survival
The chain of events that must occur in rapid succession to maximize the chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Is a way to help a person who has stopped breathing, and whose heart may have stopped beating, to stay alive.
Chest Compressions
When you use your hands to push down hard and fast in a specific way on the person's chest, compressions are the most important step in CPR.
Consent
To express willingness or approval; agree.
Defibrillation
The act of defibrillating the heart to treat the heart when it is not pushing blood because the heart muscle is not working in any pattern.
Diabetic Emergency
Where their blood sugar becomes too high or too low.
First Aid
Emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained.
Good Samaritan Laws
Designed to protect citizens from liability if they break into a vehicle to rescue a person or pet in distress that is trapped inside. These laws are meant to encourage citizens to act without fear of retribution.
Heimlich Maneuver
A method for forcing an object out the airway of a choking person that involves standing behind the person with arms wrapped about the person's waist and applying sudden upward pressure with the fist to the area directly above the navel.
Laceration
A tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury.
Puncture
To pierce with or as if with a pointed instrument or object.
Rescue Breaths
A lifesaving procedure that is done when a child's breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
Respiratory Arrest
If a pediatric patient is left in a state of respiratory distress too long, after a while, that will lead to complete respiratory arrest.
Signals of a Heart Attack
Chest pain during activity. Fainting during exercise. Fast breathing. Fatigue. Lack of appetite.
Seizures
The brain uses electrical signals, and if these go a little haywire, a person can have a seizure.
Shock
To disturb suddenly, in a way that causes intense surprise, upset, or disgust.
Tourniquets
A device (as a band of rubber) used to stop or slow bleeding or blood flow by compressing blood vessels.