A
A medical device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart to stop an irregular heart rhythm and allow a normal heart rhythm to resume.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
A series of abdominal thrusts performed to remove an object that is lodged in a person’s airway, preventing the person from breathing.
Heimlich Maneuver
Any substance that causes an allergy.
Allergen
Uninterrupted chest compressions given to restore heartbeat and promote blood circulation; an alternative procedure for those not trained in conventional CPR.
Hands-only CPR
An emergency lifesaving procedure in which a series of chest compressions and rescue breaths are given to a person whose breathing or heartbeat has stopped; supports blood circulation and breathing.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Blue discoloration of the skin.
Cyanotic
A drug that slows down or stops the actions of histamine, the substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Antihistamine
An irregular heart rhythm.
Fibrillation
Excessive blood loss over a short period of time due to an internal or external injury.
Hemorrhage
A condition in which the body experiences a lack of sufficient oxygen available to the organs and tissues.
Shock
Fainting.
Syncope
A lack of oxygen that causes breathing to stop; may be caused by an obstruction or swelling of the trachea.
Asphyxia
A generalized seizure in which a person may experience a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions.
Gran Mal Seizure
A generalized seizure in which the person has impaired awareness and responsiveness, and may lose consciousness.
Petit Mal Seizure
A method of calculating the surface area of the body that has been affected by burns.
Rule of Nines
A severe allergic reaction that can affect the whole body.
Anaphylaxis