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Body substance isolation
All body fluids from a patient could be potentially harmful. Includes gloves, protective eyewear, etc.
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Carrier
A person who shows no signs of disease yet harbors an infections organsim and may be a source of infection to others
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Chain of evidence
An accountability of evidence at a crime scene. Evidence should be accounted for from the the time it came into your possession until it is turned over to the police
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Communicable
Classification of disease in which the causative agent may pass or be carried from one person to another either directly or indirectly.
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Communicable period
Time period during a person can transmit an infectious disease to others.
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Critical incident stress debriefing.
Psychological, emotional and educational group process to lessen the impact of a critical incident.
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Dependent lividity
Black and blue discoloration of most gravity dependent body portions, seen after death
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Exposure
Process of coming in contact with but not necessarily being infected with a disease causing agennt
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HAZMAT
Term referring to a hazardous materials incident or the special team to handle it.
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High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirator
Specialized filtering mask designed to protect EMTs from airborne pathogens
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Host
A susceptible person who, if exposed to a source of infectious disease, may become ill.
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Immunity
The body's ability to resist infection after exposure to an infectious agent. The state of being protected from (immune) from a disease.
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Incubation period
The time period between contact with an infectious agent and occurrence of signs and symptoms of infection.
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Infection control
The practice of specific actions to block the spread of infectious agents.
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Microorganisms
Organisms not visible to the naked eye.
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Pandemic flu
virulent virus against which humans have little or no preexisting immuity; causes illness in humans and has the potential for sustained transmission from person to person
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Passive immunity
Immunity that is injected into a body (not produced by it) such as an injection of an anitbody against tetanus.
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Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Safety equipment used to prevent direct contact with blood and other body fluids, including gloves, eye protection, masks, and gowns or used to prevent contact with hazardous materials, including turnout gear, chemical resistant clothing, and self contained breathing apparatus.
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Placard
Special sign used to identify various hazardous materials.
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Rigor mortis
Rigidity of muscles after death
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Self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Special mask and regulator used by rescue personnel in environments that may be dangerous such as those containing smoke, carbon monoxide, or other hazardous materials.
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Sharps container
Special container designed for the disposal of needles and other sharp instruments used in conjunction with the care of a patient.
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Source
A person, insect, object, or other substance that carries or is contaminated by an infectious agent.
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Standard precautions
Incorporate the older universal precautions and body substance isolation. Precautions used in all situations to avoid transmission from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection. These apply to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions (except sweat), nonintact skin, and mucous membranes.
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Transmission
Method by which an infectious agent travels from the source to its host.
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Transmission based precautions
Special precautions beyond standard precautions that are used for patients documented or suspected to be infected with highly transmissible disease
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Turnout gear
Heavy clothing that is puncture resistant and gives some protection from hazardous materials and materials at extremes of temperature
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Universal precautions
The approach to protect oneself in every patient contact against exposure to body substances and fluids that may carry blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C
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Vaccination
Inoculation with a vaccine to establish immunity to a particular disease.
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Vector
Insects, animals or inanimate objects that carry and transmit disease. For example malaria and mosquitos
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Incubation period
Mode of transmission that occurs when touching an infected item.
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Microorganisms
caused by infection from bacteria or viruses that are toxic to the body
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