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A safety system for oxygen cylinders, designed to prevent the accidental attachment of a regulator to a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas.
American Standard System
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A protective item, such as a pocket mask with a valve, that limits exposure to a patient''s body fluids.
barrier device
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The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs.
inhalation
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The upper airway tract or the passage above the larynx, which includes the nose, mouth, and throat.
airway
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The biochemical processes that result in production of energy from nutrients within the cells.
metabolism
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The passive part of the breathing process in which the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles relax, forcing air out of the lungs.
exhalation
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Occurs when a foreign body completely obstructs the patient''s airway. Patients cannot breathe, talk, or cough.
complete airway obstruction
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A condition in which chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood stimulate the respiratory drive; seen in patients with chronic lung diseases.
hypoxic drive
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Airway adjunct inserted into the nostril of a conscious patient who is unable to maintain airway patency independently.
nasopharangeal adjunct
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A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients.
ischemia
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Condition in which an obstruction leaves the patient able to exchange some air, but also causes some degree of respiratory distress.
partial airway obstruction
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Pressure on the cricoid cartilage; applied to occlude the esophagus in order to inhibit gastric distention and regurgitation of vomitus in the unconscious patient.
cricoid pressure
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Movements in which the skin pulls in around the ribs during inspiration.
retractions
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A side-lying position used to maintain a clear airway in unconscious patients without injuries who are breathing adequately.
recovery position
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Exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, spontaneously by the patient or with assistance from another person, such as an EMT-B.
ventilation
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The amount of air moved in or out of the lungs during one breath.
tidal volume
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A process in which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
diffusion
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An oxygen-delivery device in which oxygen flows through two small, tubelike prongs that fit into the patient''s nostrils; delivers 24% to 44% supplemental oxygen, depending on the flow rate.
nasal cannula
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A normal reflex mechanism that causes retching; activated by touching the soft palate or the back of the throat.
gag reflex
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A term used to distinguish the degree of distress in a patient with a partial airway obstruction. With good air exchange, the patient is still conscious and able to cough forcefully, although wheezing may be heard.
good air exchange
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A device with a one-way valve and a face mask attached to a ventilation bag; when attached to a reservoir and connected to oxygen, delivers more than 90% supplemental oxygen.
bag-valve-mask
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A hollow, cylindrical device used to remove fluid from the patient''s airway.
suction catheter
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A partial or complete accumulation of air in the pleural space.
pneumothorax
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A dangerous condition in which the body tissues and cells do not have enough oxygen.
hypoxia
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Difficulty breathing.
dyspnea
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An opening through the skin and into an organ or other structure; a stoma in the neck connects the trachea directly to the skin.
stoma
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Airway adjunct inserted into the mouth to keep the tongue from blocking the upper airway and to facilitate suctioning the airway.
oropharangeal airway
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The volume of air moved through the lungs in 1 minute; calculated by multiplying tidal volume and respiratory rate.
minute volume
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The ability of the alveoli to expand when air is drawn in during inhalation.
compliance
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Technique to open the airway by placing the fingers behind the angle of the jaw and bringing the jaw forward; used for patients who may have a cervical spine injury.
jaw-thrust maneuver
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A combination of two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; not used for trauma patients.
head tilt-chin lift maneuver
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Open, clear of obstruction.
patent
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A combination mask and reservoir bag system that is the preferred way to give oxygen in the prehospital setting; delivers up to 90% inspired oxygen and prevents inhaling the exhaled gases (carbon dioxide).
nonrebreather
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Occasional, gasping breaths that occur after the heart has stopped.
agonal respiration
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The introduction of vomitus or other foreign material into the lungs.
aspiration
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A technique that is used to prevent gastric distention in which pressure is applied to the cricoid cartilage; also referred to as cricoid pressure.
Sellick maneuver
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A system established for portable cylinders to ensure that a regulator is not connected to a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas.
pin-indexing system
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Breathing that requires greater than normal effort; may be slower or faster than normal and usually requires the use of accessory muscles.
labored breathing
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A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation.
gastric distention
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A term used to describe the degree of distress in a patient with a partial airway obstruction. With poor air exchange, the patient often has a weak, ineffective cough, increased difficulty breathing, or possible cyanosis and may produce a high-pitched noise during inhalation (stridor).
poor air exchange
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tonsil tips
Large, semirigid suction tips recommended for suctioning the pharynx; also called Yankauer tips.
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bilateral
A body part that appears on both sides of the midline.
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apnea
A period of not breathing.
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ataxic respirations
Irregular, ineffective respirations that may or may not have an identifiable pattern.
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