I am a Prehospital Emergency Care student in my second year. This glossary will cover various terms that can be used in this field of study. It will define exactly 20 words I find interesting and helpful for students in the same program as me, or simply people interested in the paramedic student life. It includes medical terms, scientific terms, etc.
Ambulance
noun
A vehicle specially equipped for taking sick or injured people to and from the hospital, especially in emergencies.
Example: We should call an ambulance.
en: ambulance
Anatomy
noun
The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms, especially as revealed by dissection and the separation of parts.
Example: I've been studying human anatomy at school
en: anatomie
Assistance
noun
The act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied.
Example: Can I be of any assistance?
en: assistance
Biology
noun
The study of living organisms, divided into many specialized fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behavior, origin, and distribution.
Example: Biology is my field of study in university.
en: biologie
Cardiology
noun
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases and abnormalities of the heart.
Example: My friend works in the cardiology wing of the hospital.
en: cardiologie
Defibrillation
noun
A treatment for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation (VF) and non-perfusing ventricular tachycardia (VT). A defibrillator delivers a dose of electric current (often called a counter-shock) to the heart.
Example: Start chest compression before defibrillation during a cardiac arrest.
en: défibrillation
Dysrhythmia
noun
Abnormality in a physiological rhythm, especially in the activity of the brain or heart.
Example: This patient suffers with a heart dysrhythmia.
en: dysrythmie
Electrocardiogram
noun
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical signal from your heart to check for different heart conditions.
Example: He will need an electrocardiogram to confirm his dysrhythmia.
en: électrocardiogramme
Electrode
noun
A small piece of metal or other substance that is used to take an electric current to or from a source of power, a piece of equipment, or a living body.
Example: The patient's heart activity is monitored via electrodes taped to his chest.
en: électrode
Emergency
noun
A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
Example: Your quick response in an emergency could be a lifesaver.
en: urgence
Medication
noun
A substance used for medical treatment, especially a medicine or drug.
Example: Certain medications can cause dizziness.
en: médication
Neurology
noun
The branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
Example: The patient is being examined in the neurology department.
en: neurologie
Paramedic
noun
A person trained to give emergency medical care to people who are injured or ill, typically in a setting outside of a hospital.
Example: This is an emergency, call the paramedics.
en: paramédic
Pediatric
noun
Relating to the branch of medicine dealing with children and their diseases.
Example: The hospital's pediatric ward.
en: pédiatrique
Physiology
noun
It is the branch of biology that aims to understand the mechanisms of living things, from the basis of cell function at the ionic and molecular level to the integrated behaviour of the whole body and the influence of the external environment.
Example: We studied physiology last night for the big exam.
en: physiologie
Physiopathology
noun
A branch of biology or medicine that combines physiology and pathology especially in the study of altered bodily function in disease.
Example: We are going to learn about the physiopathology of asthma.
en: physiopathologie
Prehospital
noun
Relating to procedures administered or care provided prior to a patient's arrival at a hospital.
Example: The bandage was developed primarily for a prehospital setting.
en: préhospitalier
Resuscitation
noun
The action or process of reviving someone from unconsciousness or apparent death.
Example: Paramedics were called and aggressive resuscitation was performed.
en: réanimation
Stroke
noun
A medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.
Example: This man is having a stroke!
en: accident vasculaire cérébral
Traumatology
noun
The study of wounds and injuries caused by accidents or violence to a person, and the surgical therapy and repair of the damage.
Example: After the car accident, the family was being watched by the traumatology team.
