This glossary was created as a practical reference tool for students, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the medical field. Medical language can sometimes appear complex, with terms of Latin and Greek origin, numerous acronyms, and highly specialized vocabulary. By gathering these terms in one place and providing clear and accessible definitions, this glossary aims to make the understanding and application of medical language easier.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Noun
Is a portable, easy-to-use device that analyzes a person's heart rhythm to detect sudden cardiac arrest and delivers an electric shock if needed to restore a normal heartbeat.
Example: In the event of cardiac arrest, the rapid use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can greatly increase the patient’s chances of survival.
fr: Défibrillateur externe automatisé (DEA)
Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) / Ambu bag
Noun
Is a hand-held medical device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who cannot breathe effectively or at all.
Example: An oxygen bag (BVM – Bag Valve Mask) is used to support the breathing of a person in respiratory arrest, while awaiting more specialized medical care, during emergency transport, and as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
fr: Sac d’oxygène (BAVU / Ambu bag)
Blood pressure monitor / Sphygmomanometer
Noun
Is a medical device used to measure the blood pressure in an artery.
Example: The nurse used a blood pressure monitor to check the patient's vital signs before administering medication.
fr: Tensionétre
Cervical collar / Neck brace
Noun
Is a medical device that supports the neck and spine and limits head movement to promote healing and prevent further injury after trauma, surgery, or for certain chronic conditions.
Example: The paramedics gently placed a cervical collar around the patient's neck to prevent further spinal injury during transport.
fr: Collier cervical
Epinephrine auto-injector
Noun
An epinephrine auto-injector is a device consisting of a syringe and a needle used to inject a single dose of epinephrine to stop severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
Example: If someone is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, you should use an epinephrine auto-injector to quickly deliver the medication and help prevent anaphylaxis.
fr: Adrénaline auto-injecteur
First aid kit
Noun
Is a portable collection of medical supplies and equipment, stored in a box or bag, that provides immediate treatment for minor injuries and emergencies until professional medical help can arrive.
Example: The hiker always carried a first aid kit in his backpack to treat minor injuries during outdoor adventures.
fr: Trousse de premiers secours
Folding stretcher
Noun
Is a collapsible, portable medical device used to transport injured or sick patients.
Example: The rescue team unfolded the folding stretcher to safely transport the injured hiker down the mountain trail.
fr: Brancard pliant
Garrot tourniquet
Noun
A tourniquet is a medical device used to stop the flow of blood to a limb or extremity via the application of localized pressure. It may be used in emergencies, in surgery, or in post-operative rehabilitation.
Example: The first responder quickly applied pressure dressings to the injured limb to stop the bleeding and stabilize the patient before transport.
fr: Tourniquet
Glucometre
Noun
Is a portable device, also called a blood glucose meter, which measures blood glucose levels.
Example: The caregiver used a glucometer to measure the patient's blood sugar level before administering insulin.
fr: Glucomètre
Intravenous infusion kit
Noun
Is a sterile medical device designed to deliver fluids, medications, blood, or nutrients directly into a patient's bloodstream through a vein.
Example: The nurse prepared the intravenous infusion kit to administer fluids and medication directly into the patient's vein.
fr: Kit de perfusion intraveineuse
Intubation kit
Noun
A medical kit containing all the necessary equipment to perform tracheal intubation, which involves inserting a tube into a patient's trachea to establish or maintain an open airway.
Example: The paramedic quickly grabbed the intubation kit to secure the patient's airway during the emergency procedure.
fr: Kit d’intubation
Nasopharyngeal airway
Noun
A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), also called a nasal trumpet, is a tube designed to be inserted through the nasal passage into the posterior pharynx to secure an open airway.
Example: The EMT inserted a nasopharyngeal airway to help maintain an open passage for breathing in the unconscious patient.
fr: Canule nasopharyngée
Needle
Noun
A sharp, slender, pointed instrument, most often made of stainless steel, used to puncture skin or tissue to deliver fluids (like medications) or extract them (like blood) using a syringe, or to place sutures for closing wounds.
Example: The doctor carefully inserted the medical needle to administer the vaccine with precision and minimal discomfort.
fr: Aiguille
Oropharyngeal airway
Noun
An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is a medical device used in airway management to maintain or open a patient’s airway by preventing the tongue from covering the epiglottis.
Example: The rescuer inserted an oropharyngeal airway to keep the patient’s airway open.
fr: Canule oropharyngée
Pressure dressings
Noun
Is a type of dressing designed to apply mechanical pressure to a wound to control bleeding, prevent excessive swelling, and protect the area from trauma and contamination.
Example: The medic applied pressure dressings to the wound to control bleeding and prevent further blood loss.
fr: pansements compressifs
Pulse oximeter
Noun
Is a small, electronic device that non-invasively measures your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate.
Example: The paramedic clipped a pulse oximeter onto the patient's finger to monitor their oxygen saturation and heart rate.
fr: Oxymètre de pouls
Syringe
Noun
A tube with a nozzle and piston or bulb for sucking in and ejecting liquid in a thin stream, used for cleaning wounds or body cavities, or fitted with a hollow needle for injecting or withdrawing fluids.
Example: The nurse filled the syringe with the prescribed medication before administering the injection to the patient.
