In this glossary we'll discover some items related to the paramedic field!
Airway adjuncts
phrase
Airway adjuncts are medical devices used to maintain or establish a clear (patent) upper airway by preventing the tongue or soft tissues from obstructing the throat.
Example: In an emergency, airway adjuncts can prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
fr: Dispositifs pour les voies respiratoires
Bandages
noun
a strip of material used to bind a wound or to protect an injured part of the body.
Example: The first responder secured the wound with sterile bandages.
fr: Bandages
Blood pressure cuff
noun
A blood pressure cuff (or sphygmomanometer cuff) is a fabric sleeve with an inflatable bladder that wraps around the upper arm (or wrist) to measure blood pressure by temporarily stopping and then slowly releasing pressure in the artery, revealing systolic (pumping) and diastolic (resting) pressures through sound or digital readings
Example: The nurse wrapped the blood pressure cuff around his arm before taking his vitals.
fr: brassard de tensiomètre
Glucometer
noun
a device for measuring the concentration of glucose in the blood, typically using a small drop of blood placed on a disposable test strip, where a chemical reaction with glucose alters the electrical conductivity of the strip.
Example: He pricked his finger and placed a drop of blood on the glucometer strip.
fr: Glucomètre
Glucose gel
noun
Glucose gel is a fast-acting, over-the-counter concentrated carbohydrate gel, typically made of dextrose and water, designed to rapidly raise blood sugar levels.
Example: The paramedic administered glucose gel to treat the patient’s low blood sugar.
fr: Gel de glucose
Nitrile gloves
noun
Nitrile gloves are disposable gloves made from synthetic rubber (nitrile butadiene rubber) that offer excellent protection against punctures, chemicals, oils, and bodily fluids, making them a popular latex-free alternative for medical, lab, food handling, and industrial use, ideal for those with latex allergies.
Example: The nurse put on nitrile gloves before treating the wound.
fr: Gants en nitrile
Pulse oximeter
noun
A pulse oximeter is a small, clip-like device, often placed on a fingertip, that painlessly measures your heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) by shining light through your skin
Example: The pulse oximeter showed a reading of 98%, indicating normal oxygen levels.
fr: oxymètre de pouls
Stethoscope
noun
a medical instrument for listening to the action of someone's heart or breathing, typically having a small disk-shaped resonator that is placed against the chest, and two tubes connected to earpieces.
Example: His STETHOSCOPE was on the table by Scotty's bed and he picked it up and wagged it at Scotty.
fr: Stéthoscope
Tourniquet
noun
a device for stopping the flow of blood through a vein or artery, typically by compressing a limb with a cord or tight bandage.
Example: Pre prep in anaesthetic room, TOURNIQUET used to minimise blood loss during procedure - 300mmHg.
fr: Tourniquet
Trauma Shears
noun
Trauma shears are specialized, heavy-duty scissors used by emergency medical personnel, nurses, and first responders to quickly and safely cut through clothing, bandages, seatbelts, leather, and, in some cases, thin metal.
Example: The paramedic quickly grabbed the TRAUMA SHEARS to cut through the patient’s jacket.
