Author: Glossary

Any previously unknown communicable illness or any previously controlled contagion whose incidence and prevalence are suddenly rising. In recent years, some emerging (and re-emerging) infections have been bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), Ebola hemorrhagic fever, cholera, plague, hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Escherichia coli 0157:H7, drug-resistant strains of enterococcus, the human immunodeficiency virus, SARS,…

A period of personal development in which young adults (between about 18 and 25 years old) become less dependent on their parents but have not yet completed their education, established a durable relationship with another person, formed a family, or entered the work force. It is sometimes referred to as a period of “prolonged adolescence.”…

The attitudes and learning that lead to the ability to manipulate graphic symbols (e.g., the letters of the alphabet), form sounds, and develop vocabulary.  

The term that was previously used for the room in the hospital where patients with emergencies were taken. Today most hospitals that receive emergency patients have an emergency department or E.D.  

The preferred term for those individuals previously known as “first responders” who are trained to assist victims of injury or ill health at the scene of the emergency.  

Planning in advance for an unexpected crisis, especially a natural disaster such as a flood or hurricane. The home should be inspected for potential hazards, and those discovered should be corrected. Flammable materials such as paints, oils, and fuels should be isolated. Utility shut-off valves should be located and pointed out to all members of…

A professional organization representing and certifying nurses who Eire proficient in emergency care.  

An American federal statute that prohibits a hospital from failing to treat or stabilize indigent medical patients simply because of their low-income status. The statute mandates that the hospital where a patient comes for care 1. perform a screening medical examination and 2. stabilize any emergent condition the patient has. The hospital must not transfer…

An EMS provider who has completed the U.S. DOT EMT-Paramedic curriculum and is licensed or certified to provide assessment and management of patients in the field. Paramedics work under treatment protocols that are developed by the medical control physicians and require either standing orders or direct online medical control.  

An individual who has become state certified or nationally registered after completion of the U.S. Department of Transportation EMT-I standard curriculum.