Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 7th Edition Jeffrey Isaac, PA-C and David E. Johnson, MD

Glossary 263

toxins Chemicals that have a damaging effect on body tissues or the function of the nervous system. toxin load The combined systemic effect of numerous small toxic exposures such as a large number of insect bites or man-of-war stings. traction Tension applied along the long axis of an extremity. traction splint A splinting device designed to maintain traction on an extremity, primarily used for femur fractures in the field setting. trauma Injury. traumatic brain injury (TBI) Injury to brain tissue caused by trauma. Also called closed head injury (CHI), or concussion. treatment (Tx) Can be used interchangeably with Plan (P), however more commonly refers specifically to medical interventions. trench foot Inflammation due to ischemia and necrosis caused by cold-induced vasoconstric- tion during prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions. umbilicus Navel, belly button. upper airway Mouth, nose, throat (larynx). vacuum mattress A patient stabilization device consisting of a vinyl bag filled with plastic beads that coalesce to form a rigid package when the air is evacuated from the device. vapor barrier A vapor proof wrap or covering that prevents evaporative cooling. vascular bundle A grouped nerve, artery, and vein following the same pathway. vascular shock Shock due to dilation of blood vessels.

vascular space Inside the blood vessels. vasodilation Dilation of blood vessels. vasodilator A drug that stimulates blood vessel dilation. vein Vessel returning blood from body tissues to the heart. Equipped with one-way valves to enhance flow. Carries blood under low pressure. ventilation The movement of air in and out of the lungs. ventricular fibrillation Uncoordinated contrac- tion of heart muscle. An example of a dysrhyth- mia. vertebrae The bones of the spine. vital signs (VS) Measurements of body function including blood pressure, pulse, respiration, level of consciousness, skin color, and body core tem- perature. volume shock Inadequate blood volume result- ing in inadequate perfusion pressure in the cir- culatory system leading to inadequate cellular oxygenation. voluntary guarding Voluntary contraction of abdominal muscle as the patient protects himself from the pain caused by palpation. wilderness context A situation where access to definitive medical care is delayed by distance, logistics, or danger.