Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 8th Edition

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Glossary

systemic toxins Toxins that affect the body as a whole. systolic blood pressure The pressure within the circulatory system generated by contraction of the heart. tamponade Bleeding within a confined space such that blood loss stops when the space if full. tendon Fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone. tetanus Nervous system spasm and paralysis cause by the toxin released by Clostridium tetani bacteria. Also called lock jaw. thorax The chest or chest cavity. tissue toxins Toxins that destroy body cells, caus- ing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Also called hemotoxins. tourniquet A constricting band used to prevent or restrict the flow of blood to an extremity. 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.