abdominal thrust maneuver
The preferred method to dislodge a severe airway obstruction in adults and children; also called the Heimlich maneuver.
active compression–decompression CPR
A technique that involves compressing the chest and then actively pulling it back up to its neutral position or beyond (decompression); may increase venous return and, in turn, the amount of blood ejected from the heart during compressions.
advanced life support (ALS)
Advanced life‑saving procedures, some of which are now being provided by the EMT.
basic life support (BLS)
Noninvasive emergency life‑saving care used to treat medical conditions including airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
The combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing used to establish adequate ventilation and circulation in a patient who is not breathing and has no pulse.
chest compression fraction
The total percentage of time during a resuscitation attempt in which active chest compressions are being performed.
dependent lividity
Blood settling to the lowest point of the body, causing discoloration of the skin; a definitive sign of death.
gastric distention
A condition in which air fills the stomach, often as a result of high volume and pressure during artificial ventilation.
head tilt–chin lift maneuver
Two movements to open the airway by tilting the forehead back and lifting the chin; not used for trauma patients.
hyperventilation
Rapid or deep breathing that lowers the blood carbon dioxide level below normal; may raise intrathoracic pressure, decrease venous return, and cause hypotension when associated with bag‑mask device use.
impedance threshold device (ITD)
A valve placed between the endotracheal tube and a bag‑mask device that limits air entry into the lungs during chest recoil between compressions.
ischemia
A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients due to partial or complete blockage of blood flow; potentially reversible before permanent injury occurs.
jaw‑thrust maneuver
Airway‑opening technique placing the fingers behind the angle of the jaw and bringing the jaw forward; used for patients who may have a cervical spine injury.
load‑distributing band (LDB)
A circumferential chest compression device consisting of a constricting band and backboard that is electrically or pneumatically driven to compress the heart by pressing inward on the thorax.
mechanical piston device
A device that depresses the sternum via a compressed gas‑powered or electric‑powered plunger mounted on a backboard.
recovery position
Side‑lying position used to maintain a clear airway in unresponsive, breathing patients with no suspected injuries to the spine, hips, or pelvis.
return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
The return of a pulse and effective blood flow in a patient who previously was in cardiac arrest.
rigor mortis
Stiffening of the body muscles; a definitive sign of death.
stridor
A harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound, generally heard during inspiration, that is caused by partial blockage or narrowing of the upper airway; may be audible. without a stethoscope
ventilation
The exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, spontaneously. by the patient or with assistance from another person, such as an EMT
