CPR & Emergency Care 101
CPR terminology can feel overwhelming, especially with so many medical terms and acronyms to remember. To make it easier, our experts have created a clear and concise glossary. This resource is designed to help you quickly go through the language of CPR, so you can feel more confident in learning, teaching, or applying life-saving skills.
A
ACLS Algorithm
The ACLS Algorithm is a systematic protocol that guides healthcare providers through advanced cardiac life support procedures. The ACLS algorithm provides step-by-step instructions for treating cardiac arrest, stroke, and other cardiovascular emergencies.
Advanced Airway Management
Advanced Airway Management includes techniques that secure a patient’s airway beyond basic methods like head positioning. These procedures include endotracheal intubation, laryngeal mask airway insertion, and surgical airway establishment.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
ACLS is a set of clinical interventions for urgent treatment of cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies. ACLS protocols include advanced airway management, IV medications, and electrical therapy beyond basic CPR.
Agonal Breathing
Agonal breathing, or gasping respiration, is an abnormal breathing pattern characterized by gasping and irregular breaths. These breaths appear as slow, shallow gasps that happen every few seconds and also indicate severe brain oxygen deprivation.
AHA Guidelines
AHA Guidelines are evidence-based recommendations developed by the American Heart Association for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care. These guidelines are updated every five years based on the latest scientific research and clinical evidence.
Amiodarone
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication, administered intravenously, and used to treat life-threatening irregular heart rhythms during cardiac arrest. This drug helps stabilize abnormal electrical activity in the heart and restore normal rhythm patterns.
Atropine
Atropine is a medication that increases heart rate by blocking certain nerve signals to the heart. Emergency medical providers use atropine to treat dangerously slow heart rhythms (bradycardia) that cause symptoms or hemodynamic instability.
Adenosine
Adenosine is a fast-acting medication used to treat certain types of rapid heart rhythms, particularly supraventricular tachycardia. This drug temporarily blocks electrical conduction through the heart’s AV node, allowing normal rhythm to resume.
American Heart Association (AHA)
The American Heart Association (AHA), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a nonprofit organization established in 1924 to fight heart disease and stroke through research, education, and advocacy. The AHA develops CPR guidelines, trains healthcare providers, and educates the public about cardiovascular health.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education. The Red Cross also offers CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding certification courses to the general public.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. These rhythm disturbances can range from harmless to life-threatening depending on their type and underlying cause.
Asystole
Asystole is a cardiac arrest rhythm characterized by the complete absence of electrical activity in the heart. This “flatline” rhythm appears as a straight line on ECG monitors and indicates that the heart has stopped beating entirely.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
An AED is a portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers electrical shocks to treat cardiac arrest. AEDs provide voice prompts and visual instructions to guide users through the defibrillation process safely.
Axillary Region
The axillary region refers to the pyramid-shaped space between the arm and the torso where pulse checks and medical procedures may be performed. Healthcare providers sometimes check for pulses in the axillary artery when other pulse points are inaccessible.
B
Bag Valve Mask (BVM)
A BVM is a handheld device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing adequately. The device consists of a self-inflating bag, a one-way valve, and a face mask that delivers oxygen-enriched air to the patient’s lungs.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
BLS refers to fundamental emergency care techniques used to maintain airway, breathing, and circulation in cardiac arrest patients. BLS includes chest compressions, rescue breathing, and AED use performed by healthcare providers and trained laypersons.
Beats Per Minute (BPM)
BPM measures the number of heartbeats occurring in one minute. Normal adult resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 BPM, while rates outside this range may indicate medical problems.
Biphasic Shock
Biphasic shock is an electrical therapy used by modern AEDs that sends current through the heart in two directions (phases) to treat life-threatening arrhythmias.
Blind Finger Sweep
Blind finger sweep is an outdated technique of inserting fingers into an unconscious person’s mouth to remove foreign objects. This method is no longer recommended because it can push objects deeper into the airway or cause injury.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines online educational content with hands-on practical training to teach CPR and emergency medical skills. This approach allows students to complete theoretical portions online before attending in-person skills practice sessions.
BLS Algorithm
The BLS Algorithm is a systematic approach that guides rescuers through basic life support procedures for cardiac arrest patients. The BLS protocol focuses on high-quality chest compressions, early defibrillation, and minimizing interruptions in care.
Brachial Artery
The brachial artery is a major blood vessel located in the upper arm that carries oxygenated blood to the arm and hand. Emergency responders check brachial pulse in infants during cardiac arrest situations because it’s easier to locate than carotid pulse.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate condition where the heart beats fewer than 60 times per minute. While some professionals like athletes normally have bradycardia, it becomes dangerous when it causes symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or loss of consciousness.
Broselow Tape
The Broselow Tape is a color-coded measuring device used to estimate pediatric patient weight and determine appropriate drug dosages and equipment sizes.
Bystander Intervention
Bystander intervention happens when untrained individuals provide immediate assistance during medical emergencies before professional help arrives. These actions include calling 911, starting CPR, using an AED, or providing first aid to victims.
C
Capillary Bleeding
Capillary bleeding is the slow oozing of blood from tiny vessels near the skin surface, typically from minor cuts or scrapes. This type of bleeding appears as small droplets that seep from the wound rather than flowing steadily.
Capnography
Capnography is a monitoring technique that measures carbon dioxide levels in exhaled air to assess ventilation effectiveness and circulation. This technology helps healthcare providers confirm proper endotracheal tube placement and monitor CPR quality during resuscitation efforts.
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function where the heart stops pumping blood effectively throughout the body. This medical emergency causes unconsciousness within seconds and death within minutes without immediate intervention.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breathing to maintain circulation and oxygenation during cardiac arrest. CPR manually pumps blood through the body and delivers oxygen to vital organs until normal heart function returns.
Carotid Artery
The carotid artery is a major blood vessel in the neck that supplies oxygenated blood to the brain and head. Emergency responders check the carotid pulse during cardiac arrest assessments, as it’s easily accessible and shows the main circulation.
Chain of Survival
The Chain of Survival includes the four critical links that help maximize cardiac arrest survival. The key links in the chain of survival are activation of emergency response, high-quality cpr, defibrillation, advanced resuscitation, post-cardiac arrest care, and recovery.
Chest Compressions
Chest compressions are rhythmic manual pressures applied to the center of the chest that artificially pump blood through the circulatory system. Effective compressions require pushing hard and fast at least 2-2.4 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Chest Recoil
Chest recoil refers to the complete release of pressure between chest compressions that allows the heart to refill with blood. Proper recoil requires completely lifting hands off the chest wall after each compression without leaning on the patient.
Child
In CPR and emergency care, a child is defined as a person between 1 year old and the onset of puberty (approximately 8-12 years old). Children require modified CPR techniques, including different compression depths and rates compared to adults.
Choking
Choking occurs when a foreign object blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing and potentially causing unconsciousness or death. Signs of choking include inability to speak, difficulty breathing, and blue skin color around lips and fingernails.
Compressions-Airway-Breathing (C-A-B)
Compressions-Airway-Breathing (C-A-B) is the recommended sequence for CPR that prioritizes chest compressions before airway management and rescue breathing.
Compression Rate
Compression rate refers to the number of chest compressions performed per minute during CPR, with current guidelines recommending 100-120 compressions per minute.
Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio
Compression-to-ventilation ratio describes the number of chest compressions followed by rescue breaths during CPR cycles. Adult CPR uses a 30:2 ratio (30 compressions followed by 2 breaths), while pediatric CPR uses 15:2 when two rescuers are available.
CPR Feedback Machine
A CPR Feedback Machine is a device that provides real-time audio and visual guidance about CPR quality during resuscitation efforts. These machines monitor compression depth, rate, recoil, and hand position while providing corrective feedback to rescuers.
D
Defibrillation
Defibrillation is the therapeutic delivery of electrical energy to the heart to terminate life-threatening arrhythmias and restore normal heart rhythm.
E
ECG Monitor
An ECG Monitor is a medical device that continuously displays the heart’s electrical activity through electrodes attached to the patient’s chest.
Electrical Shock
Electrical shock refers to controlled electrical energy delivered through defibrillator pads to treat life-threatening heart rhythms. This therapeutic shock interrupts abnormal electrical activity in the heart and allows normal rhythm to resume.
Electrode Pads
Electrode pads are adhesive patches that attach to the patient’s chest to deliver electrical energy from defibrillators or AEDs. These pads conduct electricity from the device to the heart while also monitoring the patient’s heart rhythm.
Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC)
ECC includes all interventions used to treat patients with cardiac emergencies, from basic CPR to advanced medical procedures.
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services is a coordinated system that provides out-of-hospital emergency medical care and transportation to patients. EMS includes 911 dispatch, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and ambulance services that respond to medical emergencies.
EMT
An EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is a healthcare professional trained to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for patients in emergency situations.
End-Tidal CO₂ Monitoring
End-Tidal CO₂ Monitoring measures carbon dioxide levels in exhaled air to assess ventilation effectiveness and confirm proper endotracheal tube placement. This monitoring technique provides real-time feedback about circulation during CPR and helps healthcare providers adjust ventilation rates.
Endotracheal Tube (ETT)
An Endotracheal Tube is a flexible plastic tube inserted through the mouth into the trachea to maintain an open airway during emergency care.
Epinephrine
Epinephrine is a powerful medication used during cardiac arrest to stimulate heart contractions and increase blood pressure throughout the body.
ET Intubation
ET Intubation is the process of inserting an endotracheal tube into the patient’s trachea to secure the airway during emergency care.
F
Femoral Artery
The femoral artery is a large blood vessel located in the thigh that carries oxygenated blood to the lower extremity. Medical providers may also check the femoral pulse when other pulse points are difficult to access or use this artery for vascular access procedures.
First Aid Kit
A First Aid Kit contains basic medical supplies and equipment like bandages, gauze, antiseptics, wipes, and scissors for providing initial care for injuries and medical emergencies.
Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO)
Foreign Body Airway Obstruction occurs when an object becomes lodged in the throat or airway, blocking normal breathing. This emergency condition requires immediate intervention using back blows and abdominal thrusts to dislodge the obstruction.
G
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
The Glasgow Coma Scale is a standardized assessment tool that measures level of consciousness by evaluating eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.
Good Samaritan Law
Good Samaritan Laws are legal protections that shield individuals from liability when they provide reasonable emergency assistance to injured or ill persons.
H
Hands-Only CPR
Hands-Only CPR is a simplified form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation that focuses on continuous chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breathing. This technique is recommended for untrained bystanders, as it’s easier to learn and perform effectively.
Head Tilt–Chin Lift
The head tilt-chin lift method is a technique for opening the airway where the head is tilted back while lifting the chin forward to open the airway in patients without suspected spinal injury.
Heimlich Maneuver
The Heimlich Maneuver is an emergency technique using abdominal thrusts to dislodge foreign objects from the airway of conscious choking victims.
H’s and T’s
The H’s and T’s are the reversible causes of cardiac arrest that emergency providers must identify and treat during resuscitation efforts. The H’s include hypoxia, hypovolemia, hydrogen ions (acidosis), hypo/hyperkalemia, and hypothermia, while the T’s include toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax, thrombosis (Pulmonary), thrombosis (Coronary).
Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation is abnormally rapid or deep breathing that removes too much carbon dioxide from the blood, causing chemical imbalances.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels that can cause altered mental status, seizures, or unconsciousness.
Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a condition where body tissues receive an inadequate oxygen supply, leading to cellular dysfunction and potential organ damage.
I
Infant
In emergency medical care and CPR, an infant is defined as a child under 1 year of age who requires specialized CPR and emergency care techniques.
In-hospital Cardiac Arrest (IHCA)
In-hospital Cardiac Arrest refers to cardiac arrest events that occur within hospital facilities where advanced medical equipment and trained personnel are immediately available.
Injury Prevention
Injury Prevention includes strategies and interventions designed to reduce the occurrence and severity of accidental injuries in various settings.
In-Person Learning
In-Person Learning refers to traditional educational methods where students attend physical classroom sessions with instructors for hands-on CPR and emergency care training.
Ischemia
Ischemia is a condition where tissues receive inadequate blood supply, leading to oxygen and nutrient deprivation that can cause tissue damage or death.
IV/IO Access
IV/IO Access refers to intravenous (IV) or intraosseous (IO) routes used to deliver medications and fluids directly into the circulatory system during emergencies. IV access involves inserting a catheter into a vein, while IO access drills into bone marrow when veins are difficult to access.
J
Junctional Rhythm
Junctional rhythm is an abnormal heart rhythm originating from the AV junction rather than the normal sinoatrial node pacemaker.
Jaw Thrust
The jaw thrust is an airway opening technique used when spinal injury is suspected, providing airway opening while maintaining neck alignment.
K
Kussmal Breathing
Kussmaul breathing is an abnormal respiratory pattern characterized by deep, rapid breathing that occurs as the body attempts to eliminate excess acid from the bloodstream.
L
Laryngeal Mask Airway
A Laryngeal Mask Airway is a supraglottic airway device that helps maintain an open airway during anesthesia or while they are unconscious.
Lidocaine
Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic drug used to treat ventricular arrhythmias during cardiac arrest situations. This medication helps stabilize abnormal electrical activity in the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles).
M
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium sulfate is a medication used to treat specific types of irregular heart rhythms and other medical emergencies like severe asthma or eclampsia.
Manikin
A manikin is a simulated human anatomy training model used to practice CPR, rescue breathing, and other emergency medical procedures in educational settings.
Megacode Simulation
Megacode simulation is a comprehensive training exercise that replicates complex cardiac arrest scenarios, which requires team-based advanced cardiac life support interventions.
Mucous Membrane
Mucous membrane refers to the moist tissue lining body cavities and passages, particularly in the mouth, nose, and respiratory tract.
Multiple Rescuers
“Multiple rescuers” refers to emergency situations where two or more people work together to provide CPR and emergency care to patients.
N
No Shock Advised
“No shock advised” is an AED message indicating that the patient’s heart rhythm does not require electrical defibrillation at that time.
Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain and restoring normal breathing.
O
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal agency within the Department of Labor that establishes and enforces workplace safety standards to protect employees from job-related hazards. OSHA regulations include requirements for emergency action plans, first aid training, and bloodborne pathogen protection that affect emergency response in workplace settings.
Opioid Overdose
Opioid overdose is a life-threatening condition caused by excessive consumption of opioid drugs that depresses the central nervous system and respiratory function.
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA)
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest refers to cardiac arrest events occurring outside of hospital settings where immediate advanced medical care isn’t available. These emergencies depend heavily on bystander recognition, early CPR, rapid EMS activation, and community AED programs for successful outcomes.
Oxygen-Rich Blood Flowing
Oxygen-rich blood refers to the circulation of oxygenated blood from the lungs throughout the body to deliver essential oxygen to tissues and organs.
P
PALS Algorithm
The PALS Algorithm is a systematic protocol designed for Pediatric Advanced Life Support that guides healthcare providers through emergency care of critically ill or injured children. The PALS algorithm addresses the unique physiological differences in pediatric patients and provides age-specific treatment guidelines for respiratory emergencies, shock, and cardiac arrest.
Pediatric Pads
Pediatric pads are specially designed electrode pads used with AEDs and defibrillators for children under 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment includes barriers like gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns used to protect emergency responders from infectious diseases and hazardous materials.
Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome (PCAS)
Post-cardiac arrest syndrome is a complex pathophysiological condition that develops after successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest. This syndrome includes brain injury, myocardial dysfunction, systemic ischemia-reperfusion response, and the original precipitating condition that caused the arrest.
Post-Resuscitation Care
Post-resuscitation care includes all medical interventions provided after successful return of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest.
Primary Survey
Primary survey is a systematic approach to rapidly assess and treat life-threatening conditions using the ABCDE format: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure.
Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Program
Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programs place AEDs in public locations and train community members to use them during cardiac emergencies.
Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)
Pulseless Electrical Activity is a cardiac arrest rhythm where organized electrical activity appears on the monitor, but there is no detectable pulse or blood pressure.
Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia
Pulseless ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by rapid ventricular contractions that produce no effective cardiac output or detectable pulse.
R
Rescue Breaths
Rescue breaths are artificial ventilations provided to patients who are not breathing adequately or at all during emergency situations. These breaths deliver oxygen to the lungs through mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-mask, or bag-valve-mask techniques to maintain oxygenation during cardiac arrest or respiratory emergencies.
Respiratory Arrest
Respiratory arrest is the cessation of breathing where the patient stops moving air in and out of the lungs effectively. This condition can occur independently or progress to cardiac arrest if not treated promptly with artificial ventilation.
Respiratory Distress
Respiratory distress is a condition where a patient experiences difficulty breathing or inadequate ventilation that may progress to respiratory failure.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness refers to a patient’s level of consciousness and ability to respond to verbal or physical stimuli during emergency assessment.
Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)
ROSC occurs when effective heart rhythm and blood pressure return during or after CPR, indicating successful resuscitation efforts. ROSC is confirmed by detecting pulse, blood pressure, and signs of circulation like improved skin color and consciousness.
S
Semi-Automatic Defibrillators
Semi-automatic defibrillators are AED devices that analyze heart rhythm and advise operators when shock delivery is needed but require manual activation of the shock button.
Shock Advised
“Shock advised” is an AED message indicating that the patient’s heart rhythm requires electrical defibrillation treatment to restore normal circulation.
Single Rescuer
Single rescuer refers to emergency situations where one person provides CPR and emergency care without assistance from other trained individuals. Solo rescuers must balance multiple tasks, including calling for help, performing CPR, and using AEDs while maintaining high-quality medical interventions.
Sinus Bradycardia
Sinus bradycardia is a slow but regular heart rhythm originating from the normal sinoatrial node pacemaker at rates below 60 beats per minute.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord that can result in temporary or permanent loss of sensation, movement, and bodily functions.
Standby Mode
Standby mode refers to the ready state of emergency medical equipment like defibrillators and monitors when they’re powered on but not actively treating patients.
Sternocleidomastoid
The sternocleidomastoid is a prominent neck muscle that works as an anatomical landmark for various emergency medical procedures, including pulse checks and central line placement.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function that occurs without warning in people who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease.
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia is a rapid heart rhythm starting above the ventricles that typically produces heart rates exceeding 150 beats per minute.
Supraglottic Airway
A supraglottic airway is an advanced airway device that sits above the vocal cords to maintain ventilation when basic airway techniques are inadequate.
Synchronized Cardioversion
Synchronized cardioversion is a procedure that delivers electrical shock timed with the patient’s heartbeat to convert abnormal rhythms back to normal rhythm.
Semi-Automatic Defibrillators
Semi-automatic defibrillators are AED devices that analyze heart rhythm and advise operators when shock delivery is needed but require manual activation of the shock button.
Shock Advised
“Shock advised” is an AED message indicating that the patient’s heart rhythm requires electrical defibrillation treatment to restore normal circulation.
Single Rescuer
Single rescuer refers to emergency situations where one person provides CPR and emergency care without assistance from other trained individuals. Solo rescuers must balance multiple tasks, including calling for help, performing CPR, and using AEDs while maintaining high-quality medical interventions.
Sinus Bradycardia
Sinus bradycardia is a slow but regular heart rhythm originating from the normal sinoatrial node pacemaker at rates below 60 beats per minute.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord that can result in temporary or permanent loss of sensation, movement, and bodily functions.
Standby Mode
Standby mode refers to the ready state of emergency medical equipment like defibrillators and monitors when they’re powered on but not actively treating patients.
T
Tachycardia
Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute in adults that may indicate underlying medical conditions or physiological stress.
Team Dynamics
Team dynamics refers to the interactions, communication patterns, and collaborative processes among healthcare providers during emergency resuscitation efforts.
Trauma
Trauma refers to serious injuries caused by external forces like motor vehicle accidents, falls, violence, or other mechanisms that threaten life or limb.
U
Urinary Output
Urinary output is a measure of kidney function and overall circulation that emergency providers monitor to assess patient condition and response to treatment.
V
Victim
Victim refers to any person who has suffered injury, illness, or medical emergency requiring assistance from bystanders or emergency responders.
Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation is a disorganized electrical activity in the heart’s ventricles that produces no effective cardiac output or pulse.
Voice Prompts
Voice prompts are audio instructions provided by AEDs and other emergency equipment to guide users through proper procedures during medical emergencies.
X
Xenon Anesthesia
Xenon anesthesia is the use of xenon gas as an anesthetic agent that can have protective effects on organs during medical procedures.
Y
Yankauer Suction
Yankauer suction is a rigid suction catheter with a large opening used to remove blood, vomit, and other debris from the mouth and throat during emergency airway management.
