Hemorrhage Control and Resuscitation
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Military Trauma Care course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Hemorrhage Control and Resuscitation Glossary #
Hemorrhage Control and Resuscitation Glossary
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Hemorrhage Control
Hemorrhage control refers to the process of stopping or controlling bleeding in… #
This is a critical component of trauma care, as uncontrolled bleeding can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.
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Resuscitation
Resuscitation is the process of reviving a patient who is in a state of shock or… #
In the context of military trauma care, resuscitation often involves the administration of fluids, blood products, and medications to stabilize the patient's condition.
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Tourniquet
A tourniquet is a device used to apply pressure to a limb in order to control se… #
Tourniquets are often used in military trauma care to quickly stop arterial bleeding in the arms or legs.
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Hemostasis
Hemostasis refers to the body's natural process of stopping bleeding #
It involves the constriction of blood vessels, formation of blood clots, and repair of damaged tissue to prevent further blood loss.
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Pressure Dressing
A pressure dressing is a bandage that applies direct pressure to a wound to cont… #
Pressure dressings are commonly used in military trauma care to manage hemorrhage before more advanced interventions can be performed.
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Shock
Shock is a life #
threatening condition characterized by inadequate blood flow to vital organs. In the context of trauma care, shock can be caused by severe bleeding, fluid loss, or other traumatic injuries.
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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life #
saving technique used to restore blood circulation and breathing in a patient who is in cardiac arrest. CPR involves chest compressions, rescue breathing, and defibrillation in some cases.
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Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is a training program developed by the Ameri… #
ATLS emphasizes a systematic approach to trauma care, including assessment, resuscitation, and surgical intervention.
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Bleeding
Bleeding is the escape of blood from a damaged blood vessel #
In the context of military trauma care, bleeding can be classified as arterial, venous, or capillary, with arterial bleeding being the most life-threatening.
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Coagulation
Coagulation is the process by which blood forms clots to stop bleeding #
Coagulation involves a series of biochemical reactions that culminate in the formation of a stable blood clot at the site of injury.
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Platelets
Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in hemo… #
Platelets adhere to the site of injury and release chemical signals to promote clot formation.
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Fibrin
Fibrin is a protein that forms the structural basis of blood clots #
Fibrin strands weave together to create a mesh-like network that traps blood cells and platelets, forming a stable clot.
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Hypovolemic Shock
Hypovolemic shock is a type of shock caused by severe blood loss, leading to a d… #
Hypovolemic shock can result from trauma, hemorrhage, or other conditions that cause rapid fluid loss.
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Septic Shock
Septic shock is a life #
threatening condition caused by a systemic infection that leads to widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction. Septic shock can result from untreated infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections.
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Neurogenic Shock
Neurogenic shock is a type of shock caused by damage to the spinal cord, leading… #
Neurogenic shock can result from traumatic injuries, spinal cord injuries, or certain medical conditions.
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Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a set of clinical interventions and algo… #
ACLS includes advanced airway management, medication administration, and defibrillation.
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Basic Life Support (BLS)
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a level of medical care that focuses on maintaining… #
BLS techniques include chest compressions, rescue breathing, and automated external defibrillation.
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Trauma
Trauma refers to physical injuries caused by external forces, such as accidents,… #
Trauma can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention.
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Trauma Team
A trauma team is a group of healthcare providers with specialized training in tr… #
Trauma teams often include physicians, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals.
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Trauma Bay
A trauma bay is a designated area in a hospital emergency department where traum… #
Trauma bays are equipped with specialized equipment and supplies to manage critical injuries.
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Fluid Resuscitation
Fluid resuscitation is the administration of intravenous fluids to restore circu… #
Fluid resuscitation is a key component of trauma care to maintain organ perfusion and prevent organ failure.
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Sepsis
Sepsis is a life #
threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection, leading to widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction. Sepsis can progress to septic shock if not treated promptly with antibiotics and supportive care.
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Infection
Infection is the invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms, such as bacteri… #
In the context of trauma care, infections can complicate wound healing, increase the risk of sepsis, and prolong recovery.
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Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of sensat… #
Spinal cord injuries can be caused by trauma, such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.
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Vasodilation
Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow a… #
Vasodilation can occur in response to trauma, infection, or certain medications, causing hypotension and shock.
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Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inh… #
In the context of trauma care, antibiotics are often administered prophylactically to prevent infections in patients with open wounds or severe injuries.
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Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)
Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a clinical condition character… #
SIRS can lead to organ dysfunction, sepsis, and septic shock if not managed promptly.
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Paralysis
Paralysis is the loss of muscle function and sensation in a part of the body due… #
Paralysis can result from traumatic injuries, stroke, spinal cord compression, or other conditions that affect the nervous system.
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Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary approach to restoring function, mobility,… #
In the context of trauma care, rehabilitation programs aim to help patients recover from traumatic injuries and regain quality of life.
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Hypotension
Hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure, which can result in inadequate per… #
Hypotension can be caused by hemorrhage, dehydration, sepsis, or other medical conditions.
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Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogen… #
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern in healthcare, as it can lead to treatment failure and increased mortality rates.
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Neurological Deficit
A neurological deficit is any impairment in the function of the nervous system,… #
Neurological deficits can result from traumatic brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, or neurodegenerative diseases.
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Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a branch of healthcare that focuses on restoring movement, f… #
Physical therapists use exercises, manual techniques, and modalities to help patients regain mobility and independence.
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Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people with physical,… #
Occupational therapists use adaptive techniques, assistive devices, and environmental modifications to promote functional independence and quality of life.
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Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy is a form of physical therapy that uses targeted exercises to i… #
Exercise therapy can help patients recover from injuries, prevent complications, and improve overall health and well-being.
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Activities of Daily Living
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are basic self #
care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, that individuals perform on a daily basis. In the context of rehabilitation, occupational therapists assess patients' ability to perform ADLs and provide interventions to improve independence and quality of life.
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Strength Training
Strength training is a type of exercise that focuses on building muscle strength… #
Strength training can help improve physical performance, prevent injuries, and enhance overall health and fitness.
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Resistance Training
Resistance training is a form of exercise that uses resistance, such as weights,… #
Resistance training can improve muscle tone, bone density, and metabolism, making it an important component of rehabilitation and fitness programs.
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Musculoskeletal Fitness
Musculoskeletal fitness refers to the strength, endurance, and flexibility of th… #
Musculoskeletal fitness is essential for performing daily activities, preventing injuries, and maintaining overall health and mobility.
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Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability of the muscles and joints to move through a full rang… #
Flexibility exercises, such as stretching and yoga, can improve joint mobility, prevent injuries, and enhance athletic performance.
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Range of Motion
Range of motion (ROM) is the extent to which a joint can move in various directi… #
Maintaining optimal range of motion is important for performing daily activities, preventing stiffness, and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
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Joint Mobility
Joint mobility refers to the ability of a joint to move freely and smoothly thro… #
Joint mobility is important for maintaining flexibility, preventing pain, and supporting proper biomechanics during physical activities.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain injury caused by external forces… #
TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
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Head Injury
A head injury is any trauma to the head that results in damage to the scalp, sku… #
Head injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries, requiring immediate medical evaluation and treatment.
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Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to… #
Concussions can result in temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, and other symptoms that resolve with rest and medical monitoring.
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Skull Fracture
A skull fracture is a break or crack in the bones of the skull due to trauma #
Skull fractures can be classified as linear, depressed, or compound, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
47. Post #
Concussion Syndrome
Post #
concussion syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that persist after a concussion, such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Post-concussion syndrome can last for weeks to months and may require medical treatment and rehabilitation.
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Intracranial Hemorrhage
Intracranial hemorrhage is bleeding inside the skull, which can lead to increase… #
Intracranial hemorrhage can result from trauma, stroke, aneurysm rupture, or other conditions requiring urgent medical intervention.
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Neurocognitive Rehabilitation
Neurocognitive rehabilitation is a specialized therapy program designed to impro… #
Neurocognitive rehabilitation aims to enhance brain plasticity, promote recovery, and optimize functional outcomes.
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Cerebral Contusion
A cerebral contusion is a bruise or bleeding in the brain tissue caused by traum… #
Cerebral contusions can result in neurological deficits, seizures, and increased risk of complications, requiring close monitoring and medical management.
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Cognitive Rehabilitation
Cognitive rehabilitation is a therapeutic approach that focuses on improving cog… #
Cognitive rehabilitation strategies include cognitive exercises, compensatory techniques, and environmental modifications to support cognitive recovery.