Departamento de Salud

HEALTH GLOSSARY
ABSORBTION
A series of processes aimed to allow a nutritional or medical substance to enter the
body via an epithelium (skin) or a mucous membrane (stomach)
ACCIDENT
A sudden, isolated and one-off event which happens in a specific place and time,
causing material damage and human injury.
ACETANILIDE
A painkiller
ACID
Hydrogenated compound which in a liquid solution releases H+ ions
ACETYLSALICLYC ACID
Also known as aspirin, it is a saliclyc derivative, taken orally or via injection, which
is used for its antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgaesic, and anti-coagulant
properties.
ACIDOSIS
A pathelogical state consistent with an excess of blood acidity, the consequence of
the reduction of the bloods alkaline reserve.
It is characterised by an increase in pH.

ACTIVATION
It is the decisin to put a series of procedures into action which are destined for
prevention and aid in the event of destructive event.
CVA
A cardiovascular accident/ A cerebrovascular accident

ADENITIS
The inflammation of a lymphatic gland
ADENOMA
A benign tumour of glandular origen (For example thyroid or prostate)
ADENOPATHY
The increase in size of a gland
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid
ADRENALINE
A hormona secreted in certain stressful situations from the suprarenal glands which
accelerates the hearts rhythm, increases the blood pressure, dilates the bronchial
tubes and stimulate the central nervous system.
THE AFFECTED
This is said of the person, system or territories suffering the effects of a
phenomenon, which produced the disturbance or injury.
APHONIA

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The temporary loss of voice

AHA:
American Heart Association /Anemia hemoltica adquirida /Acute hemolitic Anemia /
Autoimmune hemolitic Anemia.
UA/AMI
Unstable Angina or acute myocardial infarction without ST segment elevation.
TIA
Transient ischemic Attack
AKINESIA
Significant decrease in spontaneous movements and extreme slowness of voluntary
movements. It is a characteristic of Parkinsons Disease.
ALARM
A warning or a sign due to the real or imminent presence of an adverse event which
is given so that specific instructions can be followed.
ALBUMEN
An acid protein present in the blood and in milk.
protena cida presente en la sangre y en la leche.
ALBUMINURIA
The appearance of Albumen in the bloodstream.
ALKALINE
(reservoir) Substances which the body uses to neutralise acids.
ALKALOSIS
A pathological state consistent with an base increase o a decrease in acid in the
body. It is characterised by a drop in the concentration of the pH.

ALCOHOLISM
An illness consisting of a series of nervous, psychic and hepatic disorders provoked
by the continuous ingestion of alcohol.
ALLERGEN
A substance capable of provoking allergies.
ALLERGY
The specific and exaggerated state of susceptibility that an individual has to a
substance.
ALOPECIA
A condition which consists of hair loss in certain limited areas.

ALVEOLUS
The ends of the bronchial ramifications in the lungs.

AMYLASE
An enzyme secreted in the pancreas which converts starch to sugar, like ptyalin in
saliva.

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AMINO ACID
An organic nitrogenated compound which makes up the essential component of a
protein molecule. The eight essential amino acids, so called because they are not
synthesised by the body are lysine, methionine, valine, tryptophan, threonine,
leucine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine. These should be administered in food.
AMNESIA
The individuals difficulty to remember memories.
AMPUTATION
The removal of a limb, superior or inferior or part of a limb.
ANABOLISM
The phase of metabolism which consists of the synthesis of new molecules.

ANALGESIC
A substance which relieves pain.

ANDROGENS
A collection of steroid hormones secreted by the testicles and the adrenocortical
which provokes the male sexual development and muscular development. The
principle androgen is testosterone.

ANEMIA
Decrease in the rate of haemoglobin in the blood, caused or not by a decrease of
red blood cells.
TONSILITIS
The inflammation of the tonsils and the pillars of the soft palate, provoking pain on
swallowing.
ANTIBIOTICS
Medications which eliminate bacteria o impede their development.

ANTIBODY
Plasma protein secreted by the plasmocytes which possess the facility to bring
about certain reactions (precipitation or agglutination for example) with its
corresponding antigen.
ANTISCORBUTIC
A substance which cures scurvy. It is known as vitamin C or ascorbic acid.
ANTIGEN
Such is the name given to all foreign substances, which once introduced into the
body are able to produce antibodies.
ANTIHEMORRAGIC AGENT
A substance which blocks haemorrhaging: Vitamin K.
ANTINEURETIC
A substance which counteracts neuritis: Thiamine.

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ANTIOXIDANT
A substance which retards or impedes oxidation. It is normally known as vitamin E
ANTIPYRETIC
A treatment which reduces body temperature in cases of fever.
ANTIRACHITIC
A preventative, corrective or curative medication for rickets. Known as vitamin D.
ANTITHYROID
A medication which slows down thyroid activity.
ANTIVITAMINIC
A substance which neutralises the normal metabolism of vitamins, rendering them
inoperative.
ANTISEPSIS
A collection of procedures and practices destined to destroy the germs which cause
an infection.
APENDICITIS
Acute inflammation of the vermicular appendix.
RNA
Ribonucleic Acid
ARNICA
Is used in a compress or as an ointment to relieve pain
ARRHYTHMIA
Irregularities in the heart beat.
ARTERY
Tube which transports blood carrying oxyhemoglobin from the heart to the different
organs and tissues.
ARTICULATION
The joint of one or two bones.
ARTHRITIS
Inflammation, be it rheumatic or infectious of a joint.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Chronic degenerative condition of the joints.
ASCORBIC ACID
Vitamin C. The lack of it causes scurvy.
ASEPSIS
Free state of the infection. The method of prevention for the destruction on
pathogenic germs.
ASPHYXIA
Acute respiratory insufficiency which quickly leads to a deadly hypoxia and
hypercapnia.
ASSIMILATION

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A collection of biochemical enzymatic processes which allow an organism to

transform the nutriments to its own substance.
ASSISTANCE
A collection of actions strictly organised towards protecting, helping, saving and
supporting the population in the case of a destructive event or disaster.
ASTHMA
The reaction produced in the airways in the form of spasmodic contractions of the
bronchial tubes, accompanied by coughing.
ASPIRIN
Acetylsalic acid
ASTIGMATISM
A defect in the vision provoked by an irregularity in the curvature of the cornea.
HEART ATTACK
A sudden illness caused by the lack of irrigation of the heart muscle.
ATROPHY
The reduction of size and volume of an organ or a tissue.
HELP
This is the action in itself of saving, helping and rescuing of people during a
destructive event or disaster.
AVALANCHE
Rapid and sudden fall of unformed masses, normally a mixture of snow/ice/rocks
AVITAMINOSIS
A pathological state caused by the deficiency de vitamins in a normal diet or due to
the organisms inability to absorb or use them.
BACILLUS
Elongated bacteria.
BACTERIA
A single cell micro organism with a nucleus lacking in membrane, and with only one
chromosome, capable of multiplying itself. The bacteria can or not be pathogens,
and can be the origin of a large amount of infectious illnesses.
BASE
A substance which combined with an acid forms a neutral compound.
BENIGN
Expression applied to all non-cancerous lesions.
BETA-CAROTINE
With the aim of avoiding degenerative diseases, it could even be more effective
than Vitamin A.
BILIRUBIN
A compound found in the blood as a result of the transformation of haemoglobin
when the red blood cells are destroyed. Bilirubin is eliminated by bile in the
intestine.

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BILE
A yellowy green liquid made up of water, bile salts, cholesterol and fats secreted by
the liver and which are stored in the gallbladder before being shed via the
duodenum. Plays an essential part in the digestion of fats and the elimination of
medications.
BIOTIN
A member of the Vitamin B complex.
EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE
A condition provoked by excessive thyroid activity.
BOTULISM
Very serious food poisoning, provoked by the toxin of a germ(clostridium
botulinum), generally present in badly sterilised preserved foods. It affects the
nervous system.
BRADYCARDIA
The slowing down of the heartbeat.
BRONCHIAL PNEUMONIA
Infection which affects the bronchial tubes and lung parenchyma.
BRONCHITIS
The inflammation of the bronchial tubes which brings about a productive cough. It
is classified as chronic bronchitis when this cough is present for at least three
months of the year for three consecutive years. It is usually caused by nicotine
poisoning.
BULIMIA
Psychopathic sensation of hunger which causes the continuous ingestion of food.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
The process of locating victims of disasters and the applying of first aid and the
basic medical assistance which may be needed.
CHEMICAL ACCIDENT
Accidental spillage which occurs during the production, transportation or handling
of dangerous chemical substances.
CRAMP
The involuntary painful contraction of a muscle, usually in the calf or thigh.
CALCIFICATION
The hardening of organic tissues due to calcium salt deposits
GALLSTONES
The build up of minerals which occurs in a canal or in certain organs due to some
kind of metabolic anomaly.
COLD SORES
Painful lesions which appear around the mouth during the flu or other upper chest
infections.
They are caused by a Herpes virus, with the tendency to reappear during a bad
cold. Between episodes, the virus lies dormant within the tissues.
COLOSTRUM

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Transparent liquid secreted from the mothers breast in the first days after
childbirth, before the production of milk. Colostrum contributes to protect the
newborn baby from infections.
CANCER
A destructive cellular invasion with the capacity to spread to other organs and
reproduce.
ENTERIC LAYER
The coating on tablets which avoids the their destruction and the production of
injury in the stomach.
TOOTH DECAY
Infection in the teeth which causes the formation of destructive cavities which
merge together.
CAROTENE
A yellow pigment which is seen in different forms: alpha , beta, and gamma,
provitamins which the body later turns to vitamin A.
CASEIN
A protein fundamental to milk. It is the basis of cheese.
CATABOLISM
The phase of metabolism which consists in the transformation of nutrients in
simpler compounds, releasing energy.
CATARACHTS
An ocular condition which consists of the hardening and opacification of the lens.
CATARRH
The inflammation of the mucous, especially the nasal mucous, accompanied by a
notable hypersecretion.
ECC
Emergency Coordination Centre
HEADACHE
Localised pain in the head.
DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
A specific place where all the donations for a community or institution are received,
selected, classified, counted, packaged, tagged and stored when there is an
emergency or disaster, to be distributed wherever they are needed.
CHILDBIRTH
This is the expulsion of the placenta and membranes and the contraction of the
uterus.
CYANOSIS
The blue coloration of the skin and mucous due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.
SCIATICA
Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve brought on by the compression which a hernia in the
root of this nerve causes.
CIRRHOSIS

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Chronic and diffuse liver condition, usually originally caused by alcohol, and
characterised by the convergence of three types of histological lesions.
CYSTINE
Non essential amino acid which contains sulfur.
CYSTINURIA
Excess of Cystine in the urine.
CISTITIS
The inflammation which occurs in the bladder, causing an increase in frequency of
urination and a burning sensation when urinating.
FISSURE
A canal or groove traced on the surface of an organ.
CYTOTOXIC
A toxic substance which acts on cells.
CLOT
The result of the coagulation of the blood, it is a mass formed of red and white
blood cells, and platelets which stop a wound from bleeding.
COCCUS
Round shaped bacteria.
COLLAGEN
The principal constituent, originating from protein, from the collective tissue and
from the organic substance of the bones.
CHOLERA
Highly contagious epidemic infection due to Vibrio Cholerae. The results are
principally diarrhoea and uncontrollable vomiting.
CHOLESTEROL
A sterol originating from animals, precursor of Vitamin D, present in the blood and
bile. It is synthesised by various organs, principally the liver. It makes up one of
the substances which overload the arteries.
CHOLIC
Acute abdominal pain, especially that which is caused by the spasmodic
contractions of the abdominal organs.
EYE DROPS
Liquid medication which is applied as drops for eye conditions.
COLITIS
Inflammation occurring in the colon.
DIABETIC COMA
The state of unconsciousness characteristic of the last stage of serious sugar
diabetes.
COMPRESS
A piece of gauze or a layered cloth.

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CONTINGENCY
This is whichever situation of risk caused by some human activity or natural
phenomenon which can put someone or something in danger.
CONTRACTION
The shortening of the muscle fibres.
CONGENITAL
That which exists at birth and is not acquired.
CONTUSION
Contusion, bruise.
FLASH FLOOD
A flood of short duration with maximum flow. It causes floods and by their nature
are difficult to prevent.
CRISIS
It is the combination of situations of risk and vulnerable conditions, which happen
to a person or organisation upset the daily working order, exceeding coping
strategies and which require outside help to get over them. As such the crisis can
also be understood as a fracture or change of a series of events. The crisis is the
result of a consequence.
CHROMOSOME
A component of the cells, of a filament structure, carriers of the inherited or genetic
factors. They are found in an even number, which in the human species, is 22 pairs
plus two sexual chromosomes, in total 46 chromosomes. The chromosomes are
clearly visible in the cell nucleus during mitosis.
CHANCROID
A hard, painless ulcer, characteristic of the first phase of Syphilis.
DALTONISM
Disturbance of vision characterised by the inability to distinguish various
fundamental colours.
VICTIM
This is the person who loses possessions and/or home, as a result of a destructive
event and therefore needs help during a certain time period.

DECLARATION OF A DISASTER
The official proclamation of a state of emergency after a large scale disaster, with
the aim of taking the necessary measures to reduce the impact of the disaster.
DELIRIUM
Disturbance of mental faculties which manifests itself through incoherent language.
DIABETIC ACIDOSIS
Acidosis or lack of alkaline, characteristic of the last phase of serious sugar diabetes

SENILE DEMENTIA
Loss of mental faculties due to old age.

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CONTACT DERMATITIS
The inflammation of the skin caused coming into contact with an irritation-causing
substance.
DERMITIS
Inflammation of the skin.
SAED
Semi automatic external defibrillator
DISASTER
A serious interruption in the workings of society causing enormous loss of life, and
destruction of property and environment, to such extent that the affected society
cannot continue without outside help.
FLAKING
The fragmented elimination of the surface of the skin.
DEHYDRATION
The elimination of the water container in tissue or in food. It is know as the
pathological state of having lost an excess of water.
DIABETES
An illness caused by a deficiency of insulin in the blood.
DIABETES INSIPIDUS
An illness characterised by an abnormally high secretion of very pale urine.
SUGAR DIABETES
An illness characterised by a higher secretion of urine with an excess of glucose.
DIARRHOEA
An in crease in the number of daily defecations, with very watery faeces
DIPHTHERIA
A toxinfectious illness of bacterial origin which results in throat infection of
laryngitis and in disturbance of the nervous and cardiac systems.
DISENTIR
Intestinal infection by bacillus and amoebas which results in acute diarrhoea.
DYSMENORRHOEA
Painful menstruation
DYSPNEA
Pain on breathing.
DEVICE
A collection of preventative activities directed towards preparing and organising an
operation.
The device will supposedly have been orchestrated in the previous phase of the
event or emergency, with the precise aim of preventing the emergency.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid of the cell nucleus, in charge of the transmission of the
genetic characters.

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ECG:
Electrocardiogram.
EDEMA
The infiltration of a tissue or organ by a vascular liquid.
PULMONARY EDEMA
Invasion of the parenchyma lung with blood serum, seriously disturbing respiration.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
A graphic which shows the variations in potential produced by the rhythmic activity
of the cardiac muscle.
ELECTROLYTE
An element in it ionised form. Sodium, potassium and chlorine ate the most
common electrolytes in the organism.
EMBOLISM
Sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus.
EMBOLUS
Known as the formation, generally of coagulated blood which journeys through
different veins until it arrives at one which is diametrically smaller, where it gets
blocks.
EMERGENCY
It is the high risk situation caused by some kina of human activity or natural
phenomenon which puts someone or something in mortal danger.
ENCEPHALITIS
Inflammation of the brain the cause of which is presumed to be viral.
ENCEFALOMIELITIS
Encephalitis accompanied by a condition of the spinal cord.
ENDOCARDITIS
Inflammation of the endocardium of a bacterial origen.
ENDOGEN
Formed in the interior of the body.
ENTEROCOCCUS
Variety of streptococci, generally present in the intestine, responsible for urinary
infections and endocarditis.
ENTEROPATHY
Any type of intestinal infection.
ENTEROVIRUS
A variety of virus with significant intestinal tropism, as is the case of the
poliomyelitis virus.
ENURESIS
Abnormal and unconscious urination in children older than four.
ENZYME

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Biocatalyst, protein in nature, of endogenic character produced by the bodys cells,

responsible for all the bodies metabolic processes.
EPICENTRO
The point on the surface of the earth directly above the focus or hypocentre of an
earthquake or catastrophe.
EPIDEMIA
Rapid propagation of an infectious illness within a previously uninfected population.
EPISTAXIS
Bleeding from the nose.
ECCHYMOSIS
Extravasations of blood in the tissues.
ERYTHEMA
The reddening of the skin produced by the congestion of the capillaries, which
disappears momentarily with pressure.
SPHINCTER
Ring-shaped muscle which closes a natural orifice.
SPRAIN
A joint trauma consisting of broken ligaments but without the loss of contact
between the joint surfaces.
SPIRILLUM
These are helicoidal shaped bacteria. Amongst these are treponema pallidum which
produces syphilis in humans.
STERILE
Free of micro organisms.
STERNUM
The bone situated in the middle and in front of the thorax. It moves with the
collarbone(clavicle) and the ribs.
STIMULUS
It is a chemical or physical agent capable of producing reactions in the peripheral
sense organs or the peripheral nerve endings or muscle fibre.
STRANGULATION
Constriction around or in front of the neck which impedes the passage of air and
abruptly suspends the breathing and circulation.
STUPOR
State of partial unconsciousness with absence of movement and reaction to
stimulus.
EVACUATION
Security measure to evacuate the people in a zone of risk or danger and move
them to a safe
distance, in which the cooperation of the citizens should be part of the program.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

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The identification and qualitative and quantitative record of the extent, seriousness
and location of the effects of an adverse event.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
Recent investigations suggest that it may be beneficial in the treatment of certain
illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. It is also
used to treat cramp.
EVENT
The happening, case, or circumstance in a determined place or time.
FABISM
Haemolytic anaemia caused by contact with certain varieties of beans(broad bean).
PHARYNGITIS
Inflammation of the pharynx or the upper region of the throat.
CF
Cardiac frequency.
PHENYLALANINE
Essential amino acid.
SPLINT
A splint: wooden or cardboard, rigid or flexible, of normal or inflatable material,
which is applied to maintain broken bones in position.
FIBRIN
An insoluble protein which makes a blood clot. It is the result of an enzyme,
thrombin, on fibrinogen.
FIBRINOGEN
Soluble protein synthesized by the liver which makes up the basis of the
coagulation process.
FIBROSIS
Injury consistent with a hyperplasia of the conjoined tissue.
l
FEVER
The abnormal increase in the central body temperature.
PHIMOSIS
The narrowing of the foreskin which stops the glans from coming out.
FSTULA
An abnormal tube, which connects a cavity or an organ with the exterior or to
another organ, from which fluids are lost.
PHLEBOTOMINAE
(From the Greek Phebos, vein and Atomos, cutting).
A fly which feeds on blood, the bite of which is the means of transmission of
Leishmaniasis, Bartonellosis and some Abovirus.
BEND
The action of bending.
PHLYCTENA

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A cutaneous injury which consists of the formation of a blister

FOLIC ACID
(Acid) Complex B vitamin (B9), also called pteroylglutamic acid or
Folacin.
FRACTURE
A broken bone
GREENSTICK FRACTURE
The type of fracture in the which the break in the bone is not complete.
VF
Ventricular Fibrillation
GALACTOSE
Monosaccharide which is obtained from the hydrolysis of lactose.
GANGRENE
Tissue necrosis located in a certain area, due to the interruption of the circulatory
activity.

GASTRITIS
Intense irritation of the stomach, the origin can be toxic or due to inflammation
GENE
Basic biological unit of the chromosome, composed of DNA which transports the
hereditary information.
GINSENG
It is obtained by means of a specific root (panax ginseng) used to stimulate the
adrenal gland and reducing stress. American and the Siberian ginseng have similar
properties.
GLAND
Group of epithelial cells that secrete a substance for use in the body, mainly
addressed to synthesis and excretion. The exocrine glands expel the final substance
outside the body, such as the sebaceous glands, or go inside a canal (pancreatic
glands). Endocrine glands send the substances to the blood.
MAMMARY GLAND
Two glands within the breast that secrete milk.
PARATHYROID GLAND
Four small endocrine glands located in the back side of the thyroid gland that
secrete parahormones.
THYROID GLAND
Endocrine gland located under the larynx. It secretes thyroid hormones and
thyrocalcitonin.
GLYCERID
Final substance after the combination of fatty acids and glycerol.
GLYCOGEN

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Polysaccharide of glucose the composition of which is similar to the one of the

amylopectin of starch. Glycogen is stored in the liver, it turns into glucose according
to the needs of the organism.
GLUCOSE
Monosaccharide water-soluble which appears in the blood, and therefore, in each of
the organisms cells. This is where it burns out, releasing carbon dioxide and heat.
It is stored in the liver and in other organs in the shape of a polysaccharide, the
glycogen.
GOUT
Condition characterized by abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood,
recurring attacks of joint inflammation, mainly located in the toe.
GRAM
Coloration method used in bacteriology consisting of the repeated application of the
gentian violet and safranine on a microbe.
INFLUENZA
Disease caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Most people who get the
flu recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people develop serious and
potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia
BLOODSUCKER
Refers to those animals which feed on other animals blood.

HEMATOMA
Abnormal collection of blood, usually clotted or partially clotted, caused by the
break in the wall of a blood vessel.
HEMOCITOSIS
Increase in the number of blood cells
HEMODYALISIS
Medical procedure that uses a special machine to filter waste products from the
blood and to restore normal constituents to it. It is more often employed for chronic
renal disease
HEMOPHILIA
Blood disease which consists of a tendency to bleed and a clear slowness in blood
coagulation
HEMOLYSIS
Disintegration or dissolution of the blood corpuscles, specially in the red blood cells
HEMORROIDS
Varicose veins in the rectum
HEMOSTASIS
Spontaneous or artificial stopping of the blood flow.
HEPATITIS
Liver inflammation
HERNIA

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Referring to a opening or weakness of the muscular structure of the wall of the

abdomen. This defect causes a bulging of the abdominal wall.
HYDROGENATION
Introduction of a hydrogen substance
HYDROLYSIS
Chemical reaction through which two new compounds form from a complex
substance and by means of the addition and decomposition of water.
HYDROLIZED
Final substance of hydrolysis.
HYPERCALCEMIA
Elevated calcium level in the blood.
HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA
Elevated Cholesterol level in the blood.
HYPERGLUCEMIA
Elevated blood sugar levels.
HYPERLIPIDEMIA
Elevated lipids level in the blood.
HYPERLIPOPROTEINEMIA
Elevated lipoprotein levels in the blood.

HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
Overactivity of the parathyroid glands resulting in excess production of the
parathyroid hormone.
HYPERPLASIA
A condition in which there is an increase in the number of normal cells in an organ.

HYPERTHERMIA
Increase of the body temperature.
HYPERTROPHY
Enlargement or overgrowth of an organ or part of the body due to the increased
size of the constituent cells.
HYPERURICEMIA
Elevated level of acid uric in the blood.
HYPERVITAMINOSIS
Refers to a condition of high storage levels of vitamins, which can lead to toxic
symptoms
HYPNOTIC DRUGS
Substances used in the treatment of insomnia to induce sleep.
HYPOALBUMINEMIA
An abnormally low blood level of albumin.

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HYPOCALCEMIA
Lower-than-normal blood calcium.
HYPOTERMIA:
Lower-than-normal body temperature.
HYPOPROTEINEMIA
Lower-than-normal seric protein in the blood.
HORMONE
A chemical substance which is produced in the body that controls and regulates the
activity of certain cells or organs.
RISK IDENTIFICATION
Recognising and locating the probable damages that may occur in the affectable
system (environment and population), under the impact of the destructive
phenomena they are exposed to.
ICD
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
INCISION
Cutting the tissues using a scalpel.
UNCONCIOUSNESS
Without conscience.
INFECTION
Penetration of a pathogen microbe inside the body.
INFLAMMATION
Local reaction of a tissue to a stimulus either phisical, chemical or microbiotic

INHALATION
Introduction of gas substances, medicinal or anestesicos airways.
IMMUNITY
Resistance of an organism to infection, disease, or other unwanted biological
invasions.
INSUFFLATE
Introduction of air or a specific pulverized substance into a cavity or organ.
INSULIN
Hormone secreted in the pancreas, particularly in the islets of Langerhans, which
regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia or lack of insulin
determines a type of diabetes and in some acute cases its necessary to inject it
subcutaneously.
LACTIC ACID
A small molecule presenet in the blood which is formed during intense muscular
activity.
LACTOSE

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Disaccharide mainly found in milk resulting from the union of a galactose and
glucose molecule.
LARYNGITIS
Inflammation of the larynx mainly because of the irritation of the vocal cords
INJURED
Person who suffered any type of phisical or psichological traumatism due to the
impact of a crash or accident.
LETHARGY
Loss of willpower with the incapacity to react, even though the person is
clearheaded.
LEUKEMIA
Disease consisted of a notable increase of the number of leukocytes, due to a
hyperdevelopment of the lymph nodes and the organs responsible for the
production or leukocytes.
LEUCINE
Essential amino acid.
LEUKOCYTOSIS
Transitory increase in the number of leukocytes, which normally occurs during
digestion and pregnancy, although it could even be the syndrome of some
infectious disease.
BREWERS YEAST
Subproduct derived from the beer elaboration process. It covers a wide range of
vitamins and helps to reduce stress and tiredness.
LIGAMENT
Fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones. Sometimes called articulate
ligaments.
LIPASE
Enzyme with the capacity to digest the fat.
LIPID
Broadly define.d as any fat-soluble naturally-occurring molecule such as fats, oils,
wax and cholesterol
LIPOPROTEIN
Combination of a fat and a protein.
LIPOTROPHIC
Known as all essential substances for the metabolism of fat.
LISINE
Essential Amino- acid.
LYSIS
Cell or tissue destruction.
LYSOSOMES
Membrane structures of the cellular cytoplasm cointaining hydrolitic enzymes.

Departamento de Salud

LOGISTICS:
Known as the management of the flow of goods, transport and its distribution, also
related with people transport.
MACROBIOTIC
Diet based on chinese energies. (ying-yang)
MENINGITIS
Inflammation of the meninges, mainly the arachnoid and the pia mater, it normally
appears with anomaly of the cerebrospinal liquid.
MENOPAUSE
Period in womens life, normally between 50-55 years when mestrual periods stop.
MENSTRUATION
Periodic blood coming from the uterus. It normally occurs every 4 weeks and it
lasts from 2-7 days, depending on each period.
METABOLISM
Known as the whole range of biochemical reactions, either synthesis (anabolism),
or destruction (catabolism) of nutrients that take place in the organism or in a
certain organ.
BASAL METABOLIC RATE
Measure of the of the thyroid gland activity, percentatge in which the resting body
consumes oxygen.
METHIONINE
Essential Amino-acid.
MICROBE
Unicellular microorganism consisting of: bacteria, viruses, microscopic fungi and
protozoans parasites.
MICROORGANISMS (Microbes) :
Unicellular microscopical beings, representing the most elementary and simple
forms of life. The microorganisms have been specially adapted to survive in their
environment, such as the cilium, which help them moving ; they use the
protoplasma prolongations named as flagellum or pseudopods to move. For
example: amoebas have pseudopods which elongate and shrinks, allowing the
amoebian cell to move (travel) and be able to capture alimentary particles,
surrounding them and taking them inside
MYDRIASIS:
Excessive dilatation of the pupil of the eye.
MIOSIS:
Constriction of the pupil of the eye
MITIGATION
Whole range of actions tending to reduce, decrease and mitigate the effects of a
destructive event.
STUMP
Resulting part of an amputated member, between the articulation and its
correspondent section.

Departamento de Salud

MUTATION
Cromosome alteration , either in number or because they lack of certain parts.
NAUSEOUS
Known as the feeling before vomiting as well as the convulsions with the need to
vomit.
NEURASTHENIA
Illness due to a nerve weakening or to a congenital lack of nerve strength.
DIABETIC NEURITIS
Nerve inflammation ocasionally appearing in sugar diabetes.
NEUROLYSIS
The destruction of a nerve by the injection of alcohol.
NECROSIS
Name given to the premature death of cells and living tissue.
NEUROTOXIC
Toxic with noxious effects on the nervous system.
NEUROTOXINA
Toxin responsible for destroying the nervous tissue.
NIACIN
Known as the nicotinic acid, part of the vitaminic compound B.
NUCLEOPROTEIN
Any protein which is structurally associated with the nucleic acid. Its inside the
cellular nucleous.
NUCLEOTIDE
A subunit of DNA or RNA. To form a DNA or RNA molecule, thousands of
nucleotides are joined in a long chain.
NUTRIENT
Organic or unorganic substance in the food. It is digested and absorbed by the
organism to be used, afterwards, in the intermediate metabolism.
CORONARY OBSTRUCTION
Tamponade of the small arteries which feed the cardiac muscle.
OCCIPUCIO
Back and inferior section of the head.
OCCLUSION
Tamponade of any blood vessel.

DIETARY MINERALS
Known as the minerals that the living organisms require in small amounts (less
than 100mg a day). In this group is included: iron, zinc, fluorine, iodine, arsenic,
magnesium, selenium, cobalt, molybdenom, chrome, vanadium, tin and nickel.

Departamento de Salud

OMOPLATUS
Flat bone, and triangular shape, located on the back section of the shoulder.
OPERATIVE
Whole range of actions taking place during the event or emergency to mitigate and
control their critical effects or crisis. The operative is orchestrated during the event
itself.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Abnormal bone porosity due to the inability of the osteoblast to deposit bone
material. It appears when the mineral absortion predominates over its
acummulation.
OTITIS
Inflammation of certain sections of the middle ear.
OXIDATION
Chemical reaction in which one substance is combined with oxygen. Its chemically
related to an increase of positive charge of the atom due to a loss of electrons.
PARALYSIS:
Loss of sensitivity and movement of one or several parts of the body.
PARAPLEGIA:
Lower limbs paralysis, generally because of an injury in the spinal cord, particularly
on the lower spine downwards, coming with the loss of voluntary control of the
bladder and anal sphincter.
CPR
Cardio Pulmonary Arrest.
DANGER
Threat or imminent probability of suffering any damages.
PERITONITIS
Acute inflammation of the peritoneum (serous membrane which lines part of the
abdominal cavity and some of the viscera it contains)
PETECHIAE:
Round red spots under the skin caused by an intradermal haemorrhage, which
dont disappear when pressed with the finger.
PLATELET
One of the constituent elements in the blood, it contributes to blood coagulation.
FAS
First Aid Station.
POLICY
Action line or directrix to be followed in order to reach an objective.
PREPARATION
Whole range of previous actions to be taken in case of emergency or disaster.
PREVENTION
Whole range of measures sufficiently available in advance, with the aim of avoiding
or mitigating the impact of a destructive event.

Departamento de Salud

CIVIL DEFENCE:
Whole range of principles, rules, procedures, actions and bahviours, participative
and corresponsable which the society and the authorities execute in a coordinated
and arranged way. They are carried out for the prevention, mitigation and
restoration to saveguard peoples goods and lives and their environment in the
eventuality of a disaster.
URIC ACID
An organic nitrogenated acid present in the blood which comes from the
degradation of nucleoproteins in the body. Its rate in the blood (close to 50 mg per
litre) is higher in people with gout.
VENOM
Poison, particularly liquid and secreted by snakes, spiders and scorpions.
PRURITUS
Unpleasant sensation that evokes the desire or reflex to scratch.
PROTEIN
Organic compounds made of aminoacids and hydrogen. All the cellular membranes
are formed by proteins, therefore they constitute a fundamental compound.
BLACK SPOT/RISK POINT
It refers to the risk of a specific physical space in a particular place, such as a
property.
PUPIL
Circular opening located in the centre of the iris of the eye.
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
TEMPORARY REFUGE
Known as the facilities or building made to give temporary acommodation and
assistential service to the victims who have suffered some type of disaster.
AFFECTED AREA
Section of territory affected by damage because of the impact of a calamity.
RESERVOIR
Known as the organism in which an infectious agent is developed or kept, and its
ability to
transmit to other organisms. Type of oxygenotherapy mask with an oxygen bag.
RESTORATION
Whole range of actions addressed to repair and reconstruct the damages caused by
any destructive fact.
RISK
Probability of suffering an accident.
SACCHARIN
Whitish and crystalline compound used as an artificial sweetener. It has no
nutritional power.
SARCOMA

Departamento de Salud

Its a cancer of the connective tissue

SECURITY
Whole range of measures with the purpose of protecting someone or something
against some specific risks. Its important to clarify that the security is a perception
because we cannot feel it, hear, touch or taste it.
SENSITIVITY
Rapid perception with the senses, reacting to small changes.
SIMULATION
Its an act where a specific situation or scenery is imitated with the aim of training
people in case of an emergency
SUPPLY:
The ordered delivery of those elements necessary to prevent or control an
emergency, on behalf of a distribution centre, to their place of consumption.

FIRE DISASTER
Destructive event produced by a fire, so its basically associated with fire. It can be
an accident or become a disaster. Catastrophic event with the loss of human beings
and property.
SYNTHESIS
Known as the elaboration process of a chemical compound.
BLOOD SERUM
Known as the liquid coming from coagulated blood.
MULTIMINERAL SUPPLEMENTS
Capsules or pills containing at least half of the recommended daily amounts of
iodine, iron, calcium and other minerals.
MULTIVITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS
Capsules or pills containing at lear half of the recommended daily amounts of the
vitamins: A; B1, B2, B3, B12, folic acid, C and D, and maybe also vitamins B5, B6,
biotin, E and K.
SUPPURATION
Pus formation.
TACHYCARDIA
It refers to an abnormally fast heart rate, over 100 beats per minute.
TETANUS:
It refers to an acute infectious disease, caracterized by the prolonged contraction of
the skeleta muscle fibres.
TETRAPLEGIA
Lower and upper limb paralysis, caused by a spinal cord lesion, just at the cervical
column.
THREAT
The probability of the occurrence of a potentially harmful phenomenon within an
area and given time period.

Departamento de Salud

THIAMINE
Known as the B1 vitamin. Antineuritic factor, part of the vitamin compound B.
THYROID
See thyroid gland.
TYROSINE
Non essential amino acid.
TOXIN
Special toxic substances which function as an antigen in the human and animal
organism, that is, they create antibodies with a defensive aim in the organism.
TOXOID
Its a bacterial toxin which loses its toxic components when heated or in formol but
keeps its property of unleashing the antibodies formation.
TRACHEA
Elastic, cylindrical and gelatinous conduct located in the lower front part of the
neck.
TRAUMA
Injury of any type.
THREONINE
Essential amino acid.
TRIAGE:
Selection and classification of victims through some procedures where the severity
of their condition and the survival probability are determined.
TRYIPTOPHAN
Essential amino acid
TRICHINOSIS
Infection caused by the trichinella, which is a parasite located in raw pork meat.
THROMBIN
Substance responsible for the transformation of the fibrinogen in fibrin, during the
coagulation process.
THROMBUS
Blood coagulation in a blood vessel.
THROMBOSIS
Formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. It can consequently lead to an
embolism.
ULCER
Discontinuity of the skin exhibiting complete loss of the epidermis.
PEPTIC ULCER
Ulcer formed in the gastrointestinal tract or area.
UNGUENT:
Soothing preparation for external use.

Departamento de Salud

UREA
Main nytrogenated product of the final protein metabolism.
HIVES
Cutaneous eruption (rash)
UVULA:
Conic projection from the posterior edge of the middle of the soft palate.
VACCINE
Its a biological preparation of organisms, either alive or dead which produce a
response in the body when they are inside the body, preventing a specific illness.
VECTOR:
Its a bearer, particularly the parasite which carries the infectious agent.
VEIN
Blood vessel that carries the blood towards the heart by means of the auriculas.
VICTIM:
Person who has suffered the loss of health rn its physical, pshychological and social
aspects, caused by an accident or a disaster.
VIRULENCE
Its the ability of an infectious pathogen agent to provoke disease.
VIRUS
All the microorganisms invisible under the microscope are known as virus, therefore
we have to use the ultramicroscope to observe them. Viruses consist of an acid
nucleic molecule (DNA), covered with a protein coating. The virus can only
reproduce in living tissue. Smallpox, chickenpox, influenza, rabies, poliomyelitis,
hepatitis, mumps...are some of the many diseases caused by a virus. When a virus
infects a cell, it uses the construction and reproduction materials of the cell itself for
its own development.
VITAMINS
Essential micronutrients for the organism. They are divided into two groups:
liposolubles, stored in the body and hidrosolubles, to be replaced daily where
necessary.
VISCUS
Organ inside a cavity, particularly in the abdomen.
VOLUNTEER
Referred to the person who works on behalf of others without being motivated by
financial or material gain, normally in activities related to civil defence. The
volunteer normally receives a basic training to effectively accomplish the assigned
tasks, and moreover has to meet the physical and phsychological minimun
requirements.
VULNERABILITY
Referred to the susceptibility to physical or emotional injury or attack either on
people, goods and services against any type of destructive event.
WERNICKE-KORSAKOFF SYNDROME
Syndrome of psychosis caused by a chronic alcoholism, probably due to the lack of
tiamine

Departamento de Salud

DISASTER ZONE
Affected physical region (it normally covers a district, political delegation or State)
caused by a phenomenon of natural or human origin (see definition of Disaster)
RISK ZONE
Its the whole range of risk spots concentrated in a specific area, such as a block, a
roundabout or a district
ZONING
Generally it refers to the subdivision of a geographical area, country or region, etc
in homogeneous sectors according to certain criteria
ZOONOSIS:
Whole range of diseases transmitted by animals to human beings
BUZZING
Continuous sound or whisper either subjective or objective, generally produced by
an insect or vascular alteration.

Departamento de Salud

BIBLIOGRAFA

"URGENCIAS Enciclopedia Practica de Primeros Auxilios"

Editorial Marin, S.A., Espaa

GUYTON, Fisiologa Mdica.

Interamericana de Editores

GANONG, Fisiologa Medica.

Interamericana de Editores

Patologa Mdica, Interamericana Editores

GARY A. Van Gelder, Toxicologa Clnica

Guas de Salud: Primeros Auxilios.

Dr. Carlos Sanz.

Reanimacin cardiopulmonar: Primeros auxilios.

Nota tcnica de prevencin n 247.
Moline Marco, J.L.

Gua de formadores AHA 2008

Gua de formacin CEAC

Tintinali . Urgencias Mdicas .

Mossby . Diccionario mdico