A
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
Specialized healthcare training teaching management of life-threatening cardiac emergencies using medications, defibrillation, airway techniques, and coordinated team response. Improves survival and patient outcomes in hospitals and emergency settings.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
A portable device analyzing heart rhythm and delivering electric shock if needed. Step-by-step voice instructions guide bystanders or trained responders to restore a normal heartbeat effectively during emergencies.
Airway
Passage from the nose and mouth to the lungs. Keeping it open during CPR ensures oxygen reaches vital organs, maintaining life until professional care arrives, preventing brain damage, and supporting survival.
AHA Guidelines
Official recommendations from the American Heart Association for CPR and cardiovascular emergencies. Guidelines are regularly updated to reflect current research, ensuring evidence-based care and best practices for patient survival.
Arterial Bleeding
Rapid, bright red blood spurts with heartbeat. Life-threatening. Apply firm pressure, elevate the limb, and use a tourniquet if needed. Call emergency help immediately and monitor for shock until medical aid arrives.
Asystole
A flatline on an ECG indicating complete absence of electrical activity in the heart. Immediate CPR and advanced medical interventions are required, as this is a life-threatening cardiac emergency.
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR overlays digital CPR instructions on real environments using devices. It guides effective hand placement, compression depth, and rhythm in real time, enhancing technique, muscle memory, and trainee confidence for real-life emergencies.
B
Bag-Valve Mask (BVM)
Handheld device with mask and bag providing oxygenated breaths to a non-breathing person. Squeezing the bag delivers air efficiently, supporting circulation and oxygenation during CPR or advanced resuscitation.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Core life-saving skills, including chest compressions, rescue breaths, and life-saving AED techniques. Provides immediate emergency support during cardiac arrest, stabilizing patients until advanced medical care becomes available.
Bradycardia
Abnormally slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute. The result of heart disease, medications, or electrical system issues, potentially requiring monitoring or immediate intervention, depending on severity.
Breathing Check
Quickly assess whether a person is breathing normally. If absent, irregular, or gasping, CPR should be started immediately to maintain oxygen delivery and protect vital organs from damage.
C
Cardiac Arrest
Life-threatening emergency where the heart stops pumping effectively. Victims may be unresponsive or not breathing. Immediate CPR and defibrillation are critical to maintain blood flow and survival.
Cardioversion
A medical procedure delivering a timed, low-energy shock synchronized with the heart’s electrical activity to restore normal rhythm in people with irregular heartbeats like atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter safely.
Chain of Survival
A series of steps that improve survival during cardiac emergencies, including early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid AED defibrillation, advanced medical care, and post-resuscitation support for optimal outcomes.
Chest Compressions
Firm, rhythmic chest pushes during CPR. Proper depth and rate circulate blood to the brain and organs, supporting oxygen delivery until heart function returns or advanced medical help arrives.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
A life-saving combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths maintains blood flow and oxygen to vital organs until professional responders arrive. Essential during cardiac arrest for survival.
CPR Certification
Proof of completing CPR training and demonstrating required skills. Often includes a card or certificate recognized by employers, schools, or healthcare authorities, confirming competency in emergency life-saving procedures.
D
Defibrillation
Delivery of a controlled electric shock to the heart using an AED or defibrillator. Restores normal rhythm in life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, improving survival chances.
Depth of Compressions
Measurement of how far the chest is pressed during CPR. Proper depth ensures effective blood circulation to vital organs, improving oxygen delivery and survival during cardiac arrest emergencies.
E
Epinephrine (Epi)
Medication used during cardiac arrest resuscitation to stimulate heart contractions, improve blood flow, and support circulation. Administered according to guidelines to increase survival and enhance resuscitation outcomes.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
Written guidelines for safely responding to emergencies. Commonly used in workplaces, schools, or public spaces to protect victims and rescuers and ensure efficient emergency management.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Trained professionals providing advanced care, usually arriving by ambulance. CPR continues until EMS takes over, stabilizing patients and delivering lifesaving interventions efficiently in emergencies.
AR overlays digital CPR instructions on real environments using devices. It guides hand placement, compression depth, and rhythm in real time, enhancing technique, muscle memory, and trainee confidence for real-life emergencies.
F
First Aid
Immediate care is provided to an injured or ill person to stabilize the condition, prevent worsening, and maintain vital functions until professional medical help or emergency responders arrive.
First Responder
The first person to arrive at an emergency scene provides immediate assessment, basic care, and lifesaving interventions to stabilize the victim until professional medical help or EMS arrives.
Full Recoil
Allow the chest to fully rise after each compression during CPR. Ensures the heart refills with blood properly, maintaining circulation and improving chances of survival and oxygen delivery.
G
Gasping
Abnormal, irregular breathing is often seen in cardiac arrest. Not normal breathing. Immediate CPR is required to maintain circulation, oxygen delivery, and prevent brain damage or organ failure.
Good Samaritan Law
Legal protection for people helping during emergencies in good faith. Shields rescuers from liability for unintended consequences, encouraging bystanders to safely assist without fear of legal action.
H
Hands-Only CPR
CPR using chest compressions only without rescue breaths. Recommended for untrained bystanders to maintain blood circulation and improve survival until trained responders or EMS arrive.
Heart Attack
Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, damaging the heart muscle. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and weakness. Seek immediate medical help.
Heart Rhythm
Pattern of heartbeats. AEDs analyze rhythm to determine if defibrillation is necessary. Detecting abnormalities helps restore normal heart function and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.
Hypo/Hyperkalemia
Abnormal potassium levels, too low or too high, disrupt normal heart electrical activity. Prompt correction with medications, IV therapy, or dialysis can restore normal rhythm and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.
Hypothermia
Dangerously low body temperature slows heart and organ function, increasing arrhythmia risk. Gradual rewarming, warm IV fluids, and careful monitoring can restore normal physiological function and prevent cardiac arrest.
Hypovolemia
Significant blood or fluid loss reduces circulation, impairing oxygen delivery to vital organs. Rapid fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion, and bleeding control are critical to restore perfusion and prevent cardiac arrest.
Hypoxia
A condition where tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Untreated, it can cause organ damage, brain injury, or death. Immediate intervention is critical to restore oxygen and save life.
I
Ischemia
Reduced or blocked blood flow to organs or tissues. In the heart, it causes chest pain, damages muscle, and increases the risk of cardiac arrest or heart attack if untreated.
Infant CPR
CPR adapted for babies under one year. Uses gentle compressions and specific hand placement to safely maintain oxygen delivery and circulation without causing injury.
Instructor-Led Training
In-person CPR classes supervised by certified instructors. Students practice techniques hands-on, gaining confidence, proper skills, and readiness to respond effectively during emergencies.
J
Jaw Thrust Maneuver
Technique to open the airway without tilting the head. Used when spinal injury is suspected. Ensures oxygen delivery while minimizing risk of further injury during resuscitation.
K
Kneeling Position
Proper rescuer posture during CPR. Kneeling allows effective compressions, reduces fatigue, maintains alignment, and ensures optimal blood flow to vital organs while performing emergency resuscitation.
L
Lay Rescuer
A lay rescuer is a non-medical person trained in CPR or first aid who provides immediate emergency care, supports victims, and helps sustain life until professional medical help arrives.
Life Support
Emergency procedures to maintain breathing and circulation. Includes BLS and ACLS techniques, stabilizing patients until advanced medical care is available or the heart resumes normal function.
M
Manikin
Training model used in CPR courses for practicing compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use safely. Helps learners gain hands-on experience without risk to real patients during training.
Mask Barrier Device
Protective mask used during rescue breaths. Reduces direct contact while allowing effective oxygen delivery to the patient, minimizing infection risk during CPR or resuscitation efforts.
N
Naloxone
Medication that quickly reverses opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing and blocking opioid effects in the brain. Used in emergencies to prevent death from respiratory depression.
Non-Shockable Rhythms
These cardiac arrest rhythms, including asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA), do not respond to defibrillation. CPR, medications, and advanced life support are essential to restore circulation.
Normal Breathing
Steady, regular breathing pattern. Absence, irregularity, or gasping requires immediate CPR to maintain oxygen supply, prevent organ damage, and protect vital functions until professional help arrives.
O
Obstructed Airway
Blockage prevents airflow to the lungs. First aid and CPR teach methods to safely clear obstructions, restore breathing, and maintain oxygen delivery to vital organs during emergencies.
Oxygenation
Supplying oxygen to the blood and tissues. Proper oxygenation during CPR supports organ function, improves survival chances, and ensures vital organs receive oxygen until normal heart and lung function return.
P
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
Advanced training for infants and children. Covers CPR, airway management, and medications to handle life-threatening emergencies effectively and improve pediatric survival outcomes.
PEA (Pulseless Electrical Activity)
The heart shows electrical activity but does not pump blood, causing cardiac arrest. Requires immediate CPR and advanced medical intervention to restore circulation and prevent organ damage.
Pulse Check
Quick assessment to detect heartbeat. Absence of pulse requires immediate CPR to maintain circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs, improving survival chances.
Q
Quality CPR
Chest compressions at the correct depth, speed, and with full recoil. Consistently high-quality CPR improves oxygen delivery, blood circulation, and survival outcomes during cardiac emergencies.
R
Rescue Breaths
Controlled breaths are given during CPR to supply oxygen to the lungs and vital organs, maintaining tissue oxygenation until the heart and lungs recover to normal function.
Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)
When the heart begins beating effectively after CPR, indicating successful restoration of blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs, marking a critical recovery milestone.
S
Scene Safety
Ensuring the environment is safe before approaching a victim. Protects rescuer and patient from hazards, allowing CPR or emergency care to be provided without additional risk of injury.
Seizures
Sudden uncontrolled brain activity causes jerking, staring, or confusion. Ensure safety by clearing objects, turning the person on their side, timing the seizure, avoiding restraint, and seeking emergency help if needed.
Shockable Rhythm
Dangerous heart rhythms like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia can be corrected with an AED or defibrillator to restore normal heart function and circulation.
Skills Session
Hands-on portion of CPR training where participants practice compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use. Builds confidence, proficiency, and readiness to respond effectively during real emergencies.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Sudden loss of heart function, stopping blood flow to the brain and body. Immediate CPR and defibrillation significantly improve survival and reduce the risk of brain damage.
Synchronized Cardioversion
Controlled shock delivered at a specific heart rhythm point to restore normal rhythm in arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or tachycardia, improving cardiac function and patient outcomes.
T
Tachycardia
Abnormally fast heart rate, usually over 100 bpm. Reduces blood circulation efficiency, may cause chest discomfort or complications, and often requires urgent medical evaluation or treatment.
Tamponade (Cardiac)
Fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac compresses the heart, impairing pumping and blood flow. Emergency pericardiocentesis or surgery can relieve pressure and restore cardiac output.
Tension Pneumothorax
Air trapped under pressure in the chest compresses the lungs and heart, reducing circulation. Immediate needle decompression or chest tube insertion restores breathing and prevents cardiac arrest.
Thrombosis
Blood clots in the coronary or pulmonary arteries block circulation, causing a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Immediate anticoagulation, thrombolysis, or mechanical clot removal restores perfusion and prevents cardiac arrest.
Toxins
Drugs or poisons can depress heart function or metabolism, causing arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. Rapid recognition, antidotes, and supportive care are essential to reverse toxicity and save life.
Two-Rescuer CPR
CPR is performed by two people; one provides chest compressions while the other manages rescue breaths and an AED, ensuring efficient circulation and effective resuscitation.
U
Unresponsive
When a person does not react to voice or touch. Indicates a life-threatening condition requiring immediate CPR, first aid, or professional medical intervention to prevent permanent injury or death.
V
Ventilations
Breaths delivered during CPR supply oxygen to the lungs. Maintains oxygenation and tissue function until normal heart and lung activity resumes or advanced medical care arrives.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
Life-threatening rhythm where the ventricles quiver instead of pumping blood. Immediate CPR and defibrillation are critical to restore circulation and prevent death from cardiac arrest.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Very fast heart rhythm originating in the ventricles. Reduces effective pumping, may cause cardiac arrest, and requires urgent CPR, defibrillation, or medical intervention to restore heart function.
Virtual Reality (VR)
VR transforms CPR training by immersing learners in realistic emergencies. Trainees practice steps, decision-making, and calm response using headsets, improving skill retention, confidence, and readiness without real-world risks.
W
Witnessed Collapse
Observing someone suddenly fall and become unresponsive. Immediate CPR can save a life, improve survival, and reduce brain injury risk by maintaining blood and oxygen flow.
X
Xiphoid Process
The small, lower tip of the breastbone. During CPR, compressions should be placed just above the heart to prevent injury while ensuring effective blood circulation to vital organs.
Y
Youth CPR Training
CPR classes for teenagers and young adults. Focus on learning life-saving techniques, building confidence, and preparing to respond safely and effectively during emergencies.
Z
Zone of Safety
The area surrounding a person receiving an AED shock. All bystanders must remain at a safe distance during defibrillation to prevent injury while CPR or AED use continues.
