| A | B |
|---|
| decontamination | The removal or cleansing of dangerous chemicals and other dangerous or infectious materials |
| defibrillation | Electrical shock or current delivered to the heart through the patient's chest wall to help the heart restore a normal rhythm |
| dementia | A loss of cognitive and intellectual functions caused by a variety of disorders |
| dermis | Layer of skin located beneath the epidermis that supplies the skin with nutrients |
| detailed physical exam | A careful, comprehensive examination of teh body performed on critical patients, usually while en route to the receiving facility |
| diabetes mellitus | A disease characterized by inadequate production or use of insulin |
| diaphragm | Primary muscle of breathing; forms the bottom portion of teh thoracic cavity |
| diastolic pressure | The pressure exerted on the wals of the arteries when the heart is at rest; when assessng blood pressure by auscultation, measured at point when the sound stops |
| direct force | A force that causes injury to a body part at the site of impact |
| disinfection | Removal of germs, bacteria or other potentially infectious materials |
| distal | Farthest from head or source; opposite of proximal |
| do not resuscitate (DNR) orders | Written physician's order directing healthcare providers to withhold lifesaving care from a patient in cardiac or respiratory arrest |
| dorsal | Pertanng to the back of the body; also called posterior |
| dorsalis pedis artery | Artery located on the upper surface of the foot; can be used to assess blood supply distal to a leg injury |
| dosage | Appropriate amount of a medication to administer; also dose |
| dressing | Protective covering applied directly to a soft tissue wound |
| drowning | Death resulting from suffocation or cardiac arrest while submerged in water |
| durable power of attorney for health care (DPAC) | A type of advance directive that assigns another person to make medical decisions on the pateint's behalf; used only if an individual becomes unable to make decisions |
| duty to act | A contractual or legal obligation to care for any patient who requests services; does not apply if caring for a patient endangers the EMT-Basic's life |
| dysrhthmia | A disturbance in heart rate and/or rhythm, formerly called arrhythmia |
