Color-Coded Safety Glossary

First Aid/CPR - Health/Well-being - Home and Workplace Safety - Lifeguarding/Water Safety - Swimming/Aquatics

A-B     C-D     E-F     G-H     I-J     K-L     M-N     O-P    Q-R     S-T     U-V     W-X-Y-Z

G

gait

The way a person walks. Observation of gait can provide early diagnostic clues for a number of disorders, including cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Rett syndrome.

gamete

A germ cell (i.e., the sperm or the egg) used in the process of reproduction.

gangrene

The death of body tissue that occurs due to a lack of blood flow to the tissue.

gas

A formless fluid possessing perfect molecular mobility and the property of indefinite expansion, as opposed to a solid or liquid. Some gases are toxic, including ammonia, carbon monoxide, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, etc.

gasp reflex

A sudden, involuntary inhalation caused by the submerging the face in very cold water.

general industry safety orders (GISO)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements that apply to all businesses across the board.

gestational diabetes

A type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy and usually disappears upon delivery, but increases the risk that the mother will develop diabetes later. The condition is managed with meal planning, activity, and, if appropriate, insulin injections.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A measure of level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. The GCS was described in 1974 by Graham Teasdale and Bryan Jennett in Assessment of Coma and Impaired Consciousness: A Practical Scale, Lancet 1974; 2:81-4, as a way to communicate about the level of consciousness of patients with an acute brain injury.

In 1980, the use of the GCS was recommended for all types of injured person in the first edition of the Advanced Trauma and Life Support and, in 1988, the GCS was used by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) for grading patients with a subarachnoid haemorrhage. From this point, the GCS has progressively occupied a central role in clinical guidelines as well as in scoring systems for victims of trauma or critical illness.

Forty years after the original description, the position of the GCS was reviewed in The Lancet Neurology (access the full text here). This review reported the results of a survey that showed that the GCS is in use by neurosurgeons and other disciplines in more than 80 countries worldwide and has been translated into the national language in 74% of these countries. The review also noted a continuing rise in the use of the GCS in research reports, making it the most frequently quoted paper in clinical neurosurgery.

For their 2015 Guidelines for First Aid, the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross neither supported nor refuted the use of scoring systems like the GCS by first aid providers. However, it should be noted that the “Eyes Opening” part of the GCS is roughly equivalent to the AVPU scale, which many first aid providers already use during patient assessment. Also, the “Verbal Response” part of the GCS is sometimes included with the AVPU scale as a test of orientation.

To learn more about the GCS, follow these links:

• Glasgow Coma Scale (glasgowcomascale.org)
• VIDEO: Glasgow Coma Scale at 40: The New Approach to GCS Assessment (GCS at 40)

golden hour

A time period lasting for one hour, or less, following a traumatic injury or medical emergency, during which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical treatment will prevent death. It is well established that the patient’s chances of survival are greatest if they receive care within a short period of time after a severe injury; however, there is no evidence to suggest that survival rates drop off after 60 minutes. Some have come to use the term to refer to the core principle of rapid intervention in trauma cases, rather than the narrow meaning of a critical one-hour time period.

Cases of severe trauma, especially internal bleeding, require surgical intervention. Complications such as shock may occur if the patient is not managed appropriately and expeditiously. It therefore becomes a priority to transport patients suffering from severe trauma as fast as possible to specialists, most often found at a hospital trauma center, for definitive treatment. Because some injuries can cause a trauma patient to deteriorate extremely rapidly, the lag time between injury and treatment should ideally be kept to a minimum; this has come to be specified as no more than 60 minutes, after which time the survival rate for traumatic patients is alleged to fall off dramatically.

The late Dr. R Adams Cowley is credited with promoting this concept, first in his capacity as a military surgeon and later as head of the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. The concept of the “Golden Hour” may have been derived from French military World War I data. The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center section of the University of Maryland Medical Center’s website quotes Cowley as saying, “There is a golden hour between life and death. If you are critically injured you have less than 60 minutes to survive. You might not die right then; it may be three days or two weeks later — but something has happened in your body that is irreparable.”

While most medical professionals agree that delays in definitive care are undesirable, recent peer reviewed literature casts doubt on the validity of the literal interpretation of the golden hour as it appears to lack any scientific basis.

To learn more about the golden hour, follow these links:

• Golden Hour vs. Golden Period (Firefighter Nation)
• Rethinking the Golden Hour (EMSWorld)
• The Golden Hour in Trauma: Dogma or Medical Folklore? (Journal of Lancaster General Hospital)
• The Golden Hour: Scientific Fact or Medical ‘Urban Legend?’ (Wiley Online Library - Lerner & Moscati)
• What is the Golden Hour? (OU Medical Center)

Good Samaritan laws

State laws enacted to protect healthcare providers and other first aid providers from being sued as a result of providing help to a victim during an emergency. As long as reasonable care is used in assisting a person during an emergency, based on the resources that are available at the time, a rescuer cannot be sued for any injuries that the person sustains during the incident. Also called volunteer protection laws, these statutes do not usually protect against unreasonable or grossly negligent acts (see USA Today article).

To read about Good Samaritan laws state by state, go to Recreation Law website (James H. Moss JD).

goggles

(1) A type of protective eyewear used while swimming to improve underwater visibility and to protect the eyes from contact with swimming pool water and chemical residuals in the water. (2) Any form of protective eyewear that enclose or protect the area surrounding the eye in order to prevent particulates, water, or chemicals from striking the eyes. They are used in chemistry laboratories, manufacturing facilities, sporting events, etc.

governmental immunity

The legal privilege by which the American federal, state, and tribal governments cannot be sued (sovereign immunity). Local governments in most jurisdictions also enjoy immunity from some forms of lawsuit, particularly in tort.

guidelines

Written or oral statements designed to help people make appropriate decisions regarding health, safety, etc.

H

hand hygiene

The practice of washing or sanitizing hands before activities such as eating, handling food, or providing first aid or medical care, and after activities that expose the hands to materials and body fluids that potentially could contain pathogenic microorganisms.

Handwashing and hand sanitizers reduce microbial populations in different ways. Handwashing - whether done with “antibacterial” soap or plain soap - physically removes microorganisms from the skin, literally washing the live microbes down the drain. Hand sanitizers reduce levels of microorganisms by killing them chemically, just like disinfectants kill germs on environmental surfaces.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) prefer the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (also called hand rubs) to handwashing because of the greater access and the less irritating effects of hand sanitizers as well as the effectiveness of hand sanitizers in kill microorganisms. The only exception in a first aid or other medical context is when hands are soiled with dirt, blood, or other potentially infectious material (OPIM). In this case, soap and warm water should be used as soon as possible.

To learn more about using hand hygiene in a first aid or medical context, go to the CDC Hand Hygiene page and the WHO Save Lives: Clean Your Hands page.

hand sanitizer

An alcohol-based liquid formulation designed to be rubbed on hands to kill bacteria quickly on the skin.

Handwashing and hand sanitizers reduce microbial populations in different ways. Handwashing - whether done with “antibacterial” soap or plain soap - physically removes microorganisms from the skin, literally washing the live microbes down the drain. Hand sanitizers reduce levels of microorganisms by killing them chemically, just like disinfectants kill germs on environmental surfaces.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) prefer the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (also called hand rubs) to handwashing because of the greater access and the less irritating effects of hand sanitizers as well as the effectiveness of hand sanitizers in kill microorganisms. The only exception in a first aid or other medical context is when hands are soiled with dirt, blood, or other potentially infectious material (OPIM). In this case, soap and warm water should be used as soon as possible.

To learn more about using hand sanitizers in a first aid or medical context, go to the CDC Hand Hygiene page and the WHO Save Lives: Clean Your Hands page.

hand signals

Gestures and movements made with the hands and arms to convey information or instructions or to request assistance. Hand signals are used by vehicle drivers, the military, public safety personnel, lifeguards, sports teams and officials, etc. The infographic on the right shows some common lifeguard signals.

Lifeguard signals are not all universal; different signals may be in use from country to country, state to state, and even team to team. Many signals are probably borrowed from other groups, from sign language, etc.

To learn more about hand signals, check out the following links:

• Hand Signals for Lifeguards-PDF (International Life Saving Federation)
• Lifeguard Signals You Should Know Before Going to the Beach (DosLives)
• Lifeguard Signals (Smith Point Minute)
• NLS Hand Signals (Canadian National Lifesaving Service)

Hands Only® CPR

The American Heart Association’s name for compression-only CPR.

handwashing

The practice of cleaning the hands using soap and water before activities such as eating, handling food, or providing first aid or medical care, and after activities that expose the hands to materials and body fluids that potentially could contain pathogenic microorganisms.

Handwashing and hand sanitizers reduce microbial populations in different ways. Handwashing - whether done with “antibacterial” soap or plain soap - physically removes microorganisms from the skin, literally washing the live microbes down the drain. Hand sanitizers reduce levels of microorganisms by killing them chemically, just like disinfectants kill germs on environmental surfaces.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) prefer the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (also called hand rubs) to handwashing because of the greater access and the less irritating effects of hand sanitizers as well as the effectiveness of hand sanitizers in kill microorganisms. The only exception in a first aid or other medical context is when hands are soiled with dirt, blood, or other potentially infectious material (OPIM). In this case, soap and warm water should be used as soon as possible.

To learn more about using hand sanitizers in a first aid or medical context, go to the CDC Hand Hygiene page and the WHO Save Lives: Clean Your Hands page.

hazard

A condition with the potential to cause harm or physical damage. 

hazardous material

Any substance that may produce adverse health and/or safety effects to people or the environment.

HCM

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

HDL

High-density lipoprotein. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attacks. Low levels of HDL seem to increase the risk of heart disease. Medical experts think HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it’s passed from the body. Some experts believe HDL removes excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, slowing its buildup.

health

The absence of disease and injury combined with a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

health and safety program

A systematic combination of activities, procedures, and facilities designed to ensure and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

health care proxy

A person named in an advance directive, such as a durable power of attorney for health care, as the agent who can make medical decisions on behalf of the named principal. Also called a health care surrogate, agent, or attorney-in-fact.

heart attack

A life-threatening condition in which a blocked coronary artery that prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching part of the heart muscle. If the blocked artery is not reopened quickly, the part of the heart normally nourished by that artery begins to die. Symptoms can come on suddenly but may start slowly and persist over time. Warning signs include discomfort in the chest (pressure, squeezing, fullness), discomfort in other upper-body areas (arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach), shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if you think the patient is having a heart attack.

Many people believe that heart attack and cardiac arrest are the same thing, but they are not. Heart attacks do not always lead to cardiac arrest, but when cardiac arrest occur, a heart attack is a common cause.

heart disease

A collective name for a number of cardiac problems that together are the leading cause of death in the United States. Many types of heart disease are related to plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries, called atherosclerosis. As the plaque builds up, the arteries narrow, making it more difficult for blood to flow and creating a risk for heart attack and stroke. Other types of heart disease include heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart valve problems.

heart failure

A life-threatening condition in which the heart fails to pump enough blood to the organs. The heart works, but not as well as it should. Heart failure is almost always a chronic, long-term condition. The older you are, the more common heart failure becomes. Your risk also rises if you are overweight, a diabetic, a smoker, an alcohol or cocaine abuser. When a heart begins to fail, fluid can pool in the body; this manifests as swelling (edema), usually in the lower legs and ankles. Fluid also may collect in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. This condition is also called congestive heart failure. To learn more about this condition, go to Rise Above Heart Failure by the American Heart Association.

heart-healthy diet

An important tool for preventing heart disease and stroke, this is a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats and low-fat dairy, whole grains, and fish rich in omega fatty acids. A heart-healthy diet should limit saturated fat and sugar-sweetened beverages, and it should keep sodium to less than 1,500 milligrams a day. Click the link to see the American Heart Association’s Healthy Eating page.

heart rate

The number of times your heart beats per minute. Normal heart rate varies from person to person and is normally between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The best places to find your pulse are the wrists, the inside of your elbow, the side of your neck, and the top of the foot. To get the most accurate reading, put your finger over your pulse and count the number of beats in 60 seconds. Learn more about your heart rate here.

heat cramps

A mild heat-related illness characterized by severe muscle spasms resulting from a combination of prolonged exercise, heavy sweating, and excessive water replacement in extreme heat. During sweating, salts (electrolytes) and fluids are lost, but drinking large quantities of water further dilutes the salts, causing cramps. Heavy sweating is most likely to occur on warm days, especially during or after strenuous exertion.

Heat cramps are strong contractions in muscles of the hands, calves, feet, thighs, or arms. The contractions cause muscles to become hard, tense, and painful. The pain can be mild to intense. Fever does not typically occur.

Mild heat cramps can be treated by having the person rest in a cool environment and drink beverages that contain salt or eat salty food. Drinking 1 to 2 quarts (about 1 to 2 liters) of a sports drink or water containing 2 teaspoons of salt is usually enough. Severe heat cramps are treated with fluids and salts given intravenously. Stretching the involved muscle often gives immediate relief of pain.

heat exhaustion

A heat-related illness often accompanied by dehydration. There are two types of heat exhaustion:

• Water depletion-characterized by excessive thirst, headache, weakness, and lowering levels of consciousness.
• Salt depletion-characterized by nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and muscle cramps.

Other signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Excessive sweating
• Cool, pale or ashen skin
• Fatigue
• Weak, rapid pulse

If heat exhaustion is ignored or left untreated, heat stroke can develop. To care for heat exhaustion:

1. Move the patient to a cool environment.
2. Remove any excess or sweat soaked clothing. Have the patient rest.
3. Cool the body with water and fanning.
4. If the patient is alert and can swallow, give sips of water or a sports beverage.
5. If the patient’s condition does not improve within 15 minutes, or appears to worsen, call 911 or the local emergency number. Monitor consciousness and breathing and care for shock by maintaining normal body temperature, having the patient lie still with feet slightly raised, and comfort and reassure the patient.

To see a comparison of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, go to “heat stroke” on this page. To learn more about heat exhaustion, go to Heat Exhaustion (Merck) or Heat Exhaustion (WebMD).

heat index

A measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. 

To find the Heat Index temperature, look at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Heat Index Chart to the right or check the NOAA Heat Index Calculator.

As an example, if the air temperature is 96°F and the relative humidity is 65%, the heat index-how hot it feels-is 121°F. The red area without numbers indicates extreme danger. The National Weather Service will initiate alert procedures when the Heat Index is expected to exceed 105°-110°F (depending on local climate) for at least 2 consecutive days.

The NOAA also offers a Heat Index chart for areas with high heat but low relative humidity. Since heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F. Also, strong winds, particularly with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous.

Click to see the Heat Index page of the NOAA. 

heat rash

A heat-related illness that occurs when the skin is subjected to excessive heat until the pores become blocked, trapping perspiration under the skin. The result is a rash of red, prickly bumps.

For more information about heat rash, go to Heat Rash (Mayo Clinic).

heat-related illnesses

Conditions, including heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, caused by prolonged or intense exposure to hot temperatures. As the patient’s body works to cool itself under extreme or prolonged heat, blood rushes to the surface of the patient’s skin. As a result, less blood reaches the brain, muscles, and other organs. This can interfere with both the patient’s physical strength and mental capacity, leading, in some cases, to serious danger.

Heat-related illness can strike anyone. But chronic alcoholics, the elderly, the young, the obese, and individuals whose immune systems may be compromised are at greater risk, as are individuals taking certain drugs, such as antihistamines, antipsychotic medications, and cocaine. High humidity also increases the risk of heat illness because it interferes with the evaporation of sweat, the body’s way of cooling itself.

Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke all occur when your body cannot cool itself adequately.

heat stroke

A heat-related illness (also called sunstroke) that occurs when the body suffers from long, intense exposure to heat and loses its ability to cool itself. In prolonged, extreme heat, the part of the brain that normally regulates body temperature malfunctions. This decreases the body’s ability to sweat and, therefore, cool down.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

• High body temperature
• Dizziness, confusion, or delirium
• Hot, red, dry skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart beat
• Headache
• Seizure or coma

Untreated heat stroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

To care for heat stroke:

1. Call 911 or the local emergency number.
2. Move the patient to a cooler environment and remove excess clothing.
3. Take immediate action to cool the patient by putting the patient in a cool tub of water or a cool shower, spray with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, or place ice packs on the patient’s head, neck, armpits, and groin.
4. Monitor the patient’s consciousness and breathing. Give CPR if the patient stops breathing.
5. Care for shock by cooling the body until a normal temperature is achieved, by having the patient lie down with feet slightly elevated, and by comforting and reassuring the patient.

To learn more about heat stroke:

• Heatstroke (Mayo Clinic)
• Heatstroke (Merck)
• Heat stroke-symptoms and treatment (WebMD)
• Heat stroke video (WebMD)

Heimlich Maneuver®

The registered trademark name for a first aid procedure that involves abdominal thrusts used to treat upper airway obstructions (choking) by foreign objects. It is named for Dr. Henry Heimlich, who invented the maneuver in 1974. The technique is also called abdominal thrusts.

The Heimlich Institute, in association with Deaconess Associations Incorporated, maintains an award-winning program that teaches the Heimlich Maneuver to kids: Heimlich Heroes.

hemoglobin

The protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Hemoglobin is made up of four protein molecules (globulin chains) that are connected together.

hemorrhage

Severe bleeding that leads to excessive blood loss in a short period.

hemorrhagic shock

A condition of reduced tissue perfusion, resulting in the inadequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients that are necessary for cellular function. Whenever cellular oxygen demand outweighs supply, both the cell and the organism are in a state of shock.

hemorrhagic stroke

A condition, also called a brain or cerebral hemorrhage, that occurs when a blood vessel or an aneurysm bursts in the brain, causing bleeding inside the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke can also be caused by a head injury. It is different from a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which occurs when a blood vessel on the brain’s surface ruptures and bleeds into the space between the brain and the skull.

hemostatic agent

A substance or application that stops bleeding by shortening the amount of time it takes for blood to clot. Hemostatic agents should be considered by first aid providers when direct pressure and bandaging alone fails to stop a patient’s bleeding.

The primary treatment for all serious bleeds is direct pressure; all hemostatics are designed to be used with direct pressure at the site of the bleeding wound– directly onto the bleeding artery, deep within the wound if necessary.  They are especially useful in areas of the body where direct pressure is difficult or less effective, such as the torso or the neck. Most brands are available as either a loose, granular powder or a dressing or porous bag impregnated with the hemostatic chemical.  

Loose powders present issues when trying to apply them accurately into the wound site. Powders can be blown around by the wind and they are affected by forces like gravity; they cannot, for example, pack a wound underneath a casualty nor can they be applied against very fast flowing blood. 

Hemostatic bandages, gauze pads, and sponges are often easier and more practical to apply.  These dressings are also easier to remove and clean once the patient arrives at the hospital. 

The types of hemostatic agents include factor concentrators, mucoadhesive agents, and procoagulant supplimentors.

hiccups

Repeated involuntary spasms of the diaphragm followed by quick, noisy closings of the glottis. Brief episodes of hiccups (lasting a few minutes) are very common (more common with men than women). Occasionally, hiccups persist for some time, even in healthy people. Sometimes hiccups can last more than 2 days or even more than 1 month. These longer episodes are called persistent or intractable (difficult to treat or cure). These longer episodes are uncommon but can be quite distressing.

Brief episodes of hiccups may be caused in social situations by some combination of talking, laughing, eating, and consuming alcoholic beverages. Hiccups may also be triggered by overeating or by swallowing hot or irritating foods. Brief hiccups are usually no cause for concern.

high blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured by a ratio of two numbers:

• Systolic-Measured during each heartbeat
• Diastolic-Measured in between heartbeats

A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg. When blood pressure is consistently above this normal range, especially is the reading is 140/90 or higher, the heart’s workload is increased, putting a person at a greater risk for heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure, and peripheral artery disease.

high cholesterol

A condition where there is too much cholesterol in the blood. High cholesterol levels can be reduced through diet and lifestyle changes as well as lipid-lowering medication, if necessary. Left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

HIV

A virus that weakens the body immune system and, over time, leads to the condition known as AIDS.

hyperglycemia

A condition in which a person has increased levels of blood sugar and is usually the first sign of diabetes. It can result in diabetic ketoacidosis and coma if not treated on time or adequately.

hypertension

A condition in which the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. This condition is also called high blood pressure. When blood pressure is consistently above the normal range, the heart’s workload is increased, putting a person at a greater risk for heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure, and peripheral artery disease.

hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Any of the group of heart disorders that causes the walls of the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) to thicken and become stiff. Over time, this makes it increasingly difficult for the heart muscle to pump body to the rest of the body. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, while usually not fatal in most people, is the most common cause of heart-related sudden death in people under 30, and it is the most common cause of sudden death in athletes. HCM affects 1 in every 500 people, but it often going undetected.

HCM is almost always caused by an inherited birth defect. Very rarely, the condition can be caused by tumors that affect the release of adrenaline or human growth hormone or by neurofibromatosis (abnormal fleshy growths).

Symptoms first occur during exertion and include fainting (syncope), chest pain, shortness of breath, and sensation of irregular heartbeats (palpitations). Fainting usually occurs suddenly without any warning symptoms. Fainting or even sudden death may be the first sign that a person has this condition. To learn more about HCM, go to the HCM Association or the article on HCM on Merck.

hypoglycemia

A low level of blood sugar. It can be dangerous because blood sugar is the major source of energy for the brain. Low blood sugar can cause brain damage or even death in prolonged instances. Hypoglycemia is common among those having diabetes if they receive too much insulin or if they don’t eat enough.

hypotension

Low blood pressure. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 (systolic pressure is 120 AND diastolic pressure is less than 80). Within certain limits, the lower your blood pressure reading is, the better. There is no specific number at which day-to-day blood pressure is considered too low as long as you are not experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should contact your doctor to determine the cause.

hypovolemic shock

A type of medical shock that occurs due to a severe lack of blood fluid in the body. Often, hypovolemic shock is a secondary to shock caused by rapid blood loss (hemorrhagic shock). Hypovolemic shock can result from significant fluid (other than blood) loss. Two examples of hypovolemic shock secondary to fluid loss include refractory gastroenteritis and extensive burns.

hypoxia

Deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching body tissues.

hypoxic blackout

Sudden unconsciousness while swimming underwater brought about by voluntary hyperventilation and extended breath holding. Also known as shallow water blackout. Click to read a joint statement on hypoxic blackout from the American Red Cross and the YMCA of the USA.

hypoxic training

A non-invasive, drug-free technique aimed at improving human performance and well-being in swimming or other endeavor by way of adaptation to reduced oxygen.