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

M

mainstreaming

In an educational context, the practice of educating persons with special needs in regular classes during specific time periods based on their skills and abilities. This means that regular classes are periodically and temporarily combined with special education classes without full inclusion. American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor materials do not clearly define the differences between mainstreaming and inclusion. Alternatives to mainstreaming include separation, inclusion, and exclusion.

malaise

A generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.

malaria

A parasitic disease characterized by high fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, and anemia. Malaria is passed from to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes that pass a parasite into the bloodstream and eventually the liver, where they mature into parasitic worms that re-enter the bloodstream to infest and destroy red blood cells. Malaria is a major health problem in the tropics and subtropics.

The CDC estimates that there are 300-500 million cases of malaria each year worldwide and more than 1 million fatalities. Although about 1,500 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year, the vast majority of cases in the United States are in travelers and immigrants returning from countries where malaria transmission occurs, many from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. 

Facts about malaria from the CDC include:

• 3.4 billion people live in areas at risk of malaria transmission in 106 countries and territories.
• Malaria was eliminated from the United States in the early 1950s.
• Of the species of Anopheles mosquitoes found in the United States, the three species that were responsible for malaria transmission prior to elimination (Anopheles quadrimaculatus in the east, An. freeborni in the west, and An. pseudopunctipennis along the U.S./Mexico border) are still prevalent; thus there is a constant risk that malaria could be reintroduced in the United States.
• Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
• Between 1957 and 2014, in the United States, 63 outbreaks of locally transmitted mosquito-borne malaria have occurred; in such outbreaks, local mosquitoes become infected by biting persons carrying malaria parasites (acquired in endemic areas) and then transmit malaria to local residents.
• During 1963-2012, 97 cases of transfusion-transmitted malaria were reported in the United States; approximately two thirds of these cases could have been prevented if the implicated donors had been deferred according to established guidelines.

To learn more about malaria, go the CDC Malaria pages or the Malaria pages of the World Health Organization.

malnutrition

A condition caused by inadequate nourishment for an extended period.

malpractice

Improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment, especially by a medical practitioner, lawyer, or public official.

mania

An aspect of bipolar disorder characterized by elation, hyperexcitability, and accelerated speech, thoughts, and actions.

manner of death

The legal classification of a person’s death: accident, natural causes, homicide, suicide, or undetermined.

marathon swimming

A nonstop, unassisted, open-water swim, undertaken according to standardized rules, and requiring at least several hours of sustained effort to complete. Ten kilometers (6.2 miles) without significant assistance from currents is the minimum distance considered to be a marathon swim.

Marathon swimming has been a sport since 1875. Its rules have remained fairly the same that time until now:

• Swimmers can’t have any physical assistance whatsoever.
• Swimmers can’t be helped by their crews other than handing them food and water.
• Swimmers can’t wear a wet suit or any kind of flotation device. Swimmers are allowed one swim cap and one swim suit only.
• Swimmers aren’t allowed to draft off of any person’s body.

To learn more about marathon swimming, go to the Marathon Swimmers Federation.

marijuana

A common name for cannabis sativa, the most commonly used illegal substance in the United States. Marijuana is usually smoked, although it can also be eaten. Marijuana intoxication involves euphoria, increased appetite, red eyes, relaxation, sleepiness, decreased short-term memory, impaired perception and motor skills, and feelings of panic and paranoia. Some states have legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational purposes.

masters swimming

An organized program of swimming for adults (18 years old and up). Program options include everything from lap swimming to local, national, and international competition.

material safety data sheet (MSDS)

Literature prepared by a manufacturer that contains information such as a list of hazardous ingredients, safety precautions for handling, spill- or release-response procedures and first aid instructions. Now, more commonly known as safety data sheets (SDS).

mechanism of injury

The physical cause of a victim’s trauma.

medial

Toward the middle or center of the body. The opposite of lateral.

medical futility

An intervention that is unlikely to produce any significant benefit for the patient. Two kinds of medical futility are often distinguished:

• Quantitative futility, where the likelihood that an intervention will benefit the patient is exceedingly poor.
• Qualitative futility, where the quality of benefit an intervention will produce is exceedingly poor.

Both quantitative and qualitative futility refer to the prospect that a specific treatment will benefit (not simply have a physiological effect) on the patient.

Futility does not apply to treatments globally, to a patient, or to a general medical situation. Instead, it refers to a particular intervention at a particular time, for a specific patient. For example, rather than stating, “It is futile to continue to treat this patient,” it should be stated (for example), “CPR would be medically futile for this patient.”

Some references for medical futility include:

• Medical futility (University of Washington, School of Medicine)
• Medical futility in End-of-Life Care (AMA)
• When Doctors and Patients Disagree About Medical Futility (Journal of Oncology Practice)

medical identification tag

A small emblem worn on a bracelet, neck chain, or clothing bearing a message that the wearer has an important medical condition that might require immediate attention. The tag is often made out of stainless steel or sterling silver. It alerts bystanders, first responders, EMS personnel, physicians, and healthcare workers of a significant medical condition even if the wearer is not able to explain. A wallet card with the same information may be used instead of, or along with, the ID tag.

Medical ID tags and jewelry were originally patterned after military ID tags (also known as “dog tags.”) Dog tags were worn by military personnel so that the dead or wounded could be identified. These tags contain personal info about the soldiers and convey essential basic medical information, such as blood type and history of inoculations. The tags often indicate religious preference as well.

A new type of medical ID is the USB medical alert tag, a USB flash drive that contains an individual’s emergency information. Because of the memory on the flash drive, a USB medical alert tags can carry much more information than the conventional medical ID bracelet, including personal information, existing conditions, medications, insurance information, doctors names, and emergency contacts. Emergency personnel can instantly access the information, if they have a compatible computer and software and if their local protocols allow them to do so.

Another new type of medic identification alert is the QR-code–based medical alert sticker. The QR code on the sticker links to a web service that contains the individual’s emergency information. The information is accessed by any first responder or emergency personnel by scanning the QR code with a smartphone. Since a web service is used to store the information, there is normally no limitation on information that can be stored.

The following are good reasons to wear a medical ID:

• Food, drug, or insect allergies
• Cardiac problems (angina, arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, pacemakers)
• Pulmonary conditions (asthma/COPD)
• Kidney failure
• Diabetes or blood disorders
• Alzheimer’s/memory impairment

• 

  

  Blood thinners/ anticoagulants

• Emphysema/breathing disorders
• Rare diseases
• Epilepsy/seizure disorder
• Hearing, sight, or mental impairment
• Surgery, transplant, and cancer patients
• Clinical trial participants
• Special needs children
• Hypertension
• Stroke risk
• Sickle cell anemia
• People taking multiple medicines
• Anemia
• Tourette syndrome

In an emergency, first aid responders and EMS personnel are instructed to look for medical ID tags, stickers, or cards as part of patient assessment and care.

medley relay

A competitive event in which each member of a four-member team swims one quarter of the total distance of the race using different swimming strokes in the following order: backstroke (back crawl), breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle (front crawl).

melanoma

The most dangerous type of skin cancer, usually appearing as a mole that exhibits ABCD signs: Asymmetry, Borders that are irregular, Color changes, and Diameter (usually the size of a pencil eraser or larger).

melanoma of the eye

A rare, aggressive form of skin cancer that affects a part of the eye and has the following signs and symptoms: red eye, bulging eye, pain, change in iris color, decreased vision in the affected eye, and a small defect on the iris or conjuctiva of the eye.

meningitis

A bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

MERP

Medical emergency response plan.

MERPS

Medical emergency response plan for schools.

metabolic rate

The amount of energy produced by the body during a given period.

metabolism

The set of physical and chemical reactions in the body that maintain life by harvesting energy from organic matter and using that energy to build cellular components that, in turn, enable the body to grow, reproduce, maintain structure, and respond to the environment.

microcephaly

A birth defect in which a baby is born with a head smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly.

Babies with microcephaly can have a range of other problems, depending on how severe their microcephaly is. Microcephaly has been linked with the following problems:

• Seizures.
• Developmental delay, such as problems with speech or other developmental milestones (like sitting, standing, and walking).
• Intellectual disability (decreased ability to learn and function in daily life).
• Problems with movement and balance.
• Feeding problems, such as difficulty swallowing.
• Hearing loss.
• Vision problems.

These problems can range from mild to severe and are often lifelong. In some cases, these problems can be life-threatening. Because it is difficult to predict at birth what problems a baby will have from microcephaly, babies with microcephaly often need close follow-up through regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor their growth and development.

A connection has been drawn between Zika disease and microcephaly. To learn more about this, go to the CDC’s Zita Disease and Pregnancy website.

middle distance events

Swimming races in 200 to 400 yard/meter range.

mid-season phase

A training period for competitive swimmers lasting about 8 to 12 weeks during which the swimmers begin to focus on individualized training goals, fine-tuning strokes, and quality workouts and dry-land training. The mid-season phase is preceded by the early season phase and followed by the taper phase to complete a training season.

migraine

A common type of headache that is usually severe and characterized by a throbbing sensation on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

minute volume

The volume of gas inhaled (inhaled minute volume) to, or exhaled (exhaled minute volume) from, a person’s lungs per minute. Minute volume can be calculated by multiplying the volume of air inhaled or exhaled in milliliters (mL) by the number of breaths per minute. It is an important parameter in respiratory medicine due to its relationship with blood carbon dioxide levels.

miscarriage

A sudden, premature end to pregnancy before the 20th week due to birth defects in the fetus or placenta. Miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion, is considered a complication of pregnancy.

mock audit

A method for assessing the quality of a company’s existing safety compliance efforts by staging a practice audit. Following each mock audit, an in-depth written report is prepared and submitted to the client in a timely manner. This is performed to identify and correct potential safety compliance issues.

MODS

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

morbidity

A diseased condition.

morphine

A narcotic (i.e., an opiate) that acts directly on the central nervous system to decrease the feeling of pain. It is available by prescription in short-acting and extended release formulations. Its street names include M, sister morphine, Vitamin M, morpho, etc.

Morphine may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. This medication is a controlled substance; it can only be given by prescription and should never be shared with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. The medication should be kept in a place where others cannot get to it. MISUSE OF A NARCOTIC LIKE MORPHINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Mixing alcohol or other drugs with morphine can lead to dangerous side effects or death. 

The minimum lethal dose of morphine is 200 mg, but, in case of hypersensitivity, 60 mg can cause sudden death. In serious drug dependency (i.e., high tolerance), 2000–3000 mg per day can be tolerated. A large overdose of morphine can cause asphyxia and death by respiratory depression if the person does not receive immediate medical attention. 

Overdose treatment includes the administration of naloxone. As of January 2016, 37 states and the District of Columbia has laws regulating the use of naloxone, including its use by nonmedical personnel. Click to view the laws in your state for naloxone administration. Naloxone completely reverses morphine’s effects, but it may result in immediate onset of withdrawal symptoms in opiate-addicted subjects. Multiple doses may be needed.

mosquito

A small, midge-like fly of the family Culicidae. Females of most species are ectoparasites, with tube-like mouthparts that pierce a host’s skin to consume blood. The word “mosquito” is Spanish for “little fly.”

Many species of mosquitos are vectors for diseases, such as dengue fever, encephilitis, filariasis, malaria, west Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika disease, etc. According to a Bill Gates blog, this makes the mosquito the most dangerous species of animal on the planet.

Click here to download the CDC’s guide for mosquito bite prevention.

motor function

The ability of the brain and nervous system to direct body movements involving reflexive and voluntary muscles.

motor skill

A physical task or activity that requires precise, coordinated execution or performance.

mucous membrane

Any of the areas of moist tissue that lines the nose, mouth, lungs, and the urinary and digestive tracts. Glands in the mucous membranes release a thick fluid called mucus that prevent pathogens from entering the body.

mucus

A slippery secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. Mucous fluid is typically produced from cells found in mucous glands. Mucous cells secrete products that are rich in glycoproteins and water.

multiple birth

The birth of two or more babies during the same pregnancy. Also known as (depending on the number of births) twins, triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets, etc.

multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)

The progressive impairment of two or more organs as a consequence of direct and reperfusion injuries caused by shock, especially septic shock. MODS also occurs in over 10% of patients with severe traumatic injury and is the primary cause of death in those who survive 24 hours after severe injury.

Any organ system can be affected, but the most frequent target organs are the lungs, in which increased membrane permeability leads to flooding of alveoli and further inflammation. Progressive hypoxia may be increasingly resistant to supplemental O₂ therapy. This condition is termed acute lung injury or, if severe, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

multiple-victim rescue

Any of the rescues in the American Red Cross or YMCA Lifeguarding course involving two or more victims holding onto to one another, performed by swimming to the rear of one of the victims, grasping the victim under both armpits and across the shoulders, and supporting both victims on the rescue tube (held beneath the rescuer’s armpits).

Ideally, when there are multiple victims, more than one lifeguard should respond. Ideally, there should be one rescuer with a rescue tube for each victim.

muscle cramp

A painful involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscle group, occurring due to injury or overuse.

muscle memory

Familiar, habitual patterns of skill performance or body movement.

myocardial infarction

The medical term for heart attack. It is the damaging or death of an area of the heart muscle resulting from a blockage in the blood supply to that area.

myocardial ischemia

A condition in which there is not enough blood flow (and thus oxygen and nutrient supply) to the heart muscle.

N

naloxone

A prescription medication (brand name Narcan™) that acts an opiate antidote. Opioids include heroin and prescription pain medications like morphine, codeine, oxycodone, methadone, and Vicodin. When a person is overdosing on an opioid, breathing can slow down or stop and it can very hard to wake them from this state. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and even reverses an overdose. It cannot be used to get a person high. If given to a person who has not taken opioids, it will not have any effect, since there is no opioid overdose to reverse.

Naloxone works by knocking out the opiate from the opiate receptors of the brain. After a dose of  naloxone, the person should begin to breathe more normally and it will become easier to wake them. It is very important to give help to an overdosing person right away. Brain damage can occur within only a few minutes of an opioid overdose as the result of a lack of oxygen to the brain. Naloxone gives first aid providers a window of opportunity to save a life by providing extra time to call 911 and carry out rescue breathing, CPR, and first aid until emergency medical help arrives.

Naloxone can be given by intramuscular (IM) injection - into the muscle of the arm, thigh or buttocks - or with a nasal spray device (into the nose). The drug generally works within about 5 minutes, although repeated doses may be necessary if a person is still showing signs of overdose after the first dose.

To learn more about naloxone, follow these links:

• Naloxone (drug.com)
• Naloxone Laws by State (Law Atlas)
• Naloxone Training Video (Ohio Attorney General)
• Reversing Opiod Overdose (CNN)
• 10-Minute Naloxone Training Video (exchangesupplies.org)

 

napoxene

A nonprescription, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used as an analgesic and sold under the brand names Aleve and Naprosyn.

narcotic

Any psychoactive compound with sleep-inducing properties. In the United States, the term “narcotic” has become associated with opiates and opioids, commonly morphine and heroin, as well derivatives of many of the compounds found within raw opium latex like morphine, codeine, and thebaine (a precursor in many semi-synthetic opioids, such as hydrocodone). Legally speaking, a narcotic is often imprecisely defined with negative connotations; for example, it may be any substance that is totally prohibited, or one used in violation of governmental regulation, such as heroin or cannabis. In the medical community, however, the term is more precisely defined, and generally does not carry the same negative connotations.

Many narcotics are used in medical situations to reduce a patient’s substantial pain.

nasal cannula

A thin, plastic tube that delivers oxygen directly into the nose of a breathing patient through two small prongs. To apply a nasal cannula, place the two prongs in the patient’s nostrils and wrap the tubing around the ears to hold the prongs in place.

nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)

An airway adjunct that consists of a tube with a beveled end and a flared end, designed to be inserted (beveled end first) in the right nasal passageway to secure an open airway. Usually, this airway is lubricated prior to insertion.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

A voluntary membership organization whose aim is to promote and improve fire prevention and protection. The NFPA publishes 16 national fire codes.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

The federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related disease and injury. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

natural body of water

A usually unimproved beach, cove, creek, lagoon, lake, pond, river, stream, or wetland. When these bodies of water are not part of a designated swimming area and/or supervised by lifeguards, they pose many potential hazards, including cold water, currents, dams, dangerous aquatic life, drop-offs, and entrapment hazards. These areas should never be considered safe.

nature of illness (NOI)

The underlying cause of a sudden illness or medical emergency not due to trauma.

neonatal resuscitation

The actions necessary to assist a newborn with breathing, including clearing the airways, providing oxygen, intubating with a tube to allow for ventilation, performing neonatal CPR, providing medication, or any combination of these measures. While most babies at birth do not require assistance breathing, neonatal resuscitation may be required in a small percentage of births. The most common reasons for neonatal resuscitation involve premature delivery or a reduction in oxygen supply during labor and delivery.

near drowning

A nonswimmer or weak swimmer who struggles in the water but does not experience respiratory impairment due to immersion.

negative split

A training technique in which swimmers sprint the second half of a swim faster than the first half.

negligence

The failure to exercise reasonable care when such failure results in injury or damage to another.

neonate

An infant under 1 month of age.

neoprene

A synthetic rubber used in making of wet suits and skin diving/scuba equipment.

next of kin

The closest relatives of a deceased person as defined by law. This is usually the person’s spouse and closest blood relatives.

NFPA

The National Fire Protection Association.

NIOSH

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

nitroglycerin

A drug that dilates blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. “Nitro” is used to treat acute chest pain (angina), in which case it is prescribed as quick-dissolving pills to be placed under the tongue when needed. When the blood vessels dilate, blood flow to the tissues increases. This can relieve chest pain.

NOI

Nature of illness.

nonfatal drowning

A person who suffers respiratory impairment due to immersion or submersion in water or other fluid, but who is subsequently revived through resuscitation, stabilization, and hospital care.

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Any of the various nonopioid analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) that reduce pain and inflammation by reducing the production of hormones that sensitize pain receptors and cause blood vessels to dilate.

normal sinus rhythm

The regular contracting and relaxing pattern of the heart muscle that forces blood to flow to all parts of the body and produces the pulse. Heart muscle contractions are caused by an electrical signal generated by the sinoatrial node (SA node) located in the right atrium of the heart.

norovirus

A group of related viruses that can cause gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). This leads to cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the United States. The CDC estimates that each year norovirus causes 19 to 21 million illnesses, 56,000 to 71,000 hospitalizations, and 570 to 800 deaths. Anyone can get infected with norovirus, and you can get it more than once. It is estimated that a person will get norovirus about 5 times during their lifetime. Many people usually get sick with norovirus in cooler months, especially from November to April.

Norovirus is found in the vomit and stool of infected people. You can get it by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
• Touching surfaces or objects with norovirus on them and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth.
• Having direct contact with a person who is infected with norovirus, for example, when caring for someone with norovirus or sharing foods or eating utensils with them.

People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick and for the first few days after they recover. Some people may be contagious for even longer. There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection or drug to treat sick people.

To protect yourself and others from norovirus:

• Practice good hand hygiene—Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or cleaning up spilled diarrhea. Also wash your hands before cooking or eating.
• Take care in the kitchen-Carefully rinse fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating.
• Do not prepare food for others while infected-People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for at least 2 days after they recover from their illness.
• Disinfect contaminated surfaces-Use personal protective equipment to prevent contact, clean up excess vomit or feces with paper towels, and disinfect the contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. If no such cleaning product is available, you can use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
• Wash laundry thoroughly-Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool. Handle soiled items carefully—try not to shake them —to avoid spreading virus. If available, wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens and wash your hands after handling. Wash soiled items with detergent at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dry.

Norovirus spreads quickly from person to person in enclosed places like nursing homes, daycare centers, schools, and cruise ships. It is also a major cause of outbreaks in restaurants and catered-meal settings if contaminated food is served. Norovirus can cause foodborne illness, as can other germs and chemicals. 

Norovirus illness is not related to the flu (influenza). Though they may share some of the same symptoms, the flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. For most people norovirus illness is not serious and they get better in 1 to 3 days. But it can be serious in young children, the elderly, and people with other health conditions. It can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization and even death.

To learn more about norovirus, check out the norovirus website for the CDC.

nosebleed

The discharge of blood from one or both nostrils caused by trauma to the nose, certain diseases and conditions such as high blood pressure, or the use of aspirin or other blood thinning drugs. About 90% of all nosebleeds involve anterior blood vessels that are easy to control through direct pressure and leaning forward (to avoid swallowing blood). Nosebleeds that involve posterior blood vessels are more difficult to stop and may require hospitalization.

NPA

Nasopharyngeal airway.

NSAID

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.