This page lists 35 first aid words that start with the letter P, ranging from “Pallor” to “Pyrexia”. These terms cover patient assessment, wound care, medical conditions, emergency procedures, and essential equipment. They are used by first responders, paramedics, healthcare students, and anyone learning or practicing first aid.
First aid words are the specialized terms that describe the techniques, conditions, equipment, and patient states involved in emergency care. The vocabulary spans centuries — “pulse,” for instance, was documented by ancient Greek physicians and remains one of the first things any trained responder checks today. Knowing these words helps you communicate clearly and act faster when every second counts.
Below you’ll find the table with Word, Definition, and Description.
Word: The specific first aid term starting with P, so you can quickly locate and identify the concept or item you are looking for.
Definition: A concise explanation of what each term means, giving you an accurate and straightforward starting point for understanding each entry.
Description: A practical explanation of how each term applies in real first aid situations, helping you understand its role and importance during an emergency response.
First aid words
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pallor | Abnormal paleness of the skin |
| Palpation | Examination by touch to assess a body area |
| Palpitations | Rapid, irregular, or forceful heartbeats felt by the patient |
| Paramedic | A trained emergency medical technician with advanced life support skills |
| Paralysis | Loss of muscle function in part or all of the body |
| Passive airway positioning | Tilting the head and lifting the chin to open the airway |
| Patch | A medicated or protective adhesive dressing applied to skin |
| Patient | A person receiving medical care or first aid assistance |
| Pediatric | Relating to the medical care of children and infants |
| Pelvis | The bony structure at the base of the spine connecting the legs to the torso |
| Penetrating wound | A wound caused by an object piercing the skin and entering body tissue |
| Perfusion | The passage of blood through the circulatory system to organs and tissues |
| Peritonitis | Inflammation of the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity |
| Personal Protective Equipment | Gear worn to protect the responder from infection or injury |
| Pharynx | The cavity behind the nose and mouth connecting to the esophagus and larynx |
| Plaster | A small adhesive dressing used to cover minor cuts and abrasions |
| Pneumothorax | A condition in which air collects in the space around the lung, causing it to collapse |
| Poison | Any substance that causes harm when ingested, inhaled, injected, or absorbed |
| Position of comfort | A body position that reduces pain and eases breathing for the patient |
| Post-cardiac arrest care | Supportive measures given after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) |
| Pressure | Force applied to a wound to control bleeding |
| Pressure bandage | A bandage applied with firm tension to control bleeding or swelling |
| Pressure point | A location on the body where an artery can be compressed against bone to reduce blood flow |
| Prevention | Measures taken to reduce the risk of injury or illness before it occurs |
| Primary survey | The initial rapid assessment of a patient covering Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure |
| Priority triage | The process of categorizing patients by injury severity to determine treatment order |
| Prone position | Lying face down, flat on the stomach |
| Protocol | A standardized set of procedures followed in a medical or first aid situation |
| Proximal | Closer to the point of attachment or center of the body |
| Psychological first aid | Emotional and psychological support provided to people experiencing distress |
| Pulse | The rhythmic expansion of arteries caused by each heartbeat |
| Pulse oximetry | A non-invasive method of measuring blood oxygen saturation |
| Puncture wound | A small but deep wound made by a pointed object piercing the skin |
| Pupils | The dark circular openings in the center of the eyes that regulate light entry |
| Pyrexia | Elevated body temperature above the normal range, commonly called fever |
Descriptions
Pallor
A sign of poor circulation or shock, pallor occurs when blood flow to the skin decreases. It is assessed during patient evaluation to detect internal bleeding or cardiovascular problems.
Palpation
Used in first aid to check for tenderness, swelling, or deformity in an injured area. A responder gently presses on the body to identify pain points or abnormalities.
Palpitations
Can indicate cardiac arrhythmia or extreme stress. First aiders monitor palpitations as a warning sign of potential heart-related emergencies.
Paramedic
Paramedics respond to emergencies, provide advanced interventions such as IV therapy and medication administration, and transport patients to hospitals.
Paralysis
Can result from spinal injuries, strokes, or nerve damage. First aiders immobilize a paralyzed patient and avoid moving the spine until professional help arrives.
Passive airway positioning
A basic maneuver to clear an obstructed airway in an unconscious patient who has no suspected spinal injury. It allows air to flow freely to the lungs.
Patch
Used to cover wounds, deliver medication transdermally, or protect burns. Non-medicated patches shield injuries from contamination and support healing.
Patient
In first aid, understanding the patient’s condition, history, and responsiveness guides all treatment decisions and determines urgency of care.
Pediatric
Pediatric first aid involves adjusted techniques for CPR, airway management, and medication dosing, as children’s anatomy and physiology differ from adults.
Pelvis
Pelvic fractures can cause life-threatening internal bleeding. First aiders stabilize suspected pelvic injuries and avoid unnecessary movement of the patient.
Penetrating wound
Penetrating wounds carry high infection risk and may damage internal organs. First aiders control bleeding, leave embedded objects in place, and seek emergency care.
Perfusion
Adequate perfusion is vital for organ function. In first aid, signs of poor perfusion—such as pallor, coldness, and altered consciousness—indicate shock.
Peritonitis
Often caused by infection or organ rupture, peritonitis is a medical emergency. Signs include severe abdominal pain and rigidity; immediate hospital care is required.
Personal Protective Equipment
Commonly abbreviated PPE, it includes gloves, masks, and eye shields. Wearing PPE is a standard precaution that protects both the rescuer and the patient.
Pharynx
In first aid, airway obstruction often occurs at the pharynx. Clearing it through positioning or suction is essential for restoring normal breathing.
Plaster
Also called a bandage strip or band-aid, plasters protect wounds from dirt and bacteria and apply gentle pressure to support clotting of minor wounds.
Pneumothorax
A life-threatening emergency that may follow chest trauma. Signs include sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing; tension pneumothorax requires immediate decompression.
Poison
Poisoning requires rapid response. First aiders identify the substance, call poison control, and follow specific guidance—inducing vomiting is often contraindicated.
Position of comfort
Allowing patients to adopt a position that minimizes their discomfort—such as sitting up for breathing difficulties—is a key first aid principle.
Post-cardiac arrest care
After a patient’s heart restarts, first aiders maintain the airway, monitor breathing, and keep the patient in the recovery position until advanced help arrives.
Pressure
Direct pressure is the primary method for controlling external hemorrhage. A clean cloth or dressing is pressed firmly on the wound and maintained continuously.
Pressure bandage
Pressure bandages secure wound dressings and maintain consistent pressure over an injury. They are used for moderate to severe wounds where direct pressure alone is insufficient.
Pressure point
Applying pressure to specific points—such as the brachial artery for arm injuries—can reduce blood flow to a wound when direct pressure is insufficient.
Prevention
Prevention is a core concept in first aid education. It includes safety practices, hazard awareness, and training that minimizes the need for emergency intervention.
Primary survey
The primary survey identifies immediately life-threatening conditions. It is the first structured step in any first aid response and directs urgent interventions.
Priority triage
In multiple-casualty incidents, priority triage ensures that those with life-threatening but survivable injuries receive care first, maximizing overall survival rates.
Prone position
The prone position can assist breathing in some patients and is used in the recovery position variant. It also reduces aspiration risk in unconscious patients with airway secretions.
Protocol
Protocols ensure consistent, evidence-based care. First aid protocols guide responders through scene assessment, patient evaluation, and treatment steps.
Proximal
Understanding proximal versus distal anatomy helps first aiders describe injury locations accurately and apply tourniquets and bandages correctly.
Psychological first aid
Psychological first aid helps stabilize individuals after traumatic events by offering calm presence, practical support, and connection to additional resources.
Pulse
Checking the pulse—at the wrist, neck, or groin—confirms cardiac activity. Rate, rhythm, and strength provide clues about circulation and overall patient condition.
Pulse oximetry
A small device clips onto a fingertip and uses light sensors to assess oxygen levels. Normal readings are 95–100%; lower values indicate respiratory compromise.
Puncture wound
Puncture wounds risk infection and internal damage. First aiders do not probe or enlarge the wound, control bleeding carefully, and seek professional evaluation.
Pupils
In first aid, pupil size and reactivity to light indicate neurological status. Unequal, dilated, or non-reactive pupils may signal head injury or drug effects.
Pyrexia
Pyrexia is the body’s response to infection or inflammation. First aiders cool the patient gradually, ensure hydration, and monitor for febrile seizures especially in children.