Definition & Operational Usage
Perfusion refers to the process of delivering oxygen-rich blood to the body's tissues, which is crucial for maintaining cellular metabolism and overall physiological function. It can be evaluated through clinical indicators such as capillary refill time, skin temperature, and blood pressure. Not to be confused with circulation, which encompasses the broader movement of blood through the cardiovascular system, perfusion specifically assesses the adequacy of blood flow at the microvascular level, particularly relevant in triage situations within the ICS framework.
Category context: Patient care, assessment, interventions, triage, and EMS system terms commonly used by firefighter/medics.
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