Breathing Emergencies

1
Chapter 3

• Breathing Emergencies

2
Breathing EmergenciesObjectives

1. Understand the breathing process.
2. Recall signs and symptoms of respiratory
   distress.
3. Describe the care for a person experiencing
   respiratory distress.
4. Explain some common causes of obstructed airways

3
Breathing EmergenciesOutline

1. Respiratory SystemReview
2. Recognizing Breathing Emergencies
3. Causes of Respiratory Distress
4. Care for Respiratory Distress
5. Closing

4
Respiratory SystemReview

• The respiratory system consists of the upper and
  lower airway and the lungs.
• The principal systems that work together for
  breathing to occur are the respiratory,
  circulatory, musculoskeletal, and nervous
  systems.
• The diaphragm and chest muscles contract and
  relax, causing inhalation and exhalation.

5
Respiratory SystemReview

• The body requires a constant supply of oxygen for
  survival.
• Without oxygen, cells begin to die in 4 to 6
  minutes. Some tissues, such as the brain, are
  very sensitive to oxygen deprivation.
• 4-6 minutes possible brain damage
• 6-10 minutes likely brain damage
• 10 minutes certain irreversible brain damage

6
RECOGNIZING BREATHING EMERGENCIES

• Breathing emergencies are detected during the
  check for life-threatening conditions.
• Breathing emergencies include respiratory
  distress and respiratory arrest.
• By recognizing respiratory distress and taking
  immediate action, you may prevent respiratory
  arrest.

7
SPECIFIC CAUSES OF RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

• Asthma
• Asthma is a condition that narrows the air
  passages and makes breathing more difficult.
• http//www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/k37.
  html
• Emphysema
• Emphysema is a disease in which the lungs lose
  their ability to exchange carbon dioxide and
  oxygen effectively.
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vlmZZlkrSu5o
• Bronchitis
• Bronchitis is a disease resulting in inflammation
  of the lining of the trachea, bronchi, and
  bronchioles that causes a build-up of mucus that
  obstructs air passages.
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vu775bGjJazM
• Anaphylactic Shock
• Anaphylactic shock is a condition that results in
  swelling of the air passages that restrict
  breathing.
• The condition is usually caused by a severe
  allergic reaction to food, insect stings, or a
  medication, such as penicillin.
• http//www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/k38.
  html

8
Obstructed Airways

• Anatomical vs. Mechanical
• Common Causes?
• Signs of chocking
• Watery eyes, red face, scared look, rocking
  motion, pointing to chest/throat
• Some sound w/ wheezing, high pitched whistle no
  sound
• Complete vs. Partial Obstruction
• Universal Distress Sign for Choking

9
Care For Respiratory Distress

• Respiratory distress may lead to respiratory
  arrest if not cared for immediately.
• Make sure someone has called 9-1-1 or the local
  emergency number for help.
• Signs and symptoms of different kinds of
  respiratory distress are often similar. You do
  not need to know the exact cause to provide care.
• Help the victim rest in a comfortable position.
  Usually sitting is more comfortable because
  breathing is easier.
• Maintain normal body temperature. If a room is
  hot or stuffy, attempt to reduce the heat.
• Assist the victim in taking his or her prescribed
  medication.

10
Unconscious Choking Victim

• Check the Scene and the Victim
• Check the Victim for Consciousness
• Tap and gently shake the person
• Are You Okay, Are You Okay
• If person does not respond
• Send Someone to call 911
• Know Your ABCs
• A- Airway
• B- Breathing
• C- Circulation
• For adult or child, use modified CPR
• http//www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/d3.h
  tml
• For an infant, also use modified CPR
• http//www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/d4.h
  tml

11
Conscious Choking Victim

• Choking is a breathing emergency that can lead to
  death
• Common Causes of Choking Include
• Trying to swallow large pieces of food
• Wearing Dentures
• Eating while talking excitedly or laughing or
  Eating to fast
• A persons airway can be partially or completely
  obstructed
• Partial obstruction
• Can cough in an attempt to dislodge object
• Complete Obstruction
• Unable to cough speak or breath
• A person who is choking may clutch at their
  throat.
• Universal sign for choking

12
Conscious Choking

• Adult or Child
• Get consent, tell them your name and that you are
  certified (if they are under 18, ask the
  guardian)
• Tell the victim to keep coughing
• Bend the person forward at the waist and give 5
  back blows between the shoulder blades with the
  heel of the hand
• If the object does not come out, stand the victim
  up, place your fist with the thumb side against
  the middle of the persons abdomen, just above
  the navel.
• Cover the fist with the other hand, and give 5
  quick upward thrusts.
• Continue this process until
• The object is forced out
• The person can breathe
• The person becomes unconscious

http//www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/d1.h
tml
13
Conscious Choking

• Infant
• Ask the guardian if you can help your baby, tell
  them your name and that you are certified
• Support the infants head and neck at all times,
  placing your thumb and fingers on the jaw
• Position the body so that the head angled
  downwards
• Deliver 5 firm back blows between the infants
  shoulder blades
• Place your other hand behind the infants head and
  neck, and place on your forearm, still angled
  downwards
• Place two or three fingers in the centers of the
  infants chest, just below the nipple line
• Compress the chest about 1½ inches 5 times
• Continue this process until
• The object is forced out
• The infant can cry or breathe
• The infant becomes unconscious

http//www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/d2.h
tml
14
Practice

• Practice Session
• Unconscious Victim Check
• Conscious Choking Infant