ASPHYXIA ASPHYXIA Medical term for suffocation Severer deficiency

ASPHYXIA

ASPHYXIA Medical term for suffocation Severer deficiency of oxygen supplied to the body Often leads to Hypoxia

CAUSES Airway Obstruction � Choking on food � Tongue rolling back to block airway Reduced/Impaired exchange of gases in alveoli during fumes/smoke inhalation Impaired function of lung(s) Impaired breathing � Asthma

HYPOXIA

HYPOXIA Medical term for low oxygen level in the blood stream

CAUSES Insufficient oxygen in inhaled air � � Airway Obstruction � Choking by an external object Lungs & Chest Injury � � Suffocation by smoke or gas Changes in atmospheric pressure e. g. high altitudes Punctured lung(s) Collapsed lung Reduced/Impaired oxygen uptake by tissues Carbon monoxide poisoning � Cyanide poisoning �

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Rapid, distressed breathing and gasping for air Confusion, irritability and aggression, leading to unconsciousness Cyanosis � appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin due to the tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen

AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION

CAUSES Tongue falling back in unconscious casualties Food, Vomit, fluids in mouth or allergy Swelling of throat Spasm of respiratory muscles � Uncontrolled movement

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Noisy, labored breathing � Difficulty breathing Cyanosis Flaring nostrils � Enlargement of nostrils � Increased effort in breathing Reversed movement of chest and abdomen

TREATMENT Ensure ABC Assist casualty in removing any obstructions Prepare to perform Heimlich manoeuvre or chest thrusts Reassure casualty if conscious Seek medical aid Monitor Level of Response and vitals signs at least every 5 minutes

HANGING, STRANGLING, THROTTLING

HANGING, STRANGLING, THROTTLING External pressure on the neck squeezing the airway, blocking flow of air to lungs Hanging � Suspension of body by noose around the neck Strangling � Constriction around neck Throttling � Squeezing of the throat

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Constricting articles around neck Marks around casualty’s neck Rapid, distressed breathing Cyanosis Congestion of face with prominent veins � Not enough blood or oxygen

TREATMENT Ensure ABC Remove any constricting from the neck, ensuring safety of casualty is not compromised in any position Reassure casualty if conscious Seek medical aid Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at least every 5 minutes

TREATMENT DO NOT: � Destroy or interfere with any evidence especially with ropes and the knots Cut above the noose so as to not destroy evidence � Move casualty unnecessarily if spinal injuries suspected

DROWNING

DROWNING Occurs not because lungs are filled with water Water enters the airway, the vocal chords in the throat constrict and seal the airway preventing the intake of oxygen Best to throw casualty a float, without going into the water Unless trained in lifesaving and casualty is unconscious Carry the casualty with head below chest level when bringing an unconscious casualty out of the water to minimize further complications

TREATMENT Ensure ABC Lay casualty down on back, best on warm materials (change wet clothing if possible) Reassure casualty if conscious Seek medical aid even if casualty is conscious and appears well In case of secondary drowning � Pneumonia Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at least every 5 minutes

INHALATION OF FUMES

INHALATION OF FUMES Breathing in of harmful gases, vapors, and particulate matter contained in smoke

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Cyanosis Distressed Coughing and wheezing Labored breathing Headache or confused Unconscious

TREATMENT Ensure ABC Remove casualty from area Reassure casualty if conscious Seek medical aid Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at least every 5 minutes

HYPERVENTILATION

HYPERVENTILATION Rapid or deep breathing which Is sometimes also called over-breathing May leave you feeling breathless Occurs faster than Hypoxia

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Chest pains Dizziness/Nausea Cramps in hands and feet � Tingling Attention-seeking behavior

TREATMENT Ensure ABC MOVE CASUALTY AWAY FROM TRIGGER Ask the casualty to take slow, deep breaths to calm down (seated down) Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at least every 5 minutes

ASTHMA

ASTHMA Medical condition in which the airway � Becomes inflamed and swollen � Through excessive mucus secretion (phlegm) � Breathing becomes difficult Can be hereditary or environmental � Allergens � Viral/Bacteria infections � Chemicals � Emotional stress � Pollutants � Cold

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Air hunger Wheezing Chest tightness Using of auxiliary muscles Cyanosis

TREATMENT Reassure casualty Remove casualty away from trigger if any Encourage casualty to use inhaler if available � Fast-acting bronchodilators (e. g. Ventolin) � DO NT use preventive inhalers (e. g. Beclotide) Ensure fresh air is available Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at lest every 5 minutes Prepare to perform CPR