Chapter 3 Breathing Emergencies Breathing Emergencies Objectives 1

Chapter 3 Breathing Emergencies

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

Breathing Emergencies Outline 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Respiratory System—Review Recognizing Breathing Emergencies Causes of Respiratory Distress Care for Respiratory Distress Closing

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

Respiratory System Review Ø The body requires a constant supply of oxygen for survival. Ø 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 n 6 -10 minutes = likely brain damage n 10+ minutes = certain irreversible brain damage n

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

Asthma Ø SPECIFIC CAUSES OF RESPIRATORY DISTRESS Asthma is a condition that narrows the air passages and makes breathing more difficult. Ø http: //www. instructorscorner. org/media/videos/k 37. html Emphysema Ø Emphysema is a disease in which the lungs lose their ability to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen effectively. Ø http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=lm. ZZlkr. Su 5 o Bronchitis Ø 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. Ø http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=u 775 b. Gj. Jaz. M Anaphylactic Shock Ø Ø 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. Ø http: //www. instructorscorner. org/media/videos/k 38. html

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

Care For Respiratory Distress Ø Ø Ø 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.

Unconscious Choking Victim n n Check the Scene and the Victim Check the Victim for Consciousness n Tap and gently shake the person n n If person does not respond n n A- Airway B- Breathing C- Circulation For adult or child, use modified CPR n n Send Someone to call 911 Know Your ABC’s n n “Are You Okay, Are You Okay” http: //www. instructorscorner. org/media/videos/d 3. html For an infant, also use modified CPR n http: //www. instructorscorner. org/media/videos/d 4. html

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

Conscious Choking n Adult or Child n n n 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 person’s abdomen, just above the navel. Cover the fist with the other hand, and give 5 quick upward thrusts. Continue this process until: n The object is forced out n The person can breathe n The person becomes unconscious http: //www. instructorscorner. org/media/videos/d 1. html

Conscious Choking n Infant n n n n 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: n The object is forced out n The infant can cry or breathe n The infant becomes unconscious http: //www. instructorscorner. org/media/videos/d 2. html

Practice n Practice Session n Unconscious Victim Check n Conscious Choking Infant