A SPHYXIA

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

C AUSES 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

H YPOXIA

Medical term for low oxygen level in the blood stream

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

S IGNS & S YMPTOMS 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

A IRWAY O BSTRUCTION

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

S IGNS & S YMPTOMS Noisy, labored breathing Difficulty breathing Cyanosis Flaring nostrils Enlargement of nostrils Increased effort in breathing Reversed movement of chest and abdomen

T REATMENT 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

H ANGING, S TRANGLING, T HROTTLING

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

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

T REATMENT 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

T REATMENT 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

D ROWNING

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

T REATMENT 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

I NHALATION OF F UMES

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

S IGNS & S YMPTOMS Cyanosis Distressed Coughing and wheezing Labored breathing Headache or confused Unconscious

T REATMENT 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

H YPERVENTILATION

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

S IGNS & S YMPTOMS Chest pains Dizziness/Nausea Cramps in hands and feet Tingling Attention-seeking behavior

T REATMENT 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

A STHMA

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

S IGNS & S YMPTOMS Air hunger Wheezing Chest tightness Using of auxiliary muscles Cyanosis

T REATMENT 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