Chapter 7 Breathing Emergencies

There are two types of breathing emergencies:  Respiratory distress  Respiratory arrest Both conditions are life threatening.

Breathing Emergencies (continued Respiratory distress is a condition in which breathing becomes difficult. Respiratory arrest occurs when breathing stops. By recognizing respiratory distress and taking immediate action, you may prevent respiratory arrest.

Signals of Respiratory Distress Tingling in hands and lips Slow or Rapid Breathing Wheezing Sweating Dizziness

Care for Respiratory Distress CHECK CALL CARE for conditions you find.  Loosen any tight clothing.  Provide fresh air.  Interview the victim and any bystanders

Causes of Conscious Choking  Trying to swallow large pieces of poorly chewed food.  Drinking alcohol before or during meals.  Wearing dentures.  Eating while talking or laughing, or eating too fast.  Walking, playing or running with food or objects in the mouth.

The universal signal of choking

Care for Conscious Choking—Adult or Child If a person cannot cough, breathe or speak, assume the airway is obstructed. Position yourself behind the victim and deliver cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is removed, they can breathe or becomes unconscious

Special Considerations If a victim is pregnant or too large for you to give abdominal thrusts, give chest thrusts. If you are alone, you may have to give abdominal thrusts to yourself. This can be done by—  Leaning over a firm object and pressing your abdomen into it.  Making a fist and giving yourself quick, upward thrusts.

Care for Conscious Choking—Infant If an infant cannot breathe, cough or cry, assume the airway is obstructed and perform 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts.