Breathing Emergencies: Causes, Care, Recognition

1. Chapter 3 Breathing Emergencies

2. Breathing EmergenciesObjectives • 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

3. Breathing EmergenciesOutline • Respiratory System—Review • Recognizing Breathing Emergencies • Causes of Respiratory Distress • Care for Respiratory Distress • 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?v=lmZZlkrSu5o 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?v=u775bGjJazM 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 ABC’s • A- Airway • B- Breathing • C- Circulation • For adult or child, use modified CPR • http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/d3.html • For an infant, also use modified CPR • http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/d4.html

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 person’s 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 person’s 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.html

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.html

14. Practice • Practice Session • Unconscious Victim Check • Conscious Choking Infant