Emergency Care
Chapter Four – Breathing Emergencies
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Background
A __________________________________is any respiratory problem that can threaten a person’s life.
The pathway from the mouth and nose to the lungs is called the ________________________________.
Why time is critical…
0 minutes - ________________________________________________________________________
4 – 6 minutes - _____________________________________________________________________
6 – 10 minutes - ____________________________________________________________________
Over 10 minutes - __________________________________________________________________
Respiratory Distress vs. Arrest
Respiratory distress - ________________________________________________________________
Respiratory arrest - _________________________________________________________________
Normal breathing is _________________________________________________________________
Normal breathing rates in children and infants are____________________________________________
Infants have ______________________________, changes in breathing patterns are normal for infants.
Breathing Emergencies can be caused by 
__________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
Chapter notes can be found on Mrs. Kathleen Kelley’s Emergency Care Website
Emergency Care
Chapter Four – Breathing Emergencies
-2-
Asthma
_______________________ of the air passages that results in temporary narrowing of the airways.
Asthma attacks are often recognized by __________________________________________________
that is made when exhaling.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is a ___________________________________________ encompassing both chronic bronchitis
and emphysema. Airways become partly blocked and and the air sacs in the lungs lose their ability to
fill with are. __________________________________________________________________ The
most common cause of COPD is ________________________.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a disease that involves damage to the air sacs. __________________________________
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the main air passages. To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, a
person must have cough with mucus on most days of the month for _____________________________.
Hyperventilation
Occurs when a person’s breathing is _____________________________________________________.
Often results from ____________________________________________________________________
Also caused by – head injuries, severe bleeding, asthma, exercise
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction is the response of the immune system to a foreign substance that enters the body. A
severe allergic reaction can _____________________________________________________________.
Signals include ______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Croup
A harsh, repetitive cough that most commonly affects children younger than five years old. The cough
can range from ______________________________________________________________________.
Croup most commonly occurs __________________________________________________________.
Epiglottitis
Infection causing _____________________________________________________________________.
When it swells it can __________________________________________. Most common in children
between 2 and 6 years of age. __________________________ has helped decrease the number of cases.
Chapter notes can be found on Mrs. Kathleen Kelley’s Emergency Care Website
Emergency Care
Chapter Four – Breathing Emergencies
-3-
Signals of Breathing Emergencies
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
If a person is having trouble breathing –
 Help the person rest in a comfortable position.
 If they are conscious, ____________________________________________________________
 If the person is having a hard time talking ____________________________________________
 If a bystander is present and can aswer questions about the victim,
______________________________________________________________________________
 Try to calm and reassure the victim.
Care for an unconscious choking adult that is not breathing –
The cause is most likely ____________________________________. Begin __________ immediately.
If you suspect the person is having a respiratory emergency, such as _______________________, give
____________________ after checking for breathing.
Choking
Choking is a common breathing emergency. It occurs when the person’s airway is partially or
completely blocked.
Causes of choking in adults  ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
Chapter notes can be found on Mrs. Kathleen Kelley’s Emergency Care Website
Emergency Care
Chapter Four – Breathing Emergencies
-4-
Choking in Children & Infants
 Common cause of injury and death in children younger than 5 years of age.
 Children should not be given hard, smooth foods such as raw vegatables until they are 4
years old. No peanuts until 7 years or older.
 ___________________________________________________________________________
Signals of Choking  ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
When to call 9-1-1
 If the person continues to cough without coughing up the object, have someone call 9-1-1
 ___________________________________________________________________________
 A person who has choked and has been given back blows and abdominal thrusts or chest
thrusts to clear the airway _____________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________________
Care for a Conscious Choking Adult or Child who is Coughing –
 If a person is coughing forcefully, _______________________________________________
 A person who is getting enough air to cough or speak is getting enough air to breathe.
 Stay with the person and_______________________________________________________
Care for a Conscious Choking Adult or Child
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter notes can be found on Mrs. Kathleen Kelley’s Emergency Care Website
Chapter Four – Breathing Emergencies
Emergency Care
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Special Considerations
 A large or pregnant person
o __________________________________________________________________
 Being alone and choking
o __________________________________________________________________
 A person in a wheelchair
o __________________________________________________________________
Care for a Conscious Choking Infant
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter notes can be found on Mrs. Kathleen Kelley’s Emergency Care Website