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
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The respiratory system consists of the upper and lower
airway and the lungs.
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The principal systems that work together for breathing
to occur are the respiratory, circulatory,
musculoskeletal, and nervous systems.
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The diaphragm and chest muscles contract and relax,
causing inhalation and exhalation.
Respiratory System
Review
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The body requires a constant supply of oxygen
for survival.
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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
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RECOGNIZING BREATHING
EMERGENCIES
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Breathing emergencies are detected during the check
for life-threatening conditions.
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Breathing emergencies include respiratory distress and
respiratory arrest.
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By recognizing respiratory distress and taking
immediate action, you may prevent respiratory arrest.
Asthma
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SPECIFIC CAUSES OF
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
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=87LyzUXFARE
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SN4xLqYTuE
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
 http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/f2.html
Obstructed Airways
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Anatomical vs. Mechanical
 Anatomical: Body part (i.e. throat swelling closed)
 Mechanical: Foreign object (i.e. food, toys, coins)
Common Causes?
Signs of choking:
 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 (hands around
throat)
Care For Respiratory Distress
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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
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Check the Scene and the Victim
Check the Victim for Consciousness
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Tap and gently shake the person
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If person does not respond
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A- Airway
B- Breathing
C- Circulation
For adult or child, use modified CPR

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Send Someone to call 911
Know Your ABC’s


“Are You Okay, Are You Okay”
http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/d3.html
For an infant, also use modified CPR

http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/d4.html
Conscious Choking Victim
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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
Conscious Choking

Adult or Child
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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
Conscious Choking

Infant
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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
Practice

Practice Session

Unconscious Victim Check

Conscious Choking Infant