Online First Aid Course

Learn how to provide essential care before emergency responders arrive with our 100% Online First Aid Course. Receive instant certification valid for 2 years—plus unlimited quiz retakes.

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Chapters	CE Credits	Validity	Cost	Duration	ECC	Exam Attempts	Wallet Card
13	2.0	2 Years	$14.95	1-2 Hrs	Compliant	Unlimited	Download/Print/Mail

Chapters13
CE Credits2.0
Validity2 Years
Cost$14.95
Duration1-2 Hrs
ECCCompliant
Exam AttemptsUnlimited
Wallet CardDownload/Print/Mail

Chapter 4: Breathing Emergencies

A breathing emergency is a serious medical condition where someone has trouble breathing—or can’t breathe at all. These situations can become life-threatening quickly and require immediate attention.

online-cpr-course-breathing-emergencies

Causes of Breathing Emergencies

Breathing issues can be triggered by a wide range of problems, including:

Allergic reactions
Asthma
Chest injuries or infections
Choking
Emotional stress, fear, or pain
Inhaling fumes
Heart attack or heart failure
Lung problems like pneumonia or a collapsed lung
Head, neck, or chest injuries
Smoking

Signs and Symptoms

When someone is having a breathing emergency, you might notice:

Very fast or very slow breathing
Chest pain
Coughing
Noisy breathing (like wheezing or whistling)
Pale or blue lips, fingers, or face
Confusion or unusual behavior
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Example: Asthma

Asthma is a common cause of breathing emergencies, especially in people under 15. Most people with asthma are aware of their condition and often carry an inhaler.

Asthma attacks can be triggered by things like:

Mold, plants, or pollen
Smoke, dust, or pollution
Perfume
Pets, feathers, or carpets
Medications
Sudden changes in temperature
Emotional stress
Strenuous exercise

First Aid Actions

Make sure the scene is safe before helping

Ask if the person has prescribed medication. If they can’t access it, get it for them
Help them use an inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen) if needed
Call 9-1-1 if they don’t have medicine or if their condition gets worse
Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck
Stay calm and try to keep the person calm too
Remain with them until emergency help arrives
If they stop responding, begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). If you’re not trained in full CPR, use Hands-Only CPR

This chapter in your Online First Aid Course prepares you to recognize and respond to breathing emergencies quickly and safely.

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Chapter 4: Breathing Emergencies

Causes of Breathing Emergencies

Signs and Symptoms

Example: Asthma

First Aid Actions

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