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Breathing Emergencies

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Chapter 4: Breathing Emergencies

Defined:

A breathing emergency (considered to be a medical emergency) is any respiratory problem that can threaten a person’s life. It can range from not being able to take a breath to not being able to breathe at all.

Causes:

There are many different causes that can lead to a breathing emergency. Some of these include:

Allergic reactions
Asthma
Chest injury or infection
Choking
Fear, pain or anxiety
Fumes inhalation
Heart attack
Heart disease or heart failure
Infection (i.e., pneumonia), collapsed or punctured lungs
Injury to the head, neck or chest
Smoking

Signs and Symptoms:

Breathing is very rapid or very slow
Chest pain
Confused and aggressive behavior
Cough
Noisy breathing (wheezing or whistling sounds)
Pale or blue face, lips and fingers
Shortness of breath or troubled breathing

Common Emergency Example(s):

Asthma:

Asthma is the third highest cause of hospitalization amongst those under the age of 15. Many people that have this medical condition are aware of it and carry an inhaler for use in an emergency.

Asthma attacks can be triggered by many things, such as:

Plants and mold
Perfume
Dust, smoke, and air pollution
Fear, anxiety and strong emotional display
Medications
Pets, animal fur, feathers, carpets, rugs
Rapid changing temperatures
Strenuous exercise

First Aid Actions / Treatment:

Assess the scene and check for your safety.
Ask the person if he/she has prescribed medication. Get the medicine for the person if he/she cannot access it.
- Help the person utilize an inhaler or epi-pen if he/she has one.
Call 9-1-1 if the person does not have medicine or the breathing emergency worsens.
Loosen any tight clothing (especially around the neck).
Try to keep the person calm and stay with the person until advanced medical help arrives.
If necessary, provide CPR. If you do not know how, give Hands-Only CPR.

Online First Aid Course

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Chapter 4: Breathing Emergencies

Defined:

Causes:

Signs and Symptoms:

Common Emergency Example(s):

Asthma:

First Aid Actions / Treatment:

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