Emergency Care Chapter Four – Breathing Emergencies - 1 -

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 -

______

______

______

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.

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 -

______

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

______

______

______

Special Considerations

A large or pregnant person

  • ______

Being alone and choking

  • ______

A person in a wheelchair

  • ______

Care for a Conscious Choking Infant

______

______

______

Chapter notes can be found on Mrs. Kathleen Kelley’s Emergency Care Website