(BE) Breathing Emergencies Module Overview

Breathing Emergencies Module Overview

Introduction

image of person helping choking victim with wordle nearbyScenario - It is a warm sunny day and you and your friends are enjoying lunch on the lawn. Everyone is excited for the big football game that night against the rival school. A few of the football players are joking around and playfully practicing their moves when Steve suddenly stops and clutches his throat with both hands. He is unable to speak, cough or breathe. As Steve struggles to get his breath, you and your friends try to decide what to do. This unit will give you the knowledge to act efficiently and responsibly in the event of a breathing emergency.

Essential Questions

  • What causes breathing emergencies?
  • What is the difference between respiratory distress and arrest?
  • How does a citizen responder recognize and give care to a choking adult, child and infant?

Module Minute

The human body requires a constant supply of oxygen to survive. As we have learned in previous units, blood transports oxygen from our lungs to the rest of the body through a network of blood vessels. Without this supply of oxygen, our brain cells begin to die in about 4-6 minutes. Permanent brain damage and death can occur rapidly which is why recognizing distress and acting quickly during breathing emergencies is essential for an increased chance for survival. Caring for an airway obstruction includes giving a combination of back blows and abdominal thrusts. Rescue breathing is an effective method for delivering air to a victims lungs and supplying them with the necessary oxygen.

Key Terms

  1. Airway Obstruction- The complete or partial blockage of the airway, which prevents air from reaching a person's lungs. This is the most common cause of respiratory emergencies.
  2. Anatomical airway obstruction- the blockage of the airway caused by the tongue or swollen tissues of the mouth and throat.
  3. Breathing Emergency- is any respiratory problem that can threaten a person's life.
  4. Mechanical airway obstruction- the blockage of the airway by a foreign object such as a piece of food, small toy, or even vomit or blood.
  5. Rescue Breathing- A technique that involves breathing for a non-breathing victim.
  6. Respiratory Arrest- A condition in which breathing has stopped.
  7. Respiratory Distress- A condition in which breathing is difficult, which may lead to a more serious condition.

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