Introduction to Breathing Emergencies

EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS
CHECK
Check the scene to ensure your safety.
Check the victim.
CALL
Call EMS
CARE
Provide appropriate Care until EMS arrives and takes over In this lesson you will learn how to care for a victim that is having trouble breathing or has stopped breathing altogether. It is important to remember that you should always follow the Action Steps: Check Call Care in any emergency situation. If you have forgotten these steps, here is a brief summary.

First, Check the scene to ensure your safety. You need to notice the victims position as you approach him or her and anything that could put you or the victim in danger. If you get hurt trying to help, you may only serve to make matters worse. Next, Check the victim. This involves checking to determine if the victim is conscious or unconscious, has an open airway and is breathing, and has a pulse. One of the first items that need to be assessed is if the victim could have a head and neck injury. This will determine what steps need to be done in what order.

After checking the victim, designate a person to Call EMS. If you are alone, then you must do it yourself. You should be able to tell EMS your location, the situation at hand, and description of the patient. Also, you should be able to give the EMS up to date directions on your current location. Remaining calm in this step is crucial.

After calling the EMS, provide appropriate Care until EMS arrives and takes over. Be aware of signs and symptom of shock from the victim.

It is important to do your best to stay calm and stay focused so that you will be able to provide the best care possible for the injured individual.

Now, let's take a moment to review the Respiratory System and it's function. Please watch the presentation below.

Respiratory Distress vs. Respiratory Arrest

Breathing Emergencies can be categorized as respiratory distress or respiratory arrest.

Respiratory distress occurs when breathing becomes difficult.
Respiratory arrest occurs when breathing stops completely.

Both of these conditions are to be considered life threatening and require immediate attention.

Timing is Critical

The brain is the control center for breathing. In fact, the brain adjusts the rate and depth for breaths according to the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body. In the EMS world, the events that occur during the first minutes are often known as the platinum 10 minutes. In breathing emergencies, delayed intervention can have a significant effect on the patients survivability.

Without oxygen the brain will begin to die!
>10 minutes Irreversible brain damage certain
6-10 minutes Brain damage likely
O minutes
Breathing stops, heart will soon stop
4-6 minutes Brain damage possible

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