Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
When faced with a breathing emergency, your quick actions can mean the difference between life and death.
Most of us have heard about CPR, but do you know how to recognise the signs of respiratory distress or clear an airway effectively?
Understanding these critical steps can empower people to respond confidently in high-pressure situations. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a concerned citizen, having a grasp on these life-saving techniques is invaluable.
Let’s explore ten essential tips that will help prepare you to handle breathing emergencies with calm efficiency. What you learn in the next few minutes could one day save a life.
Key Takeaways
• Recognise signs of a breathing emergency, including abnormal breathing patterns, unusual sounds, and changes in skin colour.
• Clear the airway by positioning the person upright, removing visible obstructions, and performing the Heimlich manoeuvre if necessary.
• Administer CPR with rescue breaths if the person is unconscious and not breathing, following current guidelines for compression and breath ratios.
• Position the affected person in a supported, upright seated position to maximise lung expansion and ease breathing.
• Call emergency services immediately for severe breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness while continuing to monitor vital signs.
Recognise Signs of Breathing Distress
In order to effectively respond to a breathing emergency, you’ll need to quickly identify the signs of respiratory distress.
Watch for abnormal breathing patterns, such as rapid, shallow breaths or gasping. Note any unusual sounds like wheezing, gurgling, or stridor. Observe the person’s chest and abdominal movements; look for the use of accessory muscles or see-saw breathing.
Pay attention to the individual’s colour. Cyanosis, a bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nail beds, indicates inadequate oxygenation. Restlessness, confusion, or anxiety can also signal breathing difficulties. Be aware of positioning; a person in respiratory distress may lean forward or assume a tripod position to ease breathing.
Recognise potential respiratory triggers in the environment, such as allergens, smoke, or chemical fumes. Consider the person’s medical history, as conditions like asthma or COPD can exacerbate breathing problems.
Look for signs of choking, including the universal choking sign or inability to speak.
Clear Airways Immediately
Once you’ve identified signs of a breathing emergency, clearing the airway should be your immediate priority. Implement airway clearance techniques quickly and efficiently to restore normal breathing.
First, position the person upright if possible, as this can help open the airway naturally. If they’re unconscious, place them into the recovery position, tilt their head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway.
Check for visible obstructions in the mouth and throat. If you see any, carefully remove them with your fingers. Don’t blindly sweep the mouth, as this could push obstructions further down. For choking victims who are conscious, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre) to dislodge the object.
In cases of fluid obstruction, such as drowning, turn the person on their side (as in the recovery position) and let gravity help drain the airway. For infants and small children, use gentler techniques like back blows and chest thrusts.
Always follow established emergency response protocols and call for professional help immediately.
Perform First Aid For Choking Victims
Prompt the person to cough forcefully to expel the blockage.
If coughing is ineffective, call 000 for an ambulance without delay.
Lean the person forward and deliver up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
If the obstruction persists, perform up to 5 chest thrusts:
Place one hand on their back to stabilise them.
With the heel of your other hand, press on the lower half of the sternum.
Deliver sharp, upward thrusts.
Alternate 5 back blows with 5 chest thrusts until the obstruction is removed or professional assistance arrives.
If the individual becomes unconscious, initiate CPR immediately.
Perform CPR With Rescue Breaths
Rescue breaths are a vital component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), providing life-saving oxygen to an unresponsive victim who isn’t breathing normally. To administer rescue breaths effectively, you’ll need to follow proper rescue breath techniques and timing.
First, verify the victim’s airway is open by tilting their head back and lifting their chin. Then, pinch their nose shut and create a seal over their mouth with yours. Deliver two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second, and watch for the chest to rise. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again.
When performing CPR, follow these guidelines for rescue breath timing:
- For adults, and children and infants: Give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
- For infants: Give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 gentle puffs of air by covering both their nose and mouth with your mouth.
It’s essential to maintain a steady rhythm and minimise interruptions to chest compressions. If you’re uncomfortable with mouth-to-mouth contact, you can use a barrier device or perform compression-only CPR.
Use an Inhaler Correctly
Correctly using an inhaler is vital for effectively managing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
To use an inhaler properly, first remove the cap and shake the device well. Hold the inhaler upright and exhale completely. Place the mouthpiece between your lips, creating a tight seal. As you begin to inhale slowly and deeply, press down on the canister to release the medication. Continue inhaling for 3-5 seconds, then hold your breath for 10 seconds before exhaling.
For improved medication delivery, consider using a spacer. Attach the spacer to the inhaler’s mouthpiece, then follow the same steps as above, but inhale from the spacer instead. This device helps ensure more medication reaches your lungs.
Proper inhaler maintenance is essential. Clean the plastic casing weekly with warm water and mild soap, then air dry. Keep track of the number of doses remaining and replace the inhaler when empty. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.
If you’re using a corticosteroid inhaler, rinse your mouth with water after each use to prevent oral thrush.
Position for Easier Breathing
Proper positioning plays an essential role in easing breathing difficulties during respiratory emergencies. When someone is experiencing breathing distress, help them find a comfortable position that promotes ideal airflow. An upright posture is typically the most effective, as it allows for maximum lung expansion and reduces the effort required to breathe.
To position someone for easier breathing:
- Assist them into a supported seating position, preferably in a chair with armrests.
- Ensure their back is straight and their shoulders are relaxed.
- Place a pillow or rolled towel behind their lower back for additional support.
If a chair isn’t available, help the person sit up in bed with pillows propping them up. Avoid lying them flat, as this can increase the work of breathing.
For individuals with COPD or asthma, leaning slightly forward with arms resting on a table or the back of a chair can further open airways. In cases of severe respiratory distress, the ‘tripod position’ – sitting upright, leaning forward with hands on knees – may provide relief.
Always monitor the person’s breathing and comfort level, adjusting their position as needed.
Calm the Affected Person
When dealing with a breathing emergency, it’s essential to calm the affected person.
Use a reassuring voice tone to communicate with them, speaking softly and clearly to reduce anxiety.
Additionally, minimise environmental stressors by reducing noise, dimming bright lights, and removing any unnecessary people from the immediate area.
Use Reassuring Voice Tone
Maintaining a calm, reassuring voice tone is essential when addressing someone experiencing a breathing emergency. Your voice can greatly impact the affected person’s stress levels and their ability to manage their breathing. Use reassuring phrases and calming techniques to help them focus and regain control.
When speaking to the person in distress, remember these key points:
- Speak slowly and clearly, enunciating each word to ensure understanding.
- Keep your voice low and steady, avoiding sudden changes in volume or pitch.
- Use simple, direct language to convey instructions and information.
Avoid expressing panic or alarm in your voice, as this can escalate the situation. Instead, project confidence and composure through your tone. Encourage the person to concentrate on your voice and follow your guidance. Remind them that help is on the way and that you’re there to support them.
If the affected person struggles to understand or follow your instructions, repeat them calmly and patiently. Adjust your language if necessary, but maintain a consistent, reassuring tone throughout the interaction. Your calm demeanor can help create a sense of safety and stability during this critical time.
Minimise Environmental Stressors
Beyond maintaining a calm voice, you’ll need to address environmental factors that may exacerbate the affected person’s distress during a breathing emergency.
Start by quickly evaluating the surroundings and implementing immediate environmental modifications. If possible, move the individual to a quieter, less crowded area to reduce sensory overload. Dim bright lights and turn off any loud noises or music that might be adding to their anxiety.
Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning. Remove any strong odours or irritants that could be triggering breathing difficulties. If outdoors, seek shelter from extreme weather conditions. Encourage bystanders to step back and give the person space, as a crowd can increase stress levels.
For stress reduction, create a sense of privacy by using screens or curtains if available. Remove any visible medical equipment not in immediate use, as these can heighten anxiety. If the person is wearing restrictive clothing, loosen it to ease breathing.
Provide a comfortable seating position, supporting their back and arms if needed. These environmental adjustments can greatly contribute to calming the affected individual and improving their breathing during an emergency.
Monitor Vital Signs
When monitoring essential signs in a breathing emergency, you’ll need to focus on three key areas.
First, check the person’s respiratory rate by counting their breaths per minute.
Next, assess their oxygen saturation levels using a pulse oximeter if available.
Check Respiratory Rate
Respiratory rate assessment is a vital step in evaluating a patient’s status during a breathing emergency. To check the respiratory rate, observe the patient’s chest rise and fall for a full minute. Count each complete breath cycle, which includes both inhalation and exhalation. Normal adult respiratory rates typically range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute, but this can vary based on age and health conditions.
When performing a respiratory assessment, pay attention to these key factors:
- Rate: Count the number of breaths per minute
- Depth: Observe if breaths are shallow or deep
- Rhythm: Note if the breathing pattern is regular or irregular
If you notice abnormal breathing patterns or rates outside the normal range, it may indicate respiratory distress. Be prepared to implement appropriate breathing interventions if necessary.
Remember that stress can affect breathing, so once again, try to keep the patient calm during your assessment. If you’re unsure about the patient’s respiratory status, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical help immediately.
Accurate respiratory rate measurement is essential for determining the severity of a breathing emergency and guiding appropriate treatment decisions.
Observe Skin Color Changes
You’ll find that skin colour changes can provide crucial information about a patient’s oxygenation status during a breathing emergency. As part of your emergency response, closely observe the patient’s skin for these key colour indicators:
- Cyanosis: A bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nail beds indicates severe oxygen deprivation.
- Pallor: Pale or ashen skin suggests poor circulation or shock.
- Flushing: Reddened skin may indicate fever, overexertion, or certain medical conditions.
When evaluating skin colour, focus on areas where blood vessels are close to the surface, such as the lips, earlobes, and nail beds.
Remember that skin colour changes may be less noticeable in patients with darker skin tones, so pay extra attention to the mucous membranes and nail beds in these cases.
If you observe any abnormal skin colour changes, act quickly. These signs often precede more severe symptoms and can help you prioritise your interventions.
Confirm you’re documenting these observations as part of your patient assessment.
Skin colour changes, combined with other crucial signs, will guide your treatment decisions and help you communicate effectively with other healthcare providers during the emergency response.
Seek Professional Medical Help
While immediate first aid is essential, seeking professional medical help is the next vital step in managing breathing emergencies.
Don’t hesitate to call emergency services immediately if you observe severe breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, or persistent symptoms. Keep a list of emergency contacts readily available, including local emergency numbers and the patient’s primary care physician.
As you wait for professional help to arrive, stay calm and continue monitoring the person’s breathing and overall condition. If you have access to medical resources, such as an automated external defibrillator (AED) or supplemental oxygen, use them only if you’re trained to do so.
Provide the emergency responders with a clear, concise description of the situation, including any relevant medical history, medications, or recent events that may have triggered the breathing emergency.
Remember that even if symptoms appear to improve, it’s important to have the person evaluated by medical professionals. They can conduct a thorough assessment, perform necessary tests, and provide appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause of the breathing difficulty.
Always follow up with the patient’s primary care provider after an emergency to ensure proper ongoing care and prevention strategies.
Learn CPR Techniques
In critical breathing emergencies, knowing how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can be the difference between life and death.
It’s essential to learn proper CPR techniques from certified professionals to guarantee you’re prepared for such situations. Proper training will teach you to recognise abnormal breathing patterns and respond effectively.
When performing CPR, follow these key steps:
- Check for responsiveness and call for emergency help.
- Begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
- Provide rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
Remember, the goal of CPR is to maintain blood flow and oxygenation until professional help arrives.
For adults, focus on chest compressions, while for infants and children, a combination of compressions and breaths is typically recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What environmental factors can trigger breathing emergencies?
Environmental factors such as smoke, strong chemical fumes, allergens, extreme temperatures, and air pollution can contribute to respiratory distress. Minimising exposure to these triggers is essential during an emergency.
Can emotional support aid during a breathing emergency?
Emotional support helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen breathing difficulties. Speaking calmly and creating a quiet, supportive environment can make a significant difference.
What role does hydration play in managing respiratory conditions?
Hydration can aid in loosening mucus in respiratory conditions like bronchitis or asthma, making it easier to breathe. However, during acute emergencies, addressing the airway takes priority.
