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.
You’ve likely heard about CPR and the importance of quick response in breathing emergencies, but do you know the specific steps to manage a breathing crisis? Understanding the clear, structured approach to breathing emergencies can mean the difference between life and death.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to breathing first aid from recognising the signs to performing life-saving techniques, and each step is vital.
Key Takeaways
• Assess scene safety and ensure personal protection before approaching the victim.
• Check responsiveness and breathing, then immediately call emergency services if needed.
• Open the airway using the head-tilt chin-lift method or jaw-thrust if a neck injury is suspected.
• Perform rescue breathing if the person isn’t breathing normally, giving two slow breaths initially.
• Begin chest compressions if there’s no pulse, alternating with rescue breaths until help arrives.
Recognise Signs of Breathing Emergencies
Recognising the signs of breathing emergencies is essential for quick intervention and potentially saving a life. You’ll need to be alert to abnormal breathing patterns and emergency symptoms that indicate someone’s struggling to breathe.
Watch for rapid, shallow breathing or gasping for air. Notice if the person’s chest is rising and falling unusually or if they’re using accessory muscles in their neck or shoulders to breathe. Listen for wheezing, gurgling, or whistling sounds during inhalation or exhalation. These are all signs of respiratory distress.
Other emergency symptoms include bluish lips or fingertips (cyanosis), confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. The person might clutch their chest or throat, indicating difficulty breathing. In severe cases, they may be unable to speak or only manage one-word sentences between breaths.
Don’t ignore persistent coughing, especially if accompanied by pink, frothy sputum. This could signal a serious condition like pulmonary oedema.
If you observe any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call emergency services immediately. Quick action can make a critical difference in the outcome of breathing emergencies.
Assess Scene Safety
When approaching breathing emergencies, your first priority is to assess scene safety.
Quickly scan the area for potential hazards such as traffic, electrical dangers, or hazardous materials that could put you at risk.
Confirm you have appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and a face mask, before proceeding to assist the person in distress.
Identify Potential Hazards
Before rushing in to assist someone with a breathing emergency, you must quickly scan the area for potential dangers. Hazard identification and risk assessment are vital steps in ensuring your safety and that of the patient. Look for obvious threats like fire, toxic fumes, or electrical hazards. Don’t forget to check for less apparent dangers such as unstable structures or slippery surfaces.
Remember, you can’t help anyone if you become a victim yourself. Take a moment to assess the situation and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Be prepared to call for additional help if you can’t safely reach the person in distress.
Here are some potential hazards to watch out for:
• Sharp objects or broken glass that could cause cuts
• Aggressive bystanders or animals that may interfere
• Ongoing traffic in roadside emergencies
• Hazardous materials or chemicals in the vicinity
Once you’ve identified and addressed any immediate threats, you can proceed with caution. Always prioritise your safety while approaching the scene. If you can’t eliminate a hazard, find a way to work around it or wait for professional help to arrive.
Check Responsiveness
Once emergency services have been contacted, you’ll need to quickly assess the person’s level of responsiveness. This vital step helps determine the severity of the situation and guides your next actions.
To check responsiveness, use these techniques:
First, speak loudly and clearly to the person. Ask simple questions like ‘Can you hear me?’ or ‘Are you okay?’ If they respond verbally or with movement, they’re conscious but may still need immediate attention.
If there’s no response, gently tap their shoulders and repeat your questions. Be careful not to shake or move them unnecessarily, as this could worsen potential injuries.
Look for signs of breathing by watching for chest movement. If you detect breathing, place the person into the recovery position and monitor until emergency services attend. If you can’t detect breathing, you may need to start CPR immediately.
Check for a pulse at the neck or wrist. During your responsiveness assessment, note any visible injuries or abnormalities that could be affecting their breathing.
Call Emergency Services
In a breathing emergency, your priority is to call emergency services immediately. Quick action can make the difference between life and death.
As you reach for your phone, remember that effective emergency communication is essential. Clearly state your location, the nature of the emergency, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions precisely.
When calling for help, stay calm and provide as much detail as possible. This information helps emergency responders prepare and potentially reduce response time. If you’re not alone, designate someone to make the call while you begin assisting the person in distress.
Don’t hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so; they may need additional information or provide further instructions.
While waiting for professional help to arrive:
• Stay with the person and monitor their condition closely
• Keep the person’s airway open and check for breathing
• Be prepared to start CPR if necessary
Clear the Airway
Begin by tilting the person’s head back slightly and lifting their chin. This simple airway technique, known as the head-tilt/chin-lift method, can often be enough to open the airway and allow breathing to resume.
If you suspect a neck injury, use the jaw-thrust manoeuvre instead. Place your hands on either side of the person’s face and gently push the jaw forward. This technique helps open the airway without moving the neck. Be alert for signs of airway obstruction, such as unusual breathing sounds or chest movements.
Perform Rescue Breathing
Pinch the victim’s nose, cover their mouth with yours, and give two slow breaths, watching for chest rise.
Start rescue breathing immediately if the person isn’t breathing normally after you’ve opened their airway.
Mouth-To-Mouth Technique Explained
Mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing is a critical skill that can save lives when someone isn’t breathing on their own but still has a pulse. To perform this technique effectively, start by tilting the person’s head back and lifting their chin to open the airway. Pinch their nose shut and cover their mouth completely with yours. Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second, and watch for the chest to rise. If it doesn’t, reposition the head and try again.
Administer Chest Compressions
Chest compressions form the cornerstone of effective CPR, providing essential blood flow to the brain and other organs during cardiac arrest. To administer chest compressions correctly, position yourself at the victim’s side and place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest.
Put your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your arms straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
Compress the chest at least 5 cm deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions. Remember, proper compression techniques are vital for managing a breathing emergency.
Use an AED
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can greatly increase the chances of survival for someone in sudden cardiac arrest. When using an AED, time is critical.
First, turn on the device and follow its audio instructions carefully. Remove any clothing or objects from the person’s chest that might interfere with electrode placement.
Open the AED’s electrode package and peel off the protective backing. Place one electrode pad on the upper right chest, just below the collarbone. Position the other pad on the lower left side of the chest, below the armpit. Confirm the pads make good contact with the skin. If the person’s chest is wet, dry it quickly before applying the pads.
Once the electrodes are in place, the AED will analyse the heart rhythm. Don’t touch the person during this analysis. If a shock is advised, make sure no one is touching the person and press the ‘shock’ button when prompted.
After the shock, or if no shock is advised, immediately resume chest compressions. Continue following the AED’s instructions until emergency services arrive or the person shows signs of life.
Handle Choking Incidents
Quickly identifying a choking victim is essential for providing timely assistance. Look for signs like difficulty breathing, clutching the throat, or inability to speak. If you suspect someone is choking, act fast.
First, encourage them to cough. If that doesn’t work, give quick, upward back thrusts until the object is dislodged.
Always stay calm and focused during a choking emergency. If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR immediately. By knowing these techniques, you’re prepared to handle choking incidents effectively and potentially save lives.
Manage Asthma Attacks
During an asthma attack, you’ll need to act swiftly to help the person breathe easier and prevent the situation from worsening.
First, help them sit upright and loosen any tight clothing around their chest and neck. Encourage them to take slow, steady breaths. If they have an inhaler, assist them in using it immediately. Proper inhaler techniques are essential for effective asthma management.
Guide them to take one puff of their reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30-60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs. If symptoms don’t improve after 10 puffs or you’re worried at any point, call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, continue to reassure the person and monitor their breathing.
If the person doesn’t have their inhaler or it’s not working, seek emergency help right away. Keep them calm and in an upright position. Remove any potential triggers from the environment, such as pets or strong odours.
Treat Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening, so it’s crucial to recognise the signs and act quickly. If you suspect someone is having a severe allergic reaction, call emergency services immediately.
Look for symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, and dizziness. These could indicate anaphylactic shock, a potentially fatal condition.
While waiting for help, take action. If the person has an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), help them use it immediately. Loosen tight clothing and have the person lie flat with their legs elevated, unless this causes breathing difficulties.
For milder reactions, antihistamine administration can help. Follow the dosage instructions on the package or as prescribed by a doctor. Monitor the person closely, as symptoms can worsen rapidly.
Monitor the Patient's Condition
Constant vigilance is essential when monitoring a patient’s breathing condition during an emergency. Keep a close eye on their key signs, particularly their respiratory rate, depth, and pattern.
Check for any changes in skin colour, especially around the lips and fingertips, which may indicate oxygen levels. Listen for unusual breathing sounds like wheezing or gurgling.
Continue to assess the patient’s level of consciousness and ability to communicate. If they’re able to speak, ask about their comfort level and any changes in symptoms.
Monitor their pulse rate and blood pressure if equipment is available. Look for signs of improvement or deterioration, such as increased or decreased breathing effort.
Pay attention to the effectiveness of any treatments you’ve administered. If you’ve given medication or performed an intervention, watch for the expected response.
Be prepared to adjust your care plan based on the patient’s changing condition. Document all observations and actions taken for handover to medical professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can breathing emergencies be triggered by stress or anxiety?
Yes, severe stress and anxiety can cause hyperventilation, where a person breathes too quickly and exhales too much carbon dioxide. This can lead to dizziness, tingling in the fingers, and a sense of breathlessness. Encouraging slow, controlled breathing and a calm environment can help manage this situation.
What should be done if someone vomits while receiving rescue breaths?
If vomiting occurs during rescue breathing, quickly roll the person onto their side to clear the airway. Wipe away any obstructions before repositioning them on their back and resuming rescue breathing if necessary.
Is there a difference between respiratory distress and respiratory failure?
Yes, respiratory distress refers to difficulty breathing, where a person is struggling but still managing to get some air. Respiratory failure occurs when breathing becomes inadequate to maintain oxygen levels, leading to potential loss of consciousness and the need for immediate intervention.
