❤️‍🩹First Aid Unit 4 – Respiratory Emergencies – Choking and Asthma

What's the Deal with Respiratory Emergencies?

• Respiratory emergencies involve the airway, breathing, or circulation and can be life-threatening
• Common types include choking, asthma attacks, allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and respiratory arrest
• Occur when the body is not getting enough oxygen due to an obstruction, constriction, or other issue with the respiratory system
• Can quickly lead to brain damage, cardiac arrest, and death if not treated promptly
• Signs may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, bluish skin (cyanosis), and loss of consciousness
• Risk factors include age (children and elderly), medical conditions (asthma, allergies), and certain activities (eating, exercise)
• Prevention through education, safety measures, and proper management of underlying conditions is key

Choking 101: Causes and Symptoms

• Choking occurs when an object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air
• Common causes include food (especially round, firm foods like grapes or hot dogs), small objects (toys, coins), and vomit
• Choking can affect people of all ages but is most common in young children and the elderly
• Signs of choking include inability to speak, cough, or breathe, making high-pitched sounds, clutching the throat, and turning blue
• Partial airway obstruction may allow some air to pass, causing wheezing, coughing, or labored breathing
• Complete airway obstruction is a medical emergency and requires immediate action to dislodge the object
  • Without prompt treatment, choking can lead to unconsciousness and death within minutes
• Prevention includes cutting food into small pieces, supervising young children during meals and playtime, and avoiding talking or laughing while eating

Asthma Basics: What You Need to Know

• Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways
• Triggers can include allergens (pollen, dust mites), irritants (smoke, pollution), exercise, stress, and respiratory infections
• During an asthma attack, the airways constrict, making it difficult to breathe
• Symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing
  • Severity can range from mild to life-threatening and may vary from person to person
• Asthma is typically managed with a combination of long-term control medications (inhaled corticosteroids) and quick-relief medications (bronchodilators)
• Asthma action plans help individuals recognize and respond to changes in their condition
• Avoiding triggers, regular check-ups, and adherence to prescribed medications can help prevent attacks

First Aid for Choking: The Heimlich and More

• If a person is choking, first ask if they need help and encourage them to cough forcefully
• If coughing is ineffective, perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) to dislodge the object
  1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist
  2. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the person's navel
  3. Grasp the fist with your other hand and quickly thrust inward and upward
  4. Repeat thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious
• For pregnant women or obese individuals, perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts
• If the person becomes unconscious, lower them to the ground and begin CPR, checking the mouth for the object between compressions
• For infants under 1 year, use a combination of back blows and chest thrusts
• Once the object is dislodged, seek medical attention to check for injuries or aspiration

Asthma Attacks: How to Spot and Respond

• Signs of an asthma attack include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty speaking
• If an individual experiences symptoms, help them sit upright and follow their asthma action plan
• Assist with administering quick-relief medication (usually an inhaler) as prescribed
  • Shake the inhaler, attach the spacer (if available), and have the person breathe in slowly and deeply as they dispense the medication
  • Wait 30-60 seconds between puffs and repeat as directed
• If symptoms do not improve or worsen after using the inhaler, call emergency services
• While waiting for help, continue to monitor the person's breathing and level of consciousness
• Encourage slow, deep breaths and help them stay calm
• Be prepared to administer CPR if the person stops breathing or becomes unresponsive

Essential Equipment and Medications

• Quick-relief medications (bronchodilators) for asthma attacks, usually in the form of inhalers (albuterol)
  • Spacers can help improve medication delivery and should be used when available
• Peak flow meters to monitor lung function and detect changes in asthma control
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen) for individuals with severe allergies at risk for anaphylaxis
• Barrier devices (face shields, pocket masks) for safe rescue breathing during CPR
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to restore normal heart rhythm in case of cardiac arrest
• First aid kits containing gloves, gauze, bandages, and other basic supplies
• Emergency contact information and medical history for individuals with known conditions

When to Call for Help: Red Flags

• If a choking person becomes unconscious or stops breathing, call emergency services immediately
• For asthma attacks, seek emergency care if:
  • Symptoms do not improve after using quick-relief medication
  • The person has difficulty speaking or walking due to shortness of breath
  • The person's lips or fingernails turn blue (cyanosis)
  • The person becomes confused, drowsy, or unresponsive
• If an individual experiences signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or throat, call for help and administer epinephrine if available
• When in doubt, err on the side of caution and seek professional medical assistance
• Be prepared to provide information about the situation, the person's condition, and any actions taken

Prevention Tips and Long-Term Management

• For choking prevention:
  • Cut food into small, manageable pieces and encourage thorough chewing
  • Supervise young children during meals and playtime
  • Keep small objects out of reach and ensure age-appropriate toys
  • Learn and regularly review choking first aid techniques
• For asthma management:
  • Identify and avoid triggers whenever possible
  • Take medications as prescribed and maintain regular check-ups with a healthcare provider
  • Develop and follow an asthma action plan
  • Monitor lung function using a peak flow meter
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques
• Encourage individuals with severe allergies to wear medical alert jewelry and carry epinephrine auto-injectors at all times
• Promote education and awareness of respiratory emergencies and first aid techniques in your community