Asphyxia

ASPHYXIA

ASPHYXIA Medical term for suffocation

Severer deficiency of oxygen supplied to the body

Often leads to Hypoxia

CAUSES Airway Obstruction

Choking on food Tongue rolling back to block airway

Reduced/Impaired exchange of gases in alveoli during fumes/smoke inhalation

Impaired function of lung(s)

Impaired breathing Asthma

HYPOXIA

HYPOXIA

Medical term for low oxygen level in the blood stream

CAUSES Insufficient oxygen in inhaled air

Suffocation by smoke or gas Changes in atmospheric pressure e.g. high altitudes

Airway Obstruction Choking by an external object

Lungs & Chest Injury Punctured lung(s) Collapsed lung

Reduced/Impaired oxygen uptake by tissues Carbon monoxide poisoning Cyanide poisoning

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Rapid, distressed breathing and gasping for

air

Confusion, irritability and aggression, leading to unconsciousness

Cyanosis appearance of a blue or purple coloration of

the skin due to the tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen

AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION

CAUSES Tongue falling back in unconscious casualties

Food, Vomit, fluids in mouth or allergy

Swelling of throat

Spasm of respiratory muscles Uncontrolled movement

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Noisy, labored breathing

Difficulty breathing

Cyanosis

Flaring nostrils Enlargement of nostrils Increased effort in breathing

Reversed movement of chest and abdomen

TREATMENT Ensure ABC

Assist casualty in removing any obstructions

Prepare to perform Heimlich manoeuvre or chest thrusts

Reassure casualty if conscious

Seek medical aid

Monitor Level of Response and vitals signs at least every 5 minutes

HANGING, STRANGLING, THROTTLING

HANGING, STRANGLING, THROTTLING External pressure on the neck squeezing the

airway, blocking flow of air to lungs

Hanging Suspension of body by noose around the neck

Strangling Constriction around neck

Throttling Squeezing of the throat

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Constricting articles around neck

Marks around casualty’s neck

Rapid, distressed breathing

Cyanosis

Congestion of face with prominent veins Not enough blood or oxygen

TREATMENT Ensure ABC

Remove any constricting from the neck, ensuring safety of casualty is not compromised in any position

Reassure casualty if conscious

Seek medical aid

Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at least every 5 minutes

TREATMENT DO NOT:

Destroy or interfere with any evidence especially with ropes and the knots Cut above the noose so as to not destroy evidence

Move casualty unnecessarily if spinal injuries suspected

DROWNING

DROWNING Occurs not because lungs are filled with

water Water enters the airway, the vocal chords in

the throat constrict and seal the airway preventing the intake of oxygen Best to throw casualty a float, without

going into the water Unless trained in lifesaving and casualty is

unconscious Carry the casualty with head below chest

level when bringing an unconscious casualty out of the water to minimize further complications

TREATMENT Ensure ABC Lay casualty down on back, best on warm

materials (change wet clothing if possible) Reassure casualty if conscious Seek medical aid even if casualty is

conscious and appears well In case of secondary drowning

Pneumonia Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at

least every 5 minutes

INHALATION OF FUMES

INHALATION OF FUMES

Breathing in of harmful gases, vapors, and particulate matter contained in smoke

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Cyanosis

Distressed

Coughing and wheezing

Labored breathing

Headache or confused

Unconscious

TREATMENT Ensure ABC

Remove casualty from area

Reassure casualty if conscious

Seek medical aid

Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at least every 5 minutes

HYPERVENTILATION

HYPERVENTILATION Rapid or deep breathing which Is sometimes

also called over-breathing

May leave you feeling breathless

Occurs faster than Hypoxia

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Chest pains

Dizziness/Nausea

Cramps in hands and feet Tingling

Attention-seeking behavior

TREATMENT Ensure ABC

MOVE CASUALTY AWAY FROM TRIGGER

Ask the casualty to take slow, deep breaths to calm down (seated down)

Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at least every 5 minutes

ASTHMA

ASTHMA Medical condition in which the airway

Becomes inflamed and swollen Through excessive mucus secretion (phlegm) Breathing becomes difficult

Can be hereditary or environmental Allergens Viral/Bacteria infections Chemicals Emotional stress Pollutants Cold

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Air hunger Wheezing Chest tightness Using of auxiliary muscles Cyanosis

TREATMENT Reassure casualty Remove casualty away from trigger if any Encourage casualty to use inhaler if available

Fast-acting bronchodilators (e.g. Ventolin) DO NT use preventive inhalers (e.g. Beclotide)

Ensure fresh air is available Monitor Level of Response and vital signs at

lest every 5 minutes Prepare to perform CPR