EXCELLENCE
IN HEALTH AND FITNESS EDUCATION

airway management

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asthma basics

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bites and stings

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first aid principles

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primary survey

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Email: mhts

Phone: 95637222     

Mobile: 0412656837

9a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Friday

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RESPIRATION   RESPIRATION   RESPIRATION

Breathing

Respiration is the act of breathing: 

• inhaling (inspiration): muscle contraction, which lifts the ribs and pulls them outward, increases lung volume, allowing air to rush in (inspired air contains 21% oxygen and essentially no carbon dioxide) 

• exhaling (expiration) - muscle relaxation decreases lung volume and the air passively flows out (expired air contains 16% oxygen and 4.5% carbon dioxide)

The respiratory system functions to deliver the oxygen to the blood -- the transport medium of the cardiovascular system -- and to remove oxygen from the blood. The actual exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs in the lungs.

Without oxygen in our body our brain cells start to die after 3-5 minutes.

Average breathing rate at rest for:

• Adults - 16-20 breaths per minute

• Children - 20-28 breaths per minute

• Infants - 28-40 breaths per minute

Breathing Rates Increase with

• Exercise

• Excitement

• Illness

Asphyxia  

This means decreased supply of oxygen in our body. If not managed correctly, we stop breathing and start to die after 3-5 minute.

Breathing Problems

1. Obstructions

2. Head injuries

The brain stops telling us to breath

3. Heart conditions

Where the pump fails to push the blood containing oxygen around the body.

4. Chest conditions

- Air cannot get into the lungs

• crushed chest

• open sucking wounds

5. Poisons

- Anything we breathe in which is not air

• carbon monoxide

• smoke

Symptoms of Asphyxia

Breathlessness.

Signs of Asphyxia

• Air hunger

• Blue lips and skin

• Swollen veins in the neck and face

• Loss of consciousness

• Breathing stops

Management of the Casualty with Asphyxia

• Check for danger and response

• Turn the casualty onto their side

• Ensure a clear, open airway

• Look, listen and feel for breathing for 10 seconds.

• If not breathing, give them air

Choking

This means an obstruction of the airway may be partial or complete

Partial Obstruction

Airway is partially blocked, casualty can cough

Management if Conscious

• Relax

• Breathe deeply

• Encourage coughing

• If unsuccessful, position head low or lean forward and give 3-4 sharp blows between the shoulder blades

• Medical aid without delay if breathing noisy or blockage unable to be cleared

  

 
Complete Obstruction - Management if Conscious and Unable to Breath

• Lay with head low to assist gravity

• Give 3-4 sharp blows between the shoulder blades with heel of your hand

• If unsuccessful, give 4 lateral chest thrusts

• Follow D.R.A.B.C.D. action plan

• Seek medical aid                                                                             

Management if Unconscious                                                                                     

• Either partial for complete

• D.R.A.B.C.

• Attempt E.A.R. if necessary

• Coma position

• Urgent medical aid

 Chest Injuries - Management                                 

• Open chest wounds - Seal the hole with the hand to prevent air escaping

• If the casualty is conscious sit them up and lean towards the injured side

• Leave impaled objects in the wound and seal around the base of the object

Remember: A CASUALTY WITH BREATHING DIFFICULTIES PREFERS TO SIT UP IF CONSCIOUS.

IF THE CASUALTY IS UNCONSCIOUS AND NOT BREATHING THEN GIVE EXPIRED AIR RESUSCITATION.