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