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DISCLAIMER:
The information contained in this document has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable at the time and is presented here as a study aid and for general information use only. This information is not intended to replace or supercede the information or procedures outlined in your first aid textbook, other officially issued study materials or government published acts or legislative documents.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, the authors are not responsible for any loss, liability, damage or injury that may be suffered or incurred by any person in connection with the information contained on this site, or by anyone who receives first aid treatment from a reader or user of this information. |
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Breathing Emergencies
Effective breathing is vital for life. When breathing is affected through injury or illness, a person’s life is in immediate danger.
Causes of breathing emergencies
- Injuries that can cause a breathing emergency: broken ribs, near drowning, knife or gunshot wound, burns to the face, head injury, compression of the chest preventing chest expansion.
- Illnesses that can cause a breathing emergency: asthma, stroke, allergic reaction, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, emphysema.
- Poisoning that can cause a breathing emergency: inhaled poison (carbon monoxide), swallowed poison (sleeping pills), injected poison (drugs, bee sting etc.).
- Hypoxia - lack of oxygen in the blood, damages vital tissues and may cause death if not looked after.
- Lack of oxygen - can happen where there is a low level of oxygen in the air i.e. high altitude environments.
- Blocked airway - can happen when a person chokes on a certain object i.e. food. The tongue can also block the airway. The airway can also be swollen to due infection or an allergic reaction.
Abnormal heart and lung function - illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia or congestive heart failure, an injury to the head, spine, chest, etc. a drug overdose or poisoning.
To breathe effectively these are the minimum requirements:
• A functioning control centre in the brain and an intact spinal cord so the brain can control breathing
• A good supply of air
• An open airway
• An intact chest wall
• One functioning lung
Other signs of normal breathing include:
• Quiet and effortless breathing
• Chest movement that is equal on both sides
• The person is alert and relaxed
• Normal skin colour
• Able to speak without taking a breath every few words
| Normal effective breathing rates per minute are: |
| Age group |
Range of Normal Rates |
Too Slow |
Too Fast |
| Adult (over 8 yrs.) |
10 to 20 |
Below 10 |
Above 30 |
| Child (1-8 yrs.) |
20 to 40 |
Below 15 |
Above 40 |
| Infant (under 1yr.) |
30 to 60 |
Below 25 |
Above 60 |
Pneumothorax is the result of an injury where the air gets into the chest cavity. This can cause one or both of the lungs to collapse, which is a life-threatening breathing emergency. If air gets into the chest cavity through an open wound, the wound is called a penetrating chest wound. Bloodstained bubbles may appear around the wound when the person exhales. |
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