Back to: Basic CPR/AED & First Aid
A breathing emergency is any respiratory problem that can threaten a person’s life. It can range from not being able to take a breath to not being able to breathe at all. Someone may develop mild or severe blockage of the air passages.
There are many different causes that can lead to a breathing emergency. Some of these include:
Allergic reactions, asthma, chest injury or infection, choking, fear/pain/or anxiety, fumes inhalation, heart attack, heart disease or heart failure, stroke, infection (i.e: pneumonia), collapse lung or punctured lungs, injury to the head/neck/chest, smoking.
Signs of Breathing Problems:
- Breathing very fast or very slowing.
- Having trouble with every breath. Shortness of breath.
- Noisy breathing – You hear a sound or whistle as the air enters or leaves the lungs.
- Can only make sounds or speak no more than a few words at a time in between breaths although the person is trying to say more.
- Confused or aggressive behavior.
- Pale or blue face, lips, and fingers.
Actions for Helping Someone with Breathing Problems:
- Make sure scene is safe.
- Ask the person if he/she needs help. Asks if they have medicine – assist as needed.
Phone 911 if:
- The person has no medicine.
- The person does not get better after using their medicine.
- The person’s breathing gets worse.
- The person has trouble speaking.
- The person becomes unresponsive.
- Stay with the person until someone with more advanced training arrives and takes over.
