Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [11]
3. If the victim is in danger of choking on blood or vomiting, use at least two people to turn them, keeping the head, neck and back aligned.
Breathing
Contents
Breathing
Anaphylaxis
Is a severe allergic reaction that can produce shock and life-threatening respiratory distress and circulatory collapse.
Anaphylaxis can occur within minutes or up to several hours after exposure to an allergy-causing substance, such as insect venom, pollen, latex, drugs, nuts and shell fish. Some people have anaphylactic reactions from unknown causes.
Symptoms:
• Breaking out in hives
• Swelling of the eyes or lips
• Swelling of the throat to the point of causing difficulty breathing and shock
• Dizziness or mental confusion
• Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Drop in blood pressure which causes internal organs to be affected
Treatment:
If you observe someone having an allergic reaction with signs of anaphylaxis:
1. Call 911 or your local medical emergency number.
2. Look for a medical emergency ID bracelet or necklace.
3. Check for special medications that the person might be carrying such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen).
4. Administer the drug as directed, usually by pressing the auto-injector against the person’s thigh and holding it there for several seconds, then massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption.
5. If the person can do so without choking, have them take an antihistamine such as Benadryl pill because epinephrine is only short acting.
6. Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.
7. Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don’t give them anything to drink.
8. If the person is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn them on their side to prevent choking.
9. If the person is not breathing, coughing or moving, begin CPR.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the lining of a person’s airways becomes swollen and inflamed, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten and mucus production is increased, leading to mucus plugs. Asthma symptoms resemble other respiratory problems such as emphysema, bronchitis, and lower respiratory infections. Symptoms include:
• A chronic cough, especially at night
• Coughing and wheezing that occurs with exercise
• Difficulty or painful breathing
• A wheezing or whistling sound
An asthma attack can be triggered by:
• Pollens
• Mold
• Animal protein such as dander, urine, oil from skin
• House dust or dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Certain foods
• Tobacco smoke
• Exercise
• Strong odors such as perfumes, household cleaners, cooking fumes, paints, and varnishes
• Chemicals such as coal, chalk dust, or talcum powder
• Air pollutants
• Wood smoike from heating stoves and fireplaces
• Changing weather such as changes in temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, or strong winds
• Exposure to vapors, dust, gases, or fumes
• Medications such as aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen
• Sulfites used as preservatives in food and beverages
Treatment:
1. Sit the victim upright.
2. Shake an asthma inhaler, place the mouthpiece in the victim’s mouth and give one puff.
3. Have the person inhale slowly and steadily.
4. Have the victim hold that breath for four seconds, then take four nomrla breaths.
5. Repeat until four puffs from the inhaler have been given.
6. Wait four minutes, if there is no improvement, give another 4 puffs.
7. If there is still no improvement, seek medical assistance immediately.
8. Continue giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the ambulance arrives, you can give adults up to 6 - 8 puffs every five minutes.
Choking
Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in a victim’s windpipe, blocking the flow of air. Adults usually choke on a piece of food, while young children often choke on small objects. Because choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, administer first aid as quickly as possible. To prepare yourself for choking situations,