Respiration and Breathing

Video 36 of 106

3 min 8 sec

English

English

Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course or enter your email below to watch one free video.

Unlock This Video Now for FREE

This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.

Watch Using YouTube Player Transcript

Recognizing Breathing Difficulties in First Aid

Normal Breathing Signs

Rising and Falling Chest: Look for the chest's symmetrical rise and fall on both sides.
Sign of Comfort: The patient should display no signs of distress.
Steady Breath: Breathing should be quiet, regular, and consistent.

Signs of Breathing Difficulty

When someone experiences difficulty breathing, there are key indicators to observe:

Distress: They may appear distressed and anxious.
Conscious Effort: The individual might consciously think about their breathing, which is unusual.
Rapid Respiration: Their respiratory rate and effort will increase significantly.
Asthma Symptoms: In cases of asthma, they may wheeze or describe tightness in the chest.
Symmetrical Chest Movement: Even when experiencing difficulty, their chest should still rise and fall equally on both sides.

First Aid for Asthma

When assisting an asthma patient:

Comfortable Position: Allow them to sit in a position they find most comfortable; they often prefer sitting down with hunched shoulders.
Respect Their Choice: Let the patient decide the position that suits them best.

Recognizing Serious Conditions

Some serious conditions affecting breathing include:

Pneumothorax: In this condition, one lung isn't functioning correctly.
Severe Distress: Patients with pneumothorax will be incredibly distressed, express an inability to breathe, and seek help.
Asymmetrical Chest Movement: With pneumothorax, only one side of the chest will visibly move; the affected side won't.

Recommended Products For You

CODE RED Emergency Tourniquet £20.95 + VAT

BSI Large First Aid Kit £27.49 + VAT

BSi First Aid Kit Medium £20.09 + VAT

WoundClot™ Trauma haemostatic gauze 10 cm x 10 cm £11.95 + VAT

Yellow Polycarbonate Defibrillator 4000 Cabinet Unlocked with Heater and LED Light £470.00 + VAT

Travel Kit (COMPLIANT TO BS8599-1/2) In a Bag £9.99 + VAT

HeartSine 350P Internal Package - Special Offer £875.00 + VAT