Breathing Emergencies and Respiratory System Overview

Respiratory System What is the purpose of the respiratory system? What is the purpose of the respiratory system? Supplies the body with oxygen through the process of breathing (ventilation) Supplies the body with oxygen through the process of breathing (ventilation) Inhaling (breathing in) fills the lungs with air, particularly oxygen Inhaling (breathing in) fills the lungs with air, particularly oxygen Exhaling (breathing out) forces air from the lungs, particularly carbon dioxide Exhaling (breathing out) forces air from the lungs, particularly carbon dioxide

Respiratory System Review Air passes from the nose and mouth, through the pharynx (throat), passing the larynx (voice box) and then down into the trachea (windpipe) in order to reach the lungs Air passes from the nose and mouth, through the pharynx (throat), passing the larynx (voice box) and then down into the trachea (windpipe) in order to reach the lungs

Respiratory System Review Air passes through the right and left bronchus, into the smaller bronchioles Air passes through the right and left bronchus, into the smaller bronchioles Exchange of O 2 and CO 2 take place at the alveoli Exchange of O 2 and CO 2 take place at the alveoli Average adult breaths ml of air per breath, and breathes times per minute Average adult breaths ml of air per breath, and breathes times per minute

Respiratory System Review Differences between a child/infant and adult airway Differences between a child/infant and adult airway Smaller and more easily obstructed than an adult Smaller and more easily obstructed than an adult The tongue takes up more space than an adult The tongue takes up more space than an adult The trachea is more flexible The trachea is more flexible Faster heart rate, therefore, increased rate of respirations is needed Faster heart rate, therefore, increased rate of respirations is needed The head only needs to tilt far enough to allow a breath in The head only needs to tilt far enough to allow a breath in Breathing emergencies are the primary cause of cardiac arrest in infants and children Breathing emergencies are the primary cause of cardiac arrest in infants and children

Breathing Emergencies Without oxygen the brain will begin to die Without oxygen the brain will begin to die 0 minutes 0 minutes Breathing stops, heart will soon stop Breathing stops, heart will soon stop 4-6 minutes 4-6 minutes Brain damage possible Brain damage possible 6-10 minutes 6-10 minutes Brain damage likely Brain damage likely >10 minutes >10 minutes Irreversible brain damage certain Irreversible brain damage certain

Recognizing Breathing Emergencies There are two types of breathing emergencies: There are two types of breathing emergencies: Respiratory distress and Respiratory distress and respiratory arrest respiratory arrest By recognizing respiratory distress and taking immediate action, a first responder may prevent respiratory arrest By recognizing respiratory distress and taking immediate action, a first responder may prevent respiratory arrest Question 1 Question 1 What are some causes of breathing emergencies? What are some causes of breathing emergencies? Question 2 Question 2 What are some signs and symptoms of respiratory distress? What are some signs and symptoms of respiratory distress?

Breathing Emergencies Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Distress Abnormal breathing Abnormal breathing Breathing that is unusually slow, rapid, deep, or shallow Breathing that is unusually slow, rapid, deep, or shallow Gasping for breath Gasping for breath Unusual sounds (e.g., grunts, wheezing, gurgling) Unusual sounds (e.g., grunts, wheezing, gurgling) Abnormal skin appearance Abnormal skin appearance Skin is moist and appears flushed initially Skin is moist and appears flushed initially Skin is pale, ashen, or bluish as the oxygen levels fall Skin is pale, ashen, or bluish as the oxygen levels fall How the victim feels How the victim feels Shortness of breath (SOB) Shortness of breath (SOB) Dizziness Dizziness Pain in the chest or tingling in the hands/feet Pain in the chest or tingling in the hands/feet