Respiratory Distress
What is a common sign of respiratory distress?
Shortness of breath or gasping for air.
What is hyperventilation? (definition, bonus points for basic physiology)
Breathing much more quickly than usual, (bonus points - upsets the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body).
What is asthma?
A chronic condition where the bronchioles become inflamed and swollen, making it hard to breathe.
What is anaphylaxis?
A severe, body-wide allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
What should you do if someone in respiratory distress has medication for their condition?
Offer to help the person take their medication.
Name one possible cause of hyperventilation.
Strong emotions such as excitement, fear, or anxiety; asthma; injury, etc.
Name two environmental triggers that can cause an asthma attack.
Air pollution, strong odours, temperature changes, or allergies.
What is one common cause of anaphylaxis?
Insect stings, food (e.g., peanuts), medications, etc.
Name two common causes of respiratory distress.
Asthma, allergic reactions, heart attack, COPD, etc.
What is the recommended way to help someone control their breathing during hyperventilation?
Encourage slow, controlled breaths—breathe in slowly, hold, and exhale gradually.
What should you do if a person's breathing does not improve after taking their asthma medication?
Call EMS/9-1-1 and get an AED.
What is the first thing you should do when someone shows signs of anaphylaxis?
Call EMS/9-1-1 and get an AED.
Why is respiratory distress particularly dangerous in children?
It can quickly lead to cardiac arrest.
Why should you not encourage someone who is hyperventilating to breathe into a paper bag?
It’s unsafe and can worsen the condition by restricting oxygen intake.
Demonstrate how to use a puffer.
1. Shake the inhaler 3 or 4 times to ensure the medication is mixed.
2. Remove the cap from both the inhaler and the spacer, and insert the inhaler into the spacer’s end.
3. Exhale away from the spacer to empty your lungs.
4. Press the inhaler to release one puff of medication into the spacer, then take a slow, deep breath through the spacer’s mouthpiece.
5. Hold the breath for as long as is comfortable (up to 10 seconds).
6. Breathe out slowly and, if needed, repeat the steps for an additional puff.
Demonstrate how you should use an epinephrine auto-injector during an anaphylaxis emergency.
Place the injector against the middle of the outer thigh, push firmly, hold for 5 to 10 seconds, and then rub the injection site for 30 seconds.