Breathing Emergencies
The pathway from the nose and mouth to the lungs.
What is airway?
What is the main difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest according to the materials?
Heart attack = circulation problem (blocked blood flow causing heart tissue to die). Cardiac arrest = electrical problem (heart stops beating).
What is thermoregulation?
Thermoregulation = the body’s mechanism to control and keep core temperature consistent.
According to the materials, when should you call 911? Give two examples.
Call 911 for serious injuries, hypothermia, severe burns, animal bites, broken limbs, unresponsive victims, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding.
Explain the bystander effect.
Waiting for someone else to help in an emergency situation.
Two signs someone is experiencing a breathing emergency.
Trouble breathing; slow or rapid breathing; gasping; wheezing/high‑pitched sounds; moist or cool skin; flushed or pale skin; dizziness/lightheadedness.
List three symptoms of a heart attack that may appear in the chest or nearby areas.
Chest pain/discomfort; weakness; pain radiating to jaw, neck, back, arms/shoulders; shortness of breath.
Name two heat-related illnesses and one recommended immediate treatment for each.
Heat cramps — move to cool place, replenish electrolytes (sports drink); Heat exhaustion — move to cool place, replenish fluids. (Heat stroke is more severe — cool with water, call 911.)
For a minor cut, name two steps to clean and protect the wound.
Wash hands; rinse cut with cool water to remove debris; clean with mild soap if needed; apply antibiotic ointment; cover with bandage.
What is the universal signal for choking?
Hands grasping the throat.
Define respiratory arrest and give one common cause listed in the material.
Respiratory arrest = breathing completely stops. Cause example: obstruction, injury, drug overdose, chemical inhalation.
Describe one reason women’s heart attack symptoms can be tricky or different from typical symptoms.
Women may show atypical symptoms such as stomach pain, panic-like symptoms, nausea, dizziness, or jaw pain rather than classic chest pain.
Define hypothermia and give the body-temperature threshold noted in the materials.
Hypothermia = body loses heat faster than it can produce; body temp drops below 95∘F.
Distinguish between first-degree and third-degree burns and one treatment recommendation for each.
First-degree: outer skin only, redness, swelling, pain; treat with cool running water and aloe. Third-degree: damage into deeper layers and nerves, leathery appearance, may have reduced pain; seek immediate medical attention, cover loosely, do not apply ice.
Who can administer first aid?
Anyone
Describe the steps (in order) for helping a conscious adult who is choking.
Steps for conscious adult choking: 1) Check scene and victim; 2) Have someone call 9‑1‑1; 3) Obtain consent; 4) Lean person forward and give 5 back blows with the heel of your hand; 5) Give 5 abdominal thrusts; 6) Continue alternating until object is out, the person can breathe/cough forcefully, or becomes unconscious.
What immediate action should you take if you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest and you are trained?
Call 911 immediately and begin CPR if trained; use an AED if available.
List three ways someone could become poisoned (types of poisoning mentioned).
Drug overdose, alcohol poisoning, carbon monoxide inhalation (also environmental exposures).
What are three signs of shock and two immediate actions to help a person in shock?
Signs: fast breathing, confusion/disorientation, cold clammy skin, weak/rapid pulse, dizziness, low blood pressure. Actions: call 911, treat visible injuries, have person lie down, elevate injured limbs if applicable, keep warm, monitor and be ready to give CPR if breathing stops
True or false: a band aid is considered first aid.
True
Explain how caring for an unconscious choking victim differs from caring for a conscious choking victim; include the first three actions to take when the person becomes unconscious.
Unconscious victim: begin with 30 chest compressions, then open mouth and look for object and remove if possible, then attempt 2 rescue breaths; continue cycles until signs of life or advanced help arrives. Difference: conscious uses back blows/abdominal or chest thrusts; unconscious switches to CPR compressions and airway checks.
Explain what an AED is used for (based on context) and why time is critical during cardiac emergencies.
An AED (automated external defibrillator) delivers a shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in cardiac arrest; earlier use increases survival—time is critical.
Describe carbon monoxide poisoning: why it's dangerous and two signs that may indicate someone has been exposed.
(DAILY DOUBLE!!!)
Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible (“silent killer”); signs: flu-like symptoms, confusion, possible loss of consciousness; can be fatal because it displaces oxygen in the blood.
For traumatic amputation, list the steps given for initial care and why locating the amputated part is important.
Traumatic amputation steps: stop bleeding, check/treat for shock, protect the wound (wrap in sterile dressing or clean cloth), locate the amputated part. Locating the part is important for possible reattachment and to bring to the hospital with EMS.
What number should you call in an emergency situation?
911