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Breathing emergencies in adults |
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Adults may suddenly stop breathing for a number of reasons, such as obstructed airway, head injury, heart attack, drowning, stroke, allergic reaction, or severe asthma.
YOU CAN TELL THAT A PERSON HAS STOPPED BREATHING BY LOOKING FOR THESE SIGNS: - the chest does not rise and fall
- you can feel no air moving in and out of their nose and mouth
- when you put your ear to the person's mouth and nose, you cannot hear air moving in and out and
- the skin becomes pale or bluish
IF A PERSON HAS STOPPED BREATHING, IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY ACTION IS NEEDED. CALL 000 OR THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SYSTEM IN YOUR AREA. It is important to learn basic life support techniques for choking and other medical emergencies. For more information, contact St John's Ambulance. This organisation offers classes and courses in CPR, the Heimlich manoeuvre, and other life-saving techniques. All certificate swimming courses also include life saving techniques. Article #6102 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
