Managing Respiratory Distress: Essential Techniques for First Responders
As a first responder, proper breathing management is essential for providing effective care to patients in respiratory distress. Understanding the anatomy of the respiratory system, recognizing signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, and maintaining normal breathing rates are all important aspects of breathing management. In this post, we'll explore these topics in the context of first responders.
The first responder has placed an oxygen mask, known as a non-rebreather, over the patient's nose and mouth. The non-rebreather has a bag that fills with oxygen, which allows the patient to receive a high concentration of oxygen with each breath. The non-rebreather mask is used to treat patients who are experiencing respiratory distress or who require high levels of oxygen.
Anatomy of the Respiratory System
As a first responder, it's important to have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the respiratory system. The respiratory system consists of several parts that work together to facilitate breathing. The main organs involved in breathing are the lungs, which are located in the chest. The lungs are made up of millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli, which are responsible for exchanging gases with the blood. The trachea, or windpipe, connects the lungs to the mouth and nose, while the diaphragm is a muscle that helps with breathing by contracting and relaxing. The bronchi are the tubes that branch off from the trachea and lead to the lungs, and the bronchioles are smaller tubes that branch off from the bronchi and lead to the alveoli.
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Distress
As a first responder, it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of respiratory distress. These may include:
Shortness of breath:
Feeling like you can't get enough air, or struggling to breathe, is a common symptom of respiratory distress.
Rapid breathing:
Breathing faster than normal, or taking shallow breaths, may be a sign of respiratory distress.
Chest pain:
Pain or discomfort in the chest can be a sign of a serious respiratory problem.
Wheezing/Stridor:
A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing may indicate narrowing of the airways.
Cyanosis:
This can indicate a lack of oxygen in the blood.
Confusion:
Lack of oxygen can cause confusion or disorientation.
Fatigue:
Difficulty breathing can cause fatigue or weakness.
Maintaining Normal Breathing Rates
As a first responder, it's important to know the normal breathing rates for adults and children. The normal breathing rate for an adult is around 12-20 breaths per minute, while the normal breathing rate for a child is higher, around 20-40 breaths per minute. However, certain conditions can cause abnormal breathing rates. For example, respiratory distress can cause rapid, shallow breathing, while other conditions, such as sleep apnea, can cause periods of slowed or paused breathing.
Breathing Management
Proper breathing management is essential for providing effective care to patients in respiratory distress. As a first responder, here are some tips for managing breathing:
Administer oxygen:
Depending on the severity of the patient's respiratory distress, administering oxygen may be necessary. The appropriate oxygen delivery device should be used based on the patient's level of respiratory distress.
Position the patient:
Positioning the patient in a way that maximizes their breathing capacity can be helpful. For example, placing the patient in a sitting position with their head slightly elevated may make it easier for them to breathe.
Provide assisted ventilation:
In some cases, conscious bagging with a bag valve mask may be necessary to help the patient normalize their breathing rate.
Transport the patient to a medical facility:
If the patient's respiratory distress is severe, transport them to a medical facility for further treatment.
Oxygen masks and flow rates
Breathing masks are a crucial piece of equipment for first responders, as they allow them to provide oxygen to patients in respiratory distress. There are several types of breathing masks available, each with its own specific use and oxygen flow rate. In this post, we'll explore the different types of breathing masks commonly used by first responders, including the nasal cannula, simple face mask, non-rebreather mask, and bag valve mask.
Nasal Cannula
The nasal cannula is a type of oxygen delivery device that is used to provide oxygen to patients with mild to moderate respiratory distress. It is a thin tube that is inserted into the nostrils and is held in place by a strap that goes around the patient's head. The nasal cannula is typically used to deliver low to medium oxygen flow rates, typically ranging from 1 to 6 liters per minute (LPM).
Simple Face Mask
The simple face mask is another type of oxygen delivery device that is used to provide oxygen to patients with respiratory distress. It covers the nose and mouth and is held in place by an elastic strap that goes around the patient's head. The simple face mask is typically used to deliver medium to high oxygen flow rates, typically ranging from 5 to 10 LPM.
Non-Rebreather Mask
The non-rebreather mask is a type of face mask that is used to deliver high concentrations of oxygen to patients with severe respiratory distress. It covers both the nose and mouth and has a one-way valve that allows the patient to inhale oxygen from a reservoir bag. The non-rebreather mask is typically used to deliver high oxygen flow rates, ranging from 10 to 15 LPM.
Bag Valve Mask
The bag valve mask, also known as a manual resuscitator, is a handheld device that is used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients in respiratory distress. It consists of a bag that is attached to a mask and is used to deliver oxygen to the patient's lungs. The bag valve mask is typically used to deliver high oxygen flow rates, ranging from 10 to 15 LPM.
By following proper breathing management techniques, first responders can help ensure that patients receive the oxygen they need to survive, while also ensuring their own safety in emergency situations.
At Delta Emergency Support Training, we understand the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies. We offer a range of training sessions to help individuals and classes develop the skills and knowledge they need to respond to emergency situations. Our courses include Standard First Aid (SFA), Advanced First Aid (AFA), and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and we offer in-person, hybrid, and online options to suit different needs.
If you have any questions about our training sessions or medical emergencies in general, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@deltaemergency.com and we'll be happy to assist you.