disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

What are YOU gonna do about…
BREATHING PROBLEMS
ASTHMA ATTACK
Things to watch for…
Noisy breathing or wheezing
Difficulty in breathing or speaking
Blueness of skin, lips and fingertips or nails
What to do…
• Make sure victim has nothing in mouth (open airway).
• Have victim sit up straight to make breathing easier.
• If victim has medication, or an inhaler, have them take it.
• Try to keep victim and yourself calm.
• If attack is severe, call for ambulance or emergency help.
Some tips that could possibly help slow down an asthma attack:
(Note: These tips are NOT to be used as a replacement for medical attention
but could be helpful in the early stages of an asthma attack.)
Pursed lip breathing - At the first sign of an attack, breathe in deeply
through nose and out through mouth with lips pursed (like blowing up a
balloon). It will help relax the body and may get rid of stale air in lungs.
Drink a warm liquid or caffeine - Drinking one or two cups of coffee or
tea that have caffeine could help relax the bronchial tubes. If you decide to
drink a soda, do not use ice since cold could possibly trigger an attack - the
warmer the better.
For more information about Asthma visit the CDC NCEH’s Air Pollution
and Respiratory web site at www.cdc.gov/asthma/
RESCUE BREATHING (NOT BREATHING)
Rescue breathing (or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) should only be done
when the victim is not breathing on his or her own. Make sure the victim is
not choking on anything like vomit, blood or food (if so, see CHOKING)
and check them using the ABCs… Airway, Breathing, and Circulation!
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