DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

What are YOU gonna do about…BREATHING PROBLEMS?ASTHMA ATTACKThings to watch for…Noisy breathing or wheezingDifficulty in breathing or speakingBlueness of skin, lips and fingertips or nailsWhat 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 attentionbut could be helpful in the early stages of an asthma attack.)Pursed lip breathing - At the first sign of an attack, breathe in deeplythrough nose and out through mouth with lips pursed (like blowing up aballoon). 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 ortea that have caffeine could help relax the bronchial tubes. If you decide todrink a soda, do not use ice since cold could possibly trigger an attack - thewarmer the better.For more information about Asthma visit the CDC NCEH’s Air Pollutionand Respiratory web site at www.cdc.gov/asthma/RESCUE BREATHING (NOT BREATHING)Rescue breathing (or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) should only be donewhen the victim is not breathing on his or her own. Make sure the victim isnot choking on anything like vomit, blood or food (if so, see CHOKING)and check them using the ABCs… Airway, Breathing, and Circulation!Continued on next page ...www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325171