Individuals seeking or requiring CPR courses/training may now contact Saskatoon first aid for competitive rates. Breathing and circulation emergencies is one of the chapters taught in our classes available to the public. Our class will help identify the signs/symptoms of hyperventilation, asthma, anaphylaxis and respiratory arrest. Classes that cover breathing and circulation emergencies include standard, emergency and childcare first aid. All of these courses are offered through Saskatoon first aid. Register for first aid and CPR courses with Saskatoon First Aid today.
The body is compromised of systems which help breathing are called respiratory, circulatory and nervous system. While breathing, the diaphragm contracts and relaxes while the chest cavity expands and relaxes. As a result, air moves in and out of the lungs. Respiratory distress will often show similar signs/symptoms. As a result, you do not need to know the specific cause of said distress in order to provide adequate life-saving action. First step is to move them to a comfortable position to help breathing easier. If the room is hot/stuffy then open a window as heat/humidity makes it less comfortable to breath. Try to distance the person from smoky areas and allow the person to rest. Calm the individual and reassure that you are there to help. If the condition worsens and if prescribed medication does not help then proceed to call EMS. Hyperventilation occurs when someone breathes faster than normal as it will upset the natural balance of oxygen/carbon dioxide in the person’s body. Hyperventilation is often caused by fear, anxiety, injuries to the head, severe bleeding, illness, asthma or exercise. Asthma is when the air passages narrows making it difficult to breathe. This occurs most on children than adults and can be triggered by air quality, emotional stress or physical activity. Most cases are controlled by medication and symptoms is wheezing during exhalation. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that swell air passages which may be caused by food, insect stings or medication. Symptoms are swelling of lips/ears/hands, redness of skin/hives, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, coughing, wheezing. If the person has an epinephrine auto injector then use it and call 9-1-1 immediately as epinephrine is a temporary fix. For additional information on these emergencies and other CPR courses/training, please contact First Aid Saskatoon.