MODULE TEMPLATE

1. Title of the Module: Airway, Breathing and Circulation Emergencies

2. Overview/Introduction:
3. Learning Outcome/Objective
a. Identify ABC emergencies and how to address them
b. Perform CPR with AED
c. Perform Rescue Breathing
d. Perform FBAO Management

4. Learning Content/Topic

I. AIRWAY EMERGENCY

Choking
The airway is the passage that connects the nose and mouth with the lungs. Choking occurs when the airway
becomes partially or completely blocked by a foreign object (e.g., a piece of food or a small toy), by swelling in
the mouth or throat, or by fluids, such as vomit or blood. If the airway is blocked by the person’s tongue or by
swelling, this is called an anatomical obstruction. If it is blocked by a physical object, this is called a mechanical
obstruction. Children younger than 5 years old have a particularly high risk of choking because their airways
are about the size of their little fingers, but a person of any age can choke.
A. Anatomy and Physiology
The respiratory system consists of the airway and the lungs. When breathing in, air moves from the
outside world into the lungs through the airway. The respiratory system constantly supplies the body
with the oxygen it needs and removes carbon dioxide. The process is largely involuntary and is
controlled by the brain.
B. Common Causes
Any medical condition that affects a person’s ability to chew and/or swallow increases his or her risk of
choking. So can dental problems or poorly fitting dentures that affect a person’s ability to chew food
properly. Common causes of choking include the following:
• Trying to swallow large pieces of food
• Eating while talking, laughing, walking, or running
• Eating too quickly
a. Partial Choking
Partial choking happens when the airway is partially blocked. Coughing is the body’s way of
clearing the airway, and so it may indicate a partial airway obstruction. A person who is
coughing is still able to breathe. Since forceful coughing usually eliminates the obstruction,
encourage the person to keep coughing. Stand by and monitor the person in case further
help becomes necessary. Note that the care for complete choking will be ineffective for
partial choking, because it depends on creating pressure behind the blockage (which is
impossible unless the blockage is complete). If the person is or becomes too weak to cough,
his or her condition will quickly deteriorate into complete choking. If a choking person is
unable to cough forcefully for any reason, call EMS immediately and monitor the person’s
condition closely.

Typical signs of partial choking include the following:

• A look of panic, with wide eyes
• Forceful or weak coughing
• One or both hands clutching the throat

First Aid
 It is not usually necessary to call for help for partial choking, though you may need to
do so if the obstruction does not clear or the person’s condition worsens.
  If the person is coughing or can speak, encourage him or her to cough forcefully, and
do not interfere. Forceful coughing may be enough to clear the obstruction on its
own.
 Encourage or assist the person to sit upright, if possible, as this will make coughing
easier and more effective.
 Continue to monitor the person’s condition until either the obstruction clears itself or
the person’s condition worsens.

b. Complete Choking
Complete choking happens when the airway is completely blocked. When a person is
experiencing complete choking, he or she is unable to breathe and is in a life-threatening
situation. Immediate first aid (and possibly medical intervention) is required to remove
whatever is blocking the airway.

The signs and symptoms of complete choking include the following:

• An inability to speak, cough, or breathe
• High-pitched squeaking noises
• Flushed (red) skin that becomes bluish or paler than normal
• A look of panic with wide eyes
• One or both hands clutching the throat

First Aid
 If possible, send someone to call EMS and get an AED while you care for the
person.
 If you are alone, immediately begin providing care for complete choking. Shout for
help to try to attract the attention of a bystander, but do not delay care by calling
EMS yourself.
 Try to dislodge the object by combining any two of the following three options: back
blows, abdominal thrusts, and chest thrusts. Continue alternating between the two
methods until the object comes out, the person begins to breathe, or the person
becomes unresponsive.
 II. BREATHING EMERGENCY

A person who is having difficulty breathing is in respiratory distress. A person who is not breathing is in
respiratory arrest. Both respiratory distress and respiratory arrest are breathing emergencies.

Respiratory Distress

 Common Causes Respiratory distress may be caused by any of the following:

 Hyperventilation  Chest trauma
 Asthma or chronic obstructive  Poisoning
pulmonary disease (COPD)  A drug over dose
 Pneumonia or bronchitis  Electrocution
 An allergic reaction  Certain mental health conditions
 Anaphylaxis (e.g., panic disorders)
 A heart attack or heart failure

 The following are signs and symptoms of respiratory distress:

 Shortness of breath
 Trouble speaking in complete  Unusually deep or shallow breathing
sentences (due to difficulty  Cool, moist skin
breathing)  Bluish or ashen (grey) skin
 Wheezing, gurgling, or high-pitched  Flushed or pale skin
noises  Feelings of fear
 Breathing abnormally quickly or  Dizziness or light-headedness
slowly

 First Aid
 If the person carries medication for respiratory distress, offer to help the person take his or her
medication.
 Encourage the person to sit down in a comfortable position (leaning forward may help make
breathing easier).
 Provide reassurance, as this can help reduce anxiety and help the person control his or her
breathing.
 Monitor the person’s condition and provide continual care until EMS personnel arrive.

Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation is a condition in which a person is breathing much more quickly than usual. This upsets the
body’s balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

 The following are common causes of hyperventilation:

 Strong emotions such as excitement, fear, or anxiety
 Asthma
 Injuries, especially injuries to the head
 Exercise
 Life-threatening bleeding

 Prevention
If you tend to hyperventilate due to anxiety, panic, or stress, relaxation techniques such as breathing
exercises may help. If you hyperventilate due to a diagnosed medical condition, speaking to your doctor
will help you learn how to treat or control it.
  The following are signs and symptoms of hyperventilation:
 Rapid, shallow breathing
 A feeling of suffocating or not getting enough air
 Fear, anxiety, or confusion
 A feeling of dizziness
 Numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes
 Muscle contractions, usually in the hands, feet, arms, and legs
 First Aid
 Encourage the person to take controlled breaths by breathing in slowly, holding his or her breath
for a few seconds, and then gradually exhaling.

Asthma
Many people have asthma—a chronic illness in which certain substances or conditions (i.e., triggers) cause
inflammation and swelling of the bronchioles (i.e., the small tubes at the base of the lungs), making it harder for
air to move in and out of the lungs. Asthma is more common in children. People who have asthma usually
know what can trigger an attack and take measures to avoid these triggers. Asthma is usually controlled with
medication.

 Asthma can be triggered by:

 Air pollution or poor air quality (e.g., cigarette smoke)
 Allergies (e.g., to pollen, food, drugs, insect stings, or animals)
 Temperature fluctuations, extreme humidity, or extreme dryness
 Strong odours (e.g., perfume, cologne, scented cleaning products)
 Colds and flus
 Physical activity
 Respiratory infections
 Stress or anxiety
 If you have asthma, the following precautions may help to prevent attacks:
 Know what triggers your attacks and avoid them if possible.
 Ensure that prescribed medication is always easily accessible in case of an attack.
 If a child has asthma:
 Make sure that anyone who supervises the child knows about the asthma and how to help give
medication if necessary.
 The signs and symptoms of an asthma attack include the following:
 Wheezing or coughing, especially when exhaling
 Gasping for air
 Shortness of breath (feeling unable to get enough air into the lungs)
 Rapid, shallow breathing (or trouble breathing)
 Anxiety and fear
 Tightness in the chest
 Tingling in the hands and feet
 Sweating
 Inability to say more than a few words without pausing to breathe
 First Aid
 Eliminate any asthma triggers, if possible. If something in the environment is causing the attack,
move the person away from the area if it is safe to do so.
 Help the person get into a comfortable position and provide reassurance.
 Help the person to take any prescribed quick-relief asthma medication that he or she has
available.
 5. Teaching and Learning Activities: Online posttest on the concept
6. Flexible Teaching Learning Modality adapted: Online classroom Via Zoom app.

7. Assessment Task: Video Presentation “FBAO Management for Adult”

8. References
 Comprehensive Course Guide for First Aid and CPR by © 2017 The Red Cross Society