Respiratory System & Breathing

• Breathing, or respiration, involves the nose, mouth, throat, windpipe, and lungs.
• Lungs facilitate oxygen intake for the body.
• Breathing is an involuntary, automatic process.
• Muscles and ribs are used in breathing.
• The heart pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
• Oxygenated blood is then pumped throughout the body.
• Every part of the body requires oxygen to function correctly.

Breathing Requirements

• Adequate oxygen levels in the air are necessary.
• A clear airway is needed that includes the mouth, throat, and windpipe.
• Respiratory muscle action draws air into the lungs.
• Sufficient blood is needed to transport oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.

Respiratory Arrest

• Life depends on air supply to the lungs.
• Insufficient air intake can be fatal.
• Brain damage can occur after four minutes without air.

Signs of Stopped Breathing

• Absence of chest movement.
• No breath felt or heard.

Causes of Breathing Cessation

• Airway obstruction caused by a foreign object, drowning, smothering, or strangulation.
• Poisonous gases, such as smoke or exhaust fumes, in the air.
• Electric shock.
• Poisoning.
• Head or respiratory system injuries.

Actions if Breathing Stops

• Remove the cause from the person or remove the person from the cause.
• Determine if the person is breathing.
• Open and maintain an open airway.
• If the airway is blocked, reposition the head and check for obstructions.
• Remove any obstructions if possible.
• Immediately begin artificial respiration and continue until the person breathes.
• Call for qualified medical assistance.
• Once breathing restarts, place the person in the recovery position.
• Continuously monitor the person, as breathing may stop again.

Opening the Airway

• In an unconscious person, muscles relax, which can cause the tongue to block the throat.
• Open the airway by kneeling next to the person's head.
• Place one hand under the neck and the other on the forehead.
• Tilt the head backward.
• Check for signs of breathing by listening and observing.
• If breathing starts, place the person in the recovery position.
• If breathing does not start, immediately begin artificial respiration.

Administering Artificial Respiration

• Open the airway by tilting the person's head backward.
• Pinch the nose shut using the thumb and forefinger of the hand on the forehead.
• Take a deep breath.
• Seal your mouth over the person's mouth and blow air in.
• Repeat this four times quickly, and check for breathing.
• If breathing starts, place the person in the recovery position.
• Watch for chest rise during the breaths.
• Continue artificial respiration in rhythm with your own breathing until the person breathes independently or until qualified aid arrives.
• If you cannot blow air in, or the chest does not rise and fall, the airway is blocked.
• Check the head and hand positions.
• If the airway remains blocked, check the mouth for obstructions and clear them if possible.
• Continue with artificial respiration.

Mouth-to-Nose Breathing for Infants

• Exercise caution and gentleness with infants.
• Tilt the baby's head back gently, but not as far as with an adult.
• Cover the baby's mouth and nose with your mouth to form a seal.
• Use small, gentle puffs of air.
• Continue until the baby breathes or until medical help comes.
• Always call for qualified aid when someone requires artificial respiration.

Airway Obstructions

• Objects such as nuts, food, or toys can obstruct the airway.
• A completely blocked airway signs include:
  • Inability to speak.
  • Panicked behavior and clutching at the throat.
  • Attempt to cough.
• A partially blocked airway signs include:
  • Constant coughing.
  • Unusual breathing sounds.
  • Restlessness and fear.