AIRWAY/BREATHING

AIRWAY/BREATHING

The first and most important element of medical care after an accident is to ensure that the casualty’s airway is unobstructed.

A person who is unconscious has no control over their muscles. When the tongue muscle relaxes, the tongue tends to fall back and partially or completely blocks the airway. This is one of the chief causes of airway obstruction. Snoring respirations are a clear indication of partial obstruction of the airway. If a person stops breathing for more than about two minutes, the heart stops.

To prevent this development, open the airway by the head tilt/chin lifting maneuver tilting the head backwards and upwards lifting the chin.

Another reason for airway obstruction could be caused by vomit, saliva or blood, since the swallowing reflexes are impaired when a casualty is unconscious.

Put the casualty on the side and clear any solids from the mouth with your fingers, like a hook. The airway should now be unobstructed.

Other causes of breathing problems are head-, chest-, airway injuries, or smoke. These could result in reduced breathing rate or heavy, irregular breathing. The casualty may even stop breathing altogether.

Putting a casualty into the recovery position is one of the most important steps in you action to ensure a free airway.