PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

shortness of breath; wheeze (high pitched whistling sound during breathing). A severe asthma attack includes some or all of the following signs and symptoms: gasping for breath (which may have little or no wheeze due to little movement of air); severe chest tightness; inability to speak more than one or two words per breath; feeling distressed and anxious; little or no improvement after using “reliever” medication; sucking in’ of the throat and rib muscles, use of shoulder muscles or bracing with arms to help breathing; blue discolouration around the lips (can be hard to see if skin colour also changes); pale and sweaty skin; symptoms rapidly getting worse; or using reliever more than every two hours. What are the triggers of asthma? In asthma, symptoms are made worse by ‘triggers’. Every person’s asthma is different and not all people will have the same triggers. Triggers can include colds and flu, cigarette smoke, exercise, inhaled allergens (e.g. pollens, moulds, animal dander, dust mites), environmental factors (e.g. dust, pollution, wood smoke, bush fires), changes in temperature and weather, certain medications (e.g. aspirin), chemicals and strong smells (e.g. perfumes, cleaning products), emotional factors (e.g. laughter, stress), some foods and food preservatives, flavourings and colourings (uncommon). What are the different types of bronchodilators? Bronchodilators are medications used to help improve airflow into the lungs. They act to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath during asthma attacks by relaxing the smooth muscle surrounding the airways. Long-acting bronchodilators take effect after 30 minutes and can give symptom relief for 12 hours. Because they do not take effect right away, they cannot be used as rescue inhalers to stop an asthma attack after symptoms start. They should also not be used as stand-alone medication for asthma in adults or children and should only be used for the shortest time possible to achieve asthma control. Short-acting bronchodilators contain quick relief medicine as they reverse airway constriction quickly. They are commonly used as rescue inhalers to treat acute symptoms and asthma flare-ups. How do you provide first aid for asthma? Sit the person comfortably upright, be calm and reassuring and don’t leave the person alone. Give 4 puffs of a blue/grey reliever (e.g. Ventolin, Asmol or Airomir) and use a spacer, if available. Give 1 puff at a time with 4 breaths after each puff and use the person’s own inhaler if possible. If the person still cannot breathe normally, call EMS (Triple Zero – 000) immediately. Say that someone is having an asthma attack. Keep giving reliever by giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the ambulance arrives. Basic anatomy and physiology This section introduces you to infant respiratory systems along with the basic anatomical differences between adults and children and the implications for providing CPR and first aid to children and infants. We’ll also look at the normal clinical values for infants and children.

HLTAID004 - PROVIDE AN EMERGENCY FIRST AID RESPONSE IN AN EDUCATION AND CARE SETTING

HLTAID004 - PROVIDE AN EMERGENCY FIRST AID RESPONSE IN AN EDUCATION AND CARE SETTING

Principles and procedures for first aid management This section provides further information on signs, symptoms and triggers of anaphylaxis (incl. different types of adrenaline auto-injectors) and asthma (incl. different types of bronchodilators). Anaphylaxis What is anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life threatening. It must be treated as a medical emergency, requires immediate treatment and urgent medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a generalised allergic reaction, which often involves more than one body system. A severe allergic reaction usually occurs within 20 minutes of exposure to the trigger. It is characterised by rapidly developing airway and / or breathing and / or circulation problems usually accompanied by skin and mucosal changes. What are the triggers and indications of anaphylaxis? Many substances can trigger anaphylaxis, including foods (especially peanuts, tree nuts, cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, seafood, fish, soy, and sesame), drugs (e.g. penicillin), venom from bites (ticks) or stings (e.g. bees, wasps or ants). The indications are highly variable and may include: difficult or noisy breathing, a wheeze or persistent cough, swelling of face and tongue, swelling or tightness in throat, difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice, persistent dizziness or loss of consciousness and/or collapse, pale and floppy (in young children), abdominal pain and vomiting, hives, welts and body redness. What are the different types of adrenaline auto-injectors? Adrenaline auto-injectors are automatic injectors designed for use by anyone, including people who are not medically trained. The auto-injector contains a single, fixed dose of adrenaline. In Australia there are two brands of adrenaline auto-injectors: EpiPen® and Anapen® - that are also available in a junior version (EpiPen®Jr and Anapen® 150) and a higher dose device (EpiPen® and Anapen® 300). Only one brand should be prescribed per individual. How do you use an adrenaline auto-injector? For the Anapen® , remove the black needle shield and the grey safety cap from the red firing button. Place needle end firmly against outer mid-thigh at 90 degree angle (with or without clothing) and press red button so it clicks and hold for 10 seconds. For the EpiPen® , form a fist around EpiPen® and pull off blue safety release. Hold leg still and place orange end against outer mid-thigh (with or without clothing) and push down hard until a click is heard or felt and hold for 3 seconds. Asthma What is asthma? Asthma is a disorder of the smaller airways of the lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways which can narrow when exposed to certain ‘triggers’, leading to difficulty in breathing. Three main factors cause the airways to narrow: the muscle around the airway tightens (bronchoconstriction), the inside lining of the airways becomes swollen (inflammation) or extra mucus (sticky fluid) may be produced. What are the indications of asthma? Asthma can be recognised by the following signs and symptoms: a dry, irritating, persistent cough, particularly at night, early morning, with exercise or activity; chest tightness;

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PADI RTO

PADI RTO