PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

HLTAID002 - PROVIDE BASIC EMERGENCY LIFE SUPPORT Respiratory distress, incl. asthma What is hyperventilation and what are the indications? Hyperventilation is rapid breathing resulting from stress, deliberate over-breathing or other medical condition. The casualty may experience light headedness, air starvation, chest pressure, chest discomfort, panic, blurred vision and tingling. It is important to monitor the casualty and continue the Cycle of Care (DRSABCDS). What are two types of asthma attacks and how do you manage them? Asthma attacks can occur suddenly or develop over a period of time. Mild attack – difficulty breathing and wheezing. Reassure and monitor the casualty, encourage them to take a comfortable position. Severe attack – unable to speak, drowsy, unconscious, airway severely compromised, treat severe attack as a medical emergency. Follow the principles for primary assessment and care, tell casualty to breath slowly and help to take medication as prescribed, administer oxygen (if available) and keep reassuring the casualty. Continue the Cycle of Care (DRSABCDS). Shock What is shock and what causes it? Any injury or illness (serious or minor) that stresses the body may result in shock. Shock occurs when an injury or illness makes it difficult for the body’s circulatory system to provide adequate amounts of oxygenated blood to vital organs. During shock, the body begins to shut down. Shock is a life-threatening condition that is easier to prevent from getting worse than it is to manage or treat after it becomes severe. Shock management is the second S in the last step of the Cycle of Care (DRSABCDS). What conditions may cause shock? Some conditions that may cause shock are: severe bleeding, major trauma, severe burns, severe dehydration, heart attack, abnormal dilation of blood vessels (due to severe infection, allergic reaction, brain or spinal injury) or blocked blood flow to or from the heart.

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