Responding to Breathing Emergencies: A guide for OFA Level 1 Attendants

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Breathing emergencies can be life-threatening and demand immediate action. As an OFA Level 1 or Basic First Aid-certified attendant, understanding how to identify, assess, and manage these situations is essential. This guide provides clear steps and best practices for managing breathing emergencies, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations.

Recognizing Breathing Emergencies

Breathing emergencies can range from mild to severe and may result from airway obstruction, respiratory distress, or underlying medical conditions. Early recognition of symptoms is key to preventing escalation.

Common Signs of Breathing Emergencies

  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
  • Gasping for air
  • Wheezing or high-pitched sounds while breathing
  • Blue lips or fingernails (cyanosis) indicating low oxygen levels
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Difficulty speaking or forming full sentences
  • Pale, clammy skin
  • Anxiety or visible distress

Types of Airway Obstructions

  • Mild (Partial) Obstruction: The worker may cough effectively, indicating that some air is passing through.
  • Severe (Complete) Obstruction: The airway is blocked entirely, and the worker cannot speak, cough, or breathe.

Assessing a Breathing Emergency

When responding to a breathing emergency, follow these structured steps:

1. Scene Safety

Ensure the area is safe for you and the injured worker. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves.

2. Check Responsiveness

Assess the worker’s level of consciousness using the AVPU scale:

  • Alert: The worker is fully aware of their surroundings.
  • Verbal: The worker responds to voice commands.
  • Pain: The worker responds to painful stimuli but not verbal commands.
  • Unresponsive: No response to verbal or physical prompts.

3. Conduct a Primary Survey (ABCs)

  • Airway (A): Ensure the airway is open. If the worker is unresponsive, use the head-tilt, chin-lift technique.
  • Breathing (B): Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Assess the breathing rate and quality.
  • Circulation (C): Check for signs of shock, such as pale or clammy skin, and assess for severe external bleeding.

4. Activate Emergency Services

Determine whether the worker requires immediate transport to medical aid. If necessary, call 911 and alert workplace emergency response teams.

Managing Breathing Emergencies

The treatment for breathing emergencies depends on the cause. Below are key approaches for common scenarios:

Mild (Partial) Airway Obstruction

  • Encourage the worker to cough forcefully to expel the object.
  • Do not intervene physically unless the obstruction worsens.

Severe (Complete) Airway Obstruction

  • For responsive workers, administer:
    • Five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts.
    • Repeat the cycle until the obstruction is cleared or the worker becomes unresponsive.
  • For unresponsive workers:
    • Start CPR immediately, performing chest compressions.
    • After each compression cycle, check the airway for visible obstructions and remove them if possible.

Breathing Distress

  • Position the worker comfortably, usually sitting upright to ease breathing.
  • Reassure and calm the worker to reduce panic.
  • If available, provide oxygen therapy (if trained and authorized to do so).
  • Activate workplace emergency response and call for medical assistance.

Respiratory or Cardiac Arrest

  • Begin CPR immediately if the worker is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
  • Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as it becomes available.
  • Continue CPR and AED use until advanced medical personnel take over.

Fluid Obstruction

If fluid (e.g., vomit or blood) is blocking the airway:

  • Turn the worker onto their side to allow drainage.
  • Use a finger sweep to clear the airway only if visible obstructions are present.

Ongoing Assessment and Documentation

As an OFA Level 1 attendant, continuous monitoring and accurate record-keeping are vital:

  • Reassess the worker’s ABCs every five minutes.
  • Document all actions and observations in the first aid record.
  • Provide updates to emergency responders if the worker’s condition changes.

Why Choose OFA Level 1 for Workplace Safety?

First aid training ensures your team is prepared to manage emergencies effectively. An OFA Level 1 certification equips individuals with the skills needed to respond confidently to workplace emergencies, including breathing-related incidents. This certification meets WorkSafeBC standards and is ideal for workplaces in Vancouver seeking compliance and enhanced safety.

Key Takeaways for Managing Breathing Emergencies

  • Recognize early signs of breathing difficulties to act promptly.
  • Use the priority action approach: Scene safety, responsiveness, ABCs, and emergency activation.
  • Be prepared to perform critical interventions like CPR and AED usage.
  • Stay calm, provide reassurance, and ensure worker safety.
  • Keep comprehensive records of all actions taken during the incident.

By mastering these skills, Basic First Aid and OFA Level 1-certified attendants can play a vital role in improving workplace safety and ensuring timely, effective care during breathing emergencies.

Invest in First Aid Training Today

Are you ready to enhance your workplace safety? Enroll in an OFA Level 1 first aid course in Vancouver with trusted providers like Fundamental First Aid or the Canadian Red Cross. These courses ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations and provide hands-on training to prepare you for real-world emergencies.

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