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StandardFirstAid/Rev2/06062017 - COPYRIGHTS © SINGAPORE FIRST AID TRAINING CENTRE PTE LTD
FUME INHALATION
FUME INHALATION
may be life-threatening as it can:
•
be difficult to detect as some fumes have no odour or colour;
•
be absorbed and cause harmful effects very quickly; and
•
lead to poisoning, fits and even death
TREATMENT
•
Call for ambulance at once.
•
Bring the victim to a well-ventilated area.
•
Place victim in a sitting position up.
•
Encourage to breathe deeply.
•
Administer oxygen if available.
•
Monitor the victim closely as breathing may stop. If so, start CPR.
DROWNING
A DROWNING victim may
1.
Experience difficulty in breathing; and
2.
May stop breathing.
TREATMENT
•
Use a buoy, float or rope to help the victim.
•
Call for an ambulance, no matter how minor it seems.
•
Do NOT try to pump the water out.
•
Assist victim to sit up and breathe deeply.
•
Provide victim with a towel or a blanket.
•
If no breathing, begin CPR.
SUFFOCATION AND STRANGULATION
A person may:
1.
SUFFOCATE
when there is an obstruction to breathing, such as a
plastic bag covering the nose and mouth, or in areas with low oxygen
levels like in a smoke-filled room
2.
STRANGULATE
if there is external pressure on the throat
TREATMENT
•
Remove the obstruction from the face or neck. Cut if necessary.
•
Bring person to a well-ventilated area.
•
Call for an ambulance.
•
Get victim to sit up and breathe deeply.
•
If no breathing, begin CPR.
HYPERVENTILATION
HYPERVENTILATION
is a condition in which:
•
the victim starts breathing very fast;
•
is usually caused by stress, anxiety or anger; and
•
the victim may experience cramps in the hands and feet.
TREATMENT
•
Remove the victim from source if distress, if possible.
•
Calm the victim in a kind but firm tone.
•
Encourage the victim to breathe slowly.