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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.