Rapid Triage Checkpoint #1 a simple system for checking the breathing of an injured person,
and making the correct intervention if needed. This simple brief act can save lives.
Rapid Triage Checkpoint #1 a simple system for checking the breathing of an injured person, | ||
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Breathing is always first priority. In any encounter with an injured person, always check airway and breathing FIRST. If breathing cannot be established and maintained, nothing else and no amount of effort will save that person without the ability to breathe. Head injuries often cause temporary unconsciousness. Because an unconscious person loses their "gag reflex" it's possible for thtongue to fall back into the throat and block the air passageway. By quickly opening the airway and keeping it open so the person can breathe, you may save a life. When a person is breathing okay but is unconscious, turn them onto their side and prop them in position. Then the tongue will fall naturally away from the throat leaving the airway open, and fluids can safely drain away. If any injured person is NOT breathing- OPEN THE AIRWAY. Use the head-tilt / chin-lift method: Place the palm of one hand on the person's forehead, and the fingers of your other hand under the bony part of the chin. Tilt the chin upward while pressing back on the forehead to open the airway.(Illustration below) Check for breathing - look, listen, and feel. | ||
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NOISY or LABORED BREATHING. If conscious, place them in their position of comfort. Sitting up or reclining may make breathing easier. Loosen any tight clothing. Red-Tag "Immediate" and move to the next person. | ||
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VERY FAST or VERY SLOW BREATHING. If conscious, place them in their position of comfort. If NOT conscious, place on their side, Red-Tag "Immediate" and move to the next person. GURGLING SOUNDS mean fluid in the air passage. Turn the person onto their side and prop them to allow fluid to drain out. Red-Tag "Immediate" and move to the next person. SNORING OR CROWING SOUNDS mean obstruction such as the tongue, or swelling in the air passage. Re-Open the airway. If unconscious turn onto their side and prop in place. Red-Tag "Immediate" and move to the next person. CHANGES IN SKIN COLOR, very pale, blue, or mottled may indicate lack of oxygen. OPEN THE AIRWAY. If BREATHING STARTS, keep the airway open, Red-Tag "Immediate" and move to the next person. If this person is BREATHING OKAY, they have passed this checkpoint - Go on to the next checkpoint: Circulation. | ||||
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