ASPHYXIATION


What is asphyxiation?

Asphyxiation is lack of oxygen in the blood.  A person suffering from asphyxiation  may die unless first aid is given promptly.  Nerve cells in the brain can die after only three minutes without oxygen.


Common causes of asphyxiation

  • Blockage of the airway by food, blood, vomit or broken teeth, or by the tongue falling to the back of the throat.  Such blockages can occur with an unconscious person.
  • Compression of the chest or damage to the lungs, possibly in a road accident.
  • Gas poisoning- possibly from carbon monoxide given off by a car exhaust in a confined space.
  • Electrical accidents
  • Suffocation – possibly from a plastic bag being placed over the head.
  • Strangulation – possibly from attempted suicide by hanging
  • A severe attack of asthma or bronchitis.

Warning signs

  • Breathing is difficult, and may become noisy  and eventually stop altogether.
  • The face turns blue, and the veins on the head and neck are swollen.
  • The casualty gradually loses consciousness and may have fits.

What you should do

  • If a person is suffocating because his mouth and nose have become blocked, remove the cause.  If, for example, a plastic bag covers his head, tear it.
  • Check for danger to yourself and to the casualty.  If there is a continuing threat, from escaping gas, for example, stop it at the source or drag the casualty clear.
  • If the casualty has been strangled, quickly cut or untie the cord or other material around the neck.  If possible, keep the knot intact as possible evidence for the police.
  • Check that the casualty is breathing.  If not, clear the airway
  • If breathing does not start, give mouth-to-mouth respiration
  • If you suspect that the airway is blocked by food, treat for choking
  • Once breathing is normal, turn the casualty into the recovery position
  • Call for an ambulance but do not leave the casualty alone.  Keep a careful watch on breathing, and give artificial respiration again if it falters.