EMT-Basic/Medical/Respiratory

Lesson 4.2: Respiratory Emergencies

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the EMT-Basic should be able to:

1. Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system.
2. State the signs and symptoms of breathing difficulty.
3. Describe the emergency medical care of the patient with breathing difficulty.
4. Recognize the need for medical direction to assist in the emergency medical care of the patient with breathing difficulty.
5. Describe the emergency medical care of the patient with breathing distress.
6. Establish the relationship between airway management and the patient with difficulty breathing.
7. List the signs of adequate air exchange.
8. State the generic name, medication forms, dose, administration, action, indications, and contraindications for the prescribed inhaler.
9. Distinguish between the emergency medical care of the infant, child, and adult patient with breathing difficulty.
10. Differentiate between upper airway obstruction and lower airway disease in the infant and child patient.
11. Defend EMT-Basic treatment regimens for various respiratory emergencies.
12. Explain the rationale for administering an inhaler.
13. Demonstrate the emergency medical care for breathing difficulty.
14. Perform the steps in facilitating the use of an inhaler.