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.