Respiratory arrest, also known as respiratory failure, is a dangerous medical condition. A quick and appropriate response, including artificial respiration, is essential to saving lives. According to expert analysis, respiratory arrest is mainly caused by airway obstruction or damage to the nervous system, which prevents the body from getting enough oxygen, thus affecting all important organs, especially the brain.
Untreated respiratory arrest can cause brain damage in just three minutes and death within five minutes.
Respiratory arrest can occur for a variety of reasons, including airway obstruction, environmental stress, and damage to the central nervous system. For example, infants often suffer from upper airway obstruction due to nasal congestion, while older people may suffocate due to foreign objects entering their throats. Diseases of the central nervous system, such as stroke, can also make it difficult for the body to breathe spontaneously.
Common symptoms of respiratory arrest include a bluish discoloration of the skin due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. If not treated promptly, the patient will quickly lose consciousness or even suffer cardiac arrest.
Confirmation of respiratory arrest requires clinical evaluation. Before confirming the patient's consciousness, check the heartbeat and breathing status first. If respiratory arrest is confirmed, start artificial respiration immediately and look for possible causes.
Guidelines from the British Heart Association state that in the event of respiratory arrest, artificial respiration should be given immediately to restore the oxygen supply. For example,
The technique of artificial ventilation includes ensuring the tightness of the mask and the proper position of the patient's neck to facilitate the flow of gas in and out.The use of a manual breathing bag device (Bag-Valve-Mask) can provide effective artificial ventilation and help patients get the oxygen they need.
During the initial intervention, the patient's upper airway needs to be cleared and opened. During this process, the patient's head position should be adjusted appropriately to ensure that the airway is not blocked. If the airway is blocked by foreign objects, measures such as the Heimlich maneuver can help remove the obstruction.
Using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal airway can ensure that the airway is open and avoid soft tissue obstruction. These devices need to be adjusted appropriately based on the angle of the patient's mouth or jaw.
In some cases, medication may be needed to facilitate airway intubation or relieve paralysis. In the event of respiratory arrest, an injection should be available to allow for a quicker response. If other means cannot be used to treat the disease, emergency surgery such as tracheotomy may be the only option.
With the development of the medical field, the knowledge and technology of respiratory arrest are also constantly updated. Ensuring that citizens understand when to perform artificial respiration is undoubtedly part of improving public health safety. The technology of artificial respiration is certainly important, but the most fundamental question is: in our society, can everyone master this life-saving skill so that they can lend a helping hand and save lives in critical moments?