A basic guide to emergency ventilation

'When Breathing Fails' A basic guide to emergency ventilation
This booklet is a simple introduction to breathing and what to do in an emergency if it fails or stops. Breathing is a vital part of life and failure can be serious and life-threatening unless you can provide effective support. Breathing failure can happen anywhere - at home or in the street, at work or during recreation and can effect both adults and children alike. This booklet, aimed at the emergency repsonder with only basic training tries to answer several commonly-asked questions about breathing. It is not the intention to provide full life support training - only recognised programmes can do this effectively, but I hope it will help your understanding of why artificial ventilation is so important.
Dr. D.J. Baker Consultant Medical Adviser Pneupac Ltd	Download this booklet by clicking on the Adobe Acrobat file (PDF) below. Alternatively click here to request a copy	Click below to download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader
Contents of booklet What exactly is breathing? Why do we need to breathe? Why does normal breathing sometimes fail? When breathing fails what can be done? What is meant by 'ventilation' and 'respiration'? How can artificial ventilation be given? What advantages are there in using a resuscitation ventilator? What is meant by 'airway' and why is it important? How can I know if breathing is failing in an unconscious person? When should artificial ventilation begin? How does artificial ventilation fit in with basic life support (CPR - Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation)? How should a resuscitation ventilator be used by first responders to emergencies? Are there any dangers to the patient in using a resuscitation ventilator driven by high pressure oxygen? How long should artificial ventilation and basic life support continue?