The victim is conscious
If the patient has a severe airway obstruction, follow the appropriate procedure.
Otherwise:
- Never lay the victim down;
- position the victim comfortably to help them breathe more easily; encourage them to adopt a semi-sitting or sitting position10;
- loosen any clothing that may restrict breathing;
- administer oxygen by inhalation if necessary (see information sheet FT 05 A 01: administration of oxygen by inhalation); If a pulse oximeter is not available, administer oxygen by inhalation and adjust the dosage following the doctor’s advice;
- complete the critical emergency assessment, if necessary;
- carry out a further assessment to look for any other signs or injuries and provide the necessary first aid;
- seek medical advice by forwarding the test results;
- Monitor the victim, paying particular attention to their breathing.
The victim has lost consciousness and is not breathing, or is breathing abnormally
- Follow the procedure for cardiac arrest.
The victim has lost consciousness but is still breathing
- Apply the appropriate course of action