Breathing

If the airway to the lungs (mouth, throat, or windpipe) is obstructed, the person will not be able to breathe (see Asphyxia). Breathing can also cease because the lungs are damaged or full of fluid, or contain gases other than air. Or there may be a brain or heart malfunction. If breathing stops, the brain becomes starved if oxygen and irreversible damage may occur. Hold your ear close to the casualty’s nose and mouth for 10 seconds. If he or she is breathing you should hear or feel the movement of air. While you are doing this, look at the chest wall to see if it is rising and falling. If the skin looks very pale, or bluish, especially around the lips, this is more evidence that breathing has stopped or that circulation is impaired.

Artificial Respiration
If breathing has stopped, place the casualty on his or her back on a firm surface. Tilt the head backwards and bring the lower jaw upwards and forwards to open the throat and keep the tongue from blocking the airway. Clear out any material from the, mouth and throat. Pinch the casualty’s nose. Take a deep breath, seal your mouth around the casualty’s mouth and blow into the lungs, just enough to make the chest rise. Then take your mouth away and watch the chest fall. If the heart is bearing, the casualty should regain a healthy colour after the first inflations. Give the first 6-12 breaths quickly, then slow down to a rate which is enough to keep the casualties colour normal-looking – about the same as your own breathing rate.

Once the casualty is breathing strongly and unaided, place him or her in the recovery position (see Unconsciousness) and monitor breathing until medical help arrives. If breathing falters or does not continue unaided, carry on giving artificial respiration unto medical help arrives. If, after 2 breaths of artificial respiration, the casualty does not respond, give cardiac resuscitation (see Circulation).

Homeopathic remedies if you are on your own, do not give any remedies until the casualty is breathing regularly and unaided. However, if there is someone else present who can carry on with the resuscitation, select a remedy from the list below.