Hyperventilation

Hello dear members, here is something new for you to extend your knowledge in First Aid. :)

I'm sure you've come across this term "hyperventilation". Girls especially, you'll often come across someone saying that they hyperventilate when they see their idol. (Often used as an expression) So, what exactly is hyperventilation?

It is commonly a manifestation of acute anxiety and may accompany a panic attack.

Hyperventilation causes abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, leading to chemical changes within the blood.

Recognition:
-unnaturally fast, deep breathing
- dizziness or faintness
- trembling and tingling in the hands
- attention-seeking behaviour
- cramps in the hands and feet

What are your aims as a first aider?
- To remove the casualty from the cause of distress
- To reassure the casualty and calm her down

How do you treat the casualty?
1. Speak to the casualty, introduce yourself as a qualified first aider, then reassure him/her that everything would be fine. (Be firm but kind and reassuring)

2. If possible, lead the casualty away to a quiet place where he/she may be able to regain control of her breathing more easily and quickly. If this is not possible, ask any bystanders to leave. (control crowd)

3. If the casualty is not able to regain control of his/her breathing, ask her to re-breathe her own exhaled air from a paper bag. Tell him/her to breathe in and out slowly, using the bag, about 10 times and then breathe without the bag for 15 seconds. He/she should continue to alternate this cycle of breathing with and without the bag until the need to breathe rapidly has passed.

4. Encourage the casualty to see her doctor about preventing and controlling panic attacks in the future.

Source: First Aid Manual 8th Edition