Reference protocol
🫁 Medical origin
PROTOCOL — RESPIRATORY DIFFICULTIES OF MEDICAL ORIGIN
Version May 20, 2022
PROTOCOL — RESPIRATORY DIFFICULTIES OF MEDICAL ORIGIN
Assess for the following signs
🗣 Inability to speak full sentences
⏱ Prolonged expiratory phase
🔉 Wheezing / whistling breathing
💪 Accessory muscles on inspiration
💙 Perioral cyanosis
Does the victim have a respiratory rate
> 24 breaths / minute?
> 24 breaths / minute?
YES — > 24/min
Hyperventilation — Intervention
😌 Calm the victim
+ guided breathing coaching
+ guided breathing coaching
Is the victim a known asthmatic ?
YES
💊 Ventolin
inhaler + spacer
⏱ repeatable / 10 min
inhaler + spacer
⏱ repeatable / 10 min
💨 High-conc. O₂
(100% mask)
(100% mask)
NO
Still > 24/min?
YES
Breathe
into a bag
under supervision
into a bag
under supervision
NO
Rate
normalized ✓
normalized ✓
Is there a risk of allergic reaction?
YES
ANAPHYLAXIS
PROTOCOL
PROTOCOL
NO
Reassess
ABC
ABC
NO — other dyspnea
Is there a risk of allergic reaction?
YES
ANAPHYLAXIS
PROTOCOL
PROTOCOL
NO
Is the victim a known asthmatic ?
YES
💊 Ventolin
inhaler + spacer
⏱ repeatable / 10 min
inhaler + spacer
⏱ repeatable / 10 min
💨 High-conc. O₂
(100% mask)
(100% mask)
NO
Use of accessory
muscles?
muscles?
YES
💊 Ventolin
+ spacer
+ spacer
⏱ / 10 min
💨 High-conc.
O₂
O₂
NO
💨 High-conc.
O₂
O₂
Position
of comfort
of comfort
Place in position of comfort
Sitting or semi-sitting position preferred
Sitting or semi-sitting position preferred
In all cases — Common actions
😌 Calm the victim
Loosen clothing
Loosen clothing
📊 Reassess frequently
vital signs (ABC)
vital signs (ABC)
📞 Hospital
via 911
via 911