FIRST AID HANDBOOK
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
The upper respiratory tract includes the mouth,
Trachea
Larynx
nose and the cavities behind them and above
the voice box (larynx). The lower respiratory tract
Bronchioles
Lungs includes the larynx, windpipe (trachea), tubes
inside the lungs known as the bronchial tree and
the lungs. Breathing is achieved by signals from
the brain stem causing the muscles attached to
the ribs (intercostals) to move outward and the
diaphragm to contract and move downwards to
increase the lung capacity. This creates a negative pressure and air is drawn
in to equalise that pressure. Gas exchange is achieved when oxygen from
the inhaled air is transferred to the cardiovascular system and carbon dioxide
and other waste products are transferred from the cardiovascular system for
removal by exhaling. Without a regular supply of oxygen body tissues will start
to die within minutes.
RESPIRATORY ASSESSMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR
CHILDREN
Important factors to watch in children:
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Respiratory rate
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How hard are they working to breathe
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Conscious state
SIGNS OF RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
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Excessive muscle movement surrounding their diaphragm when breathing
Skin at the base of their neck being drawn inwards (“tracheal tug”)
Ribs may be visible during breathing and the skin in between their ribs being
pulled inwards as they breathe
When distressed, younger children may move their head up and down as
they are breathing
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