2.0 Clinical Indications for Intervention

Respiratory arrest results from numerous medical emergencies and traumatic injuries. Rapid identification of the patient’s condition is crucial for initiating immediate and effective intervention, regardless of the cause. The following conditions are primary indications for artificial respiration.

Drowning

When fluid fills the lungs, it creates a physical barrier that obstructs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli, leading to acute respiratory failure.

Cardiac Arrest

The cessation of heart function halts blood circulation. This immediately deprives the brain’s respiratory control center of oxygen, causing breathing to stop.

Electric Shock

High-current electricity disrupts the heart’s normal rhythm and can directly impact the central nervous system, including the brain’s respiratory center, causing an abrupt cessation of breathing.

Poisoning

Toxins, such as inhaled carbon monoxide or certain drug overdoses, depress the central nervous system. This impairs the brain’s ability to regulate the respiratory drive, leading to ineffective breathing or complete respiratory arrest.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Direct head trauma or a stroke can damage the specific brain regions that control the rhythm and depth of respiration.

Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reactions)

A severe allergic reaction triggers massive swelling of airway tissues. This edema can physically obstruct the passage of air, making it impossible for the patient to breathe.

Foreign Body Airway Obstruction

If an object completely blocks the airway, breathing will stop. Artificial respiration is indicated after the obstruction is cleared if the patient does not resume spontaneous breathing.

In every one of these scenarios, the urgent application of artificial respiration is essential to combat hypoxic injury and preserve the patient’s chance of a positive outcome.