First Aid Guides
Breathing difficulties in kids
First aid for breathing difficulties
Breathing problems happen more often in children than in adults. They can be caused by colds, viruses, or other health issues, and may lead to coughing or wheezing.
Respiratory distress means someone isn’t getting enough oxygen. This is very serious and can be life-threatening.
Learn more about triggers, signs and symptoms of breathing distress.
Anaphylaxis, choking, severe asthma and other severe symptoms of breathing difficulty can be life-threatening, and an ambulance must be called straight away.
Start with DRSABCD
D - Danger
Assess the area to ensure its safe for yourself, others and the patient. Only proceed to help them if its safe.
R - Response
Check for a response. You can do this by asking their name and squeezing their shoulders.
- If they do respond: Make them comfortable and continue to follow the steps in this guide
- If they don't respond: Send for help immediately (call Triple Zero 000) and follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
First aid for breathing difficulties or respiratory distress
If the child or person stops breathing and becomes unresponsive, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance and perform CPR until help arrives.
For milder symptoms (e.g. caused by a cold or virus) you can:
- Make the child/person comfortable
- Get them to sit and rest
- Keep upright to make breathing easier
- Remove any triggers if caused by asthma or allergies (refer to asthma/allergies first responder guides)
- Monitor for symptoms worsening
- Call Health Direct for advice if you are unsure
- Try to avoid panicking, calm and reassure the child/person
For known severe allergies/asthma, administer autoinjector or reliever as per the child’s or patient’s Action Plan and call Triple Zero (000). See the Anaphylaxis and Asthma first responder guides for more information.
When to go to the emergency department or call Triple Zero (000):
- If an infant younger than 10 weeks old has any signs of breathing difficulty, seek medical aid immediately.
- Has anaphylaxis (see anaphylaxis first responder guide for management).
- If milder symptoms persist or get worse.
- If the child/person shows severe symptoms of breathing difficulty or respiratory distress, including:
- Shallow or rapid breathing
- Chest/ribs sucking in with each breath
- Can’t speak normally
- Anxiety, progressing to drowsiness and confusion
- Cyanosis (blue skin around lips or fingertips)
If the child/person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally:
- DRSABCD
- Perform CPR until medical aid arrives
Asthma and Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulties can be linked to asthma. See the below guide for more information.
Asthma
Anaphylaxis and Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulties can be linked to asthma. See the below guide for more information.
Anaphylaxis
Allergies and Breathing Difficulties
Allergies can be a trigger for breathing distress. See the below guide for more information.
Allergies
What to do for breathing distress
- DO attend the emergency department if symptoms don’t ease, they get worse or you are worried
- DO call an ambulance for severe symptoms
- DO monitor the person for symptoms getting worse
What not to do for breathing distress
- DON’T panic, try to keep the child/person calm
