Respiratory emergencies

In emergency medicine, ensuring the airway is not obstructed is usually the first priority in assessment and immediate measures. The mnemonic "ABCD" gives the immediate priorities:
 * Airway: There must be a clear path from the nose or mouth to the lungs. Even if the patient is incapable of active breathing, air can be supplied externally, but if there is no way to oxygenate the blood, the brain will be irreparably damaged in 4-5 minutes at normal body temperature
 * Breathing: If the patient is making no respiratory effort, oxygen can be supplied externally, initially by mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration, manual bag-valve-mask device, or a mechanical ventilator. When the patient is breathing ineffficiently, supplemental oxygen may be adequate, or it may be necessary to paralyze the respiratory muscles and take over mechanical ventilation.
 * C:irculation. Blood needs to move, through regular or artificial heartbeat, or interventions to restore circulation.

Whenever there is even mild respiratory distress, emergency personnel must plan for contingencies; some conditions, such as anaphylactic shock can progress from itching and wheezing, to complete airway obstruction, in minutes.

Preparation

 * Rapid sequence intubation