How to Help Someone Hyperventilating

A person is hyperventilating when their breathing is rapid and shallow. Symptoms of hyperventilation happen when the usual inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide are interrupted. It can be scary and traumatic for the person because they feel as if they can't breathe at all. Below are steps to help someone who is hyperventilating.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Call 911 if the hyperventilating is severe. The paramedics will know how to deal with the situation and whether it requires emergency attention. It is better to be cautious, so give 911 a call if someone begins to hyperventilate.
2. Reassure the person hyperventilating. If the episode seems to be brought on by panic or anxiety, the person needs to be calmed down to slow their breathing. Smoothly and gently talk them down. Talk about your favorite times. If this is a repeat problem, find out what usually calms them down and talk about that.
3. Increase carbon dioxide by having the person breath into a large paper bag. The hyperventilation occurs due to a lack of carbon dioxide and too much oxygen. Breathe into a large paper bag such as a grocery bag. The bag needs to be large enough to allow for enough oxygen. If the paper bag is too small, the person can't get enough oxygen. Use this technique for a very short period of time.
4. Tell the person who is hyperventilating to purse her lips and breathe. Have her close her mouth like she is going to blow out a candle leaving a small opening in her lips. This may be hard since the person already feels like she can't breathe.
5. Slow down the person's breathing through meditation methods. Breathe one time and count to 10. Repeat this several times.
6. Give the person any prescribed medicine needed. If this is a reoccurring issue, the person may have medication he needs to help him calm down. Give him the medicine if you know what it is, where it is, and how much.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a plastic bag for step 3.
• Do not give medicine not prescribed to the person.
• Hyperventilation is often brought on by anxiety or panic. However, it could be brought on by something worse, so if you can't get it stopped easily, it is best advise the person to see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out serious physical problems.