What should you do if a person is hyperventilating after OC exposure?

What should you do if a person is hyperventilating after OC exposure?

• A. Reassure them and help them breathe slowly to reduce anxiety.
• B. Encourage rapid breathing to blow off OC.
• C. Give them coffee to calm nerves.
• D. Ignore and continue with operation.

Answer: (A)

Hyperventilation after OC exposure is usually driven by irritation and panic, so the priority is to calm the person and restore steady breathing. Reassure them in a calm voice and guide them to slow, controlled breaths—inhale through the nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips, aiming for a steady rhythm (for example, about four seconds in and four seconds out). Slow, diaphragmatic breathing helps lower the breathing rate, reduces dizziness or tingling from breathing off too much CO2, and eases anxiety. If possible, move them to fresh air and stay with them until their breathing stabilizes. Avoid promoting rapid breathing, drinking coffee, or ignoring the situation. If symptoms worsen or breathing cannot be controlled, seek medical help promptly.

Hyperventilation after OC exposure is usually driven by irritation and panic, so the priority is to calm the person and restore steady breathing. Reassure them in a calm voice and guide them to slow, controlled breaths—inhale through the nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips, aiming for a steady rhythm (for example, about four seconds in and four seconds out). Slow, diaphragmatic breathing helps lower the breathing rate, reduces dizziness or tingling from breathing off too much CO2, and eases anxiety. If possible, move them to fresh air and stay with them until their breathing stabilizes. Avoid promoting rapid breathing, drinking coffee, or ignoring the situation. If symptoms worsen or breathing cannot be controlled, seek medical help promptly.