⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
EM-003
Difficulty breathing
Significant breathing difficulty may be serious — assess, support, and escalate promptly.
What should I do first?
- Treat significant breathing difficulty as potentially serious
- Keep the person safe and in an appropriate resting position
- Obtain help and assess the person's overall condition
- Seek appropriate medical assistance when symptoms are serious or worsening
- Watch closely for deterioration in responsiveness or breathing
- Use only equipment or medicines you are trained and authorized to use
- Follow vessel procedures and medical assistance advice
What this may look like
- Breathlessness at rest or with minimal effort
- Unable to speak in full sentences
- Visible distress, anxiety, or worsening effort to breathe
- Bluish or pale appearance in some cases
What should I check?
- Severity and change over time
- Responsiveness and ability to speak
- Other concerning symptoms such as chest discomfort or swelling
- Known medical history if available
What should I avoid?
- Assuming the exact cause onboard
- Leaving a seriously breathless person unattended
- Using unfamiliar equipment or medicines without authorization
When should I get medical assistance?
- When breathing difficulty is serious, worsening, or causing distress
- If responsiveness or breathing deteriorates
- Contact your vessel's designated medical assistance/TMAS service according to vessel procedures
What information should I prepare for TMAS / medical assistance?
- When symptoms started and how they have changed
- Current breathing effort and other symptoms
- Known medical history and any actions taken
- Vessel position and communications details required by procedure
Related symptoms
Related equipment
Important safety note
- This pathway does not identify a specific cause
- Escalate early when the person appears seriously unwell
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
MEDDECK
Before you continue
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.