Breathing is vital to life. Every time we breathe, we not only take oxygen in but breathe carbon dioxide out. Without oxygen the cells of the body will start to die in about three minutes.

Breathing problems can be caused a number of ways; it may be through injury, such as damage to the chest wall, or disease such as cancer or emphysema. Some respiratory conditions, such as asthma or hyperventilation, can have a rapid onset and may need assistance from first aiders.