Philadelphia Fire Department Practice Exam

What breathing pattern is typically observed in a state of panic?

1. Slow and deep

2. Fast and shallow

3. Regular and controlled

4. Erratic and inconsistent

The correct answer is: Fast and shallow

In a state of panic, the breathing pattern observed is typically fast and shallow. This response is a physiological reaction to stress or anxiety, where the body prepares for a "fight or flight" response. During panic, the individual may experience heightened anxiety, which leads to oversensitivity to internal and external stimuli. As the person becomes more anxious, they tend to take rapid, short breaths, which can contribute to feelings of lightheadedness and further exacerbate the panic response. This fast and shallow breathing can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream and can also lead to increased carbon dioxide levels in the body, potentially causing feelings of dizziness, tingling, or even chest tightness. Recognizing this pattern can be crucial for emergency responders, as it can help in identifying individuals in distress and facilitating appropriate interventions to help them calm down and restore regular breathing patterns.