As a medic you have been taught the basic signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, either too fast (tachypnea >20 breaths per minute) or too slow (bradypnea <8 breaths per minute). Other areas that you will have to assess for are cyanosis (seen in oxygen desaturation), tripod positioning, orthopnea (cannot breathe lying down), nasal flaring, two-three-word dyspnea, lightheadedness, diaphoresis, retractions, or any abnormal breath sounds.

Running with protective gear and equipment can cause tachycardia, tachypnea, and sweating (which mimics diaphoresis). While those signs and symptoms can mean the patient is critical, it could also mean that they are just exercising. Repeated assessments will help you to understand if your patient is in respiratory distress or if they will get better with rest.