Foreign Body Airway Obstruction
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Section 3 - RESPIRATORY
3.03 FOREIGN BODY AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
- INITIAL MEDICAL CARE (2.01).
IF OBSTRUCTED AND CONSCIOUS:
- Cannot breathe:
- Abdominal thrusts as necessary or until patient becomes unconscious. Consider LifeVac portable suction device after three unsuccessful abdominal thrusts.
- Chest thrusts if patient pregnant or obese as necessary or until patient becomes unconscious. Consider LifeVac portable suction device if chest thrusts are unsuccessful.
- Position an infant under 1 year of age with their head in a downward manner to allow gravity assistance and proceed with 5 back blows and 5 chest compressions. Repeat as necessary or until patient becomes unconscious. Consider LifeVac portable suction device for infants greater than 8 pounds if back blows and chest compressions are not effective.
IF OBSTRUCTED AND UNCONSCIOUS:
- Clear airway by visualizing with laryngoscope using Magill forceps, suction, and/or LifeVac portable suction device.
- If still obstructed and unconscious:
- Begin CPR with modification of looking for FBAO and carefully remove item if you see it. IF you do not see the object do NOT perform a blind finger sweep.
- In infants under 1 year of age, begin CPR with modification of looking for FBAO and carefully remove item if you see it. IF you do not see the object do NOT perform a blind finger sweep.
- If unable to obtain airway after above attempts, perform Cricothyrotomy.
Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias and / or arrest.
If airway opened, support ventilations as required and transport ASAP.