Foreign Body Airway Obstruction

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.