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.
  • Chest thrusts if patient pregnant or obese as necessary or until patient becomes unconscious.
  • 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts for infants under 1 year of age. Repeat as necessary or until patient becomes unconscious.

IF OBSTRUCTED AND UNCONSCIOUS:

• Clear airway by visualizing with laryngoscope using Magill forceps and / or suction.
• If still obstructed and unconscious:
  • 5 Chest thrusts.
  • 5 Back blows and 5 chest thrusts in infants under 1 year of age.
  • Look for foreign body.
• Repeat steps above.
• 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.