Choking and oropharyngeal airway insertion

Question 1

what should you ask someone that is suspected to be choking?

2

Answer 1

• are you choking?
• can you cough?

if cannot cough = severe obstruction
if can cough = mild obstruction

Question 2

what should you do in a mild airway obstruction?

4

Answer 2

• reassure
• encourage coughing
• monitor for deterioration into an ineffective cough
• or until obstruction is removed

Question 3

what should you do first with a severe airway obstruction when person is conscious?

2(5,5)

Answer 3

back blows
* support casualty
* lean them forwards
* position hand between shoulder bones
* deliver 5 back blows
* check after each blow if obstruction is out

Question 4

what should you do second with a severe airway obstruction when person is conscious?

Answer 4

abdominal thrusts
* close body contact
* arms under casualty’s arms
* fist between umbilicus and xiphisternum
* cover fist with other hand
* deliver 5 sharp up and inward thrusts

Question 5

what should you do if the casualty becomes unconscious?

Answer 5

start CPR
call 999

Question 6

what is depicted and when should it be used and what do you do?

Answer 6

oropharyngeal airway (OPA) insertion
* if chest doesnt rise when giving ventillations
* resume chest compressions
* check mask for adequate seal
* check you have adequate head tilt chin lift / jaw thrust
* suction may be required
* size and OPA and insert
* ventilate as normal
* if chest does not rise, continue ventilating, small amounts of O2 may get through

Question 7

how do you size an OPA?

4

Answer 7

• line OPA with angle of mandible
• line bite block with incisors
• rotate 180 degrees
• locate