FA: airway conditions

Question 1

signs & symptoms of conscious choking

Answer 1

Universal sign of choking
Unable to cough, speak or breathe

Question 2

treatment for conscious choking

Answer 2

Ask ‘are you choking?’ to confirm. Casualty should not be able to speak. Tell casualty ‘I can help you’.

On pregnant/obese people, perform chest thrust.

Otherwise, perform abdominal thrust.

Push 2 fingers below belly button, or for people with big bellies push on breastbone.

90 degree feet between casualty’s legs, flat thumb for fist shape (5-4-0) and push with other hand

Question 3

signs & symptoms of unconscious choking

Answer 3

• event history of choking on something for a long period of time and not receiving help/case history of choking
• casualty’s airway remains obstructed after head-tilt-chin-lift
• no breathing

Question 4

treatment for unconscious choking

Answer 4

chest compressions

Question 5

signs & symptoms of anaphylaxis

Answer 5

• wheezing/hoarse voice
• allergies + event history
• swelling of eyes and lips
• swelling of airway (may block air flow and lead to shock)
• shortness of breath
• rashes on eyes, lips and body

Question 6

treatment for anaphylaxis

Answer 6

• remove trigger or shift casualty away from it
• assist casualty into comfortable position (e.g. sitting upright)
• assist in administration of epi-pen if available
• early evacuation, call an ambulance
• regulate breathing using hand motions for conscious casualties
• open airway (rmb to check for suspected c-spine injury) for unconscious casualties
• reassure casualty and monitor vitals, be prepared to start cpr

Question 7

how to administer an epi-pen?

Answer 7

1. hold epi-pen by making a fist with orange side facing down & remove blue safety cap.
2. press orange side into casualty’s thigh hard until click is heard.
3. hold for 10s, then remove and massage the injection area.