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