Foreign Body Airway Obstruction

Question 1

Primary Survey

Answer 1

• Stabilize head & neck if necessary
• Assess lvl of consciousness (AVPU scale)
• Assess & manage ABC’s as required
• Partial obstruction, have patient cough forcefully
• Full Obstruction - initiate 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts (PT dependent) until object is dislodged or PT becomes unresponsive
• Unresponsive FBAO perform chest compressions (CPR sequence) inspecting for object in mouth prior to ventilating
• Complete RBS
• Apply O2 (standard face mask or non-rebreather mask
• Consider patients position once object removed

Question 2

Decision point

Answer 2

Findings in unstable (RTC) patient include:
- Active airway obstruction (full or partial)
- Decreased LOC
- Stridor
- Respiratory distress

Findings in stable (NRTC) patients include:
- Alert & oriented
- Complete removal of airway obstruction

Question 3

Patient History

Answer 3

SAMPLE/OPQRRRST

Question 4

Critical History

Answer 4

• If cleared, we’re abdominal thrusts/back blows administered
• Was CPR initiated
• If so, when and for how long
• Was the obstruction removed through mouth
• What caused the obstruction

Question 5

Vital Signs

Answer 5

• Taken on scene for stable patient and enroute for unstable patient
• Complete vital signs q5 for unstable patient
• Complete vital signs q15 for stable patient load and transport

Question 6

Head to Toe/Functional Inquiry

Answer 6

Completed enroute to hospital

Question 7

Protocol(s)

Answer 7

CPR protocol (if indicated)

Question 8

Treatment (enroute)

Answer 8

• Monitor for signs of respiratory distress
• Consider oxygen administration