Foreign body airway obstruction

Question 1

If the patient is conscious and ventilation is adequate

Answer 1

Immediate intervention is not required.
Be prepared to intervene if deterioration occurs.
keep everything very calm

Question 2

If the patient is conscious and ventilation is inadequate

Answer 2

Perform up to five back blows.
Perform up to five chest thrusts.
Alternate between cycles of back blows and chest thrusts until the obstruction is cleared, or the patient becomes unconscious.

Question 3

If the patient is unconscious and ventilation is adequate

Answer 3

Place the patient on their side.
Be prepared to intervene if deterioration occurs.

Answer 4

Attempt to remove the foreign body under direct vision with a finger sweep and move sequentially through the steps below if the obstruction is not cleared:

Attempt to remove the foreign body using a laryngoscope and Magill forceps.

Perform five chest compressions and recheck the airway using a laryngoscope and Magill forceps.

Commence CPR and try to ventilate using a manual ventilation bag and mask.

Intubate with an endotracheal tube, inserting the tube as far as possible and then withdrawing the tube to the usual position.

Perform a cricothyroidotomy.

Question 5

when to call for backup

Answer 5

Backup from an ICP/CCP must be requested for patients with signs of persisting foreign body airway obstruction following initial intervention.