foreign body removal

Question 1

If the patient is conscious and ventilation is adequate

Answer 1

• Do not provide any specific intervention.
• Be prepared to intervene if deterioration occurs.

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.

Question 4

If the patient is unconscious and ventilation is inadequate

Answer 4

• Try 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.
• Try 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, if indicated.