View source for Foreign Body Airway Obstruction

==Section 3 - RESPIRATORY==
===3.03 FOREIGN BODY AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION===


* '''[[Initial Medical Assessment and Care|INITIAL MEDICAL CARE]]''' (2.01).


'''IF OBSTRUCTED AND CONSCIOUS:'''
* Cannot breathe:
**Abdominal thrusts as necessary or until patient becomes unconscious.  Consider LifeVac portable suction device after three unsuccessful abdominal thrusts.
**Chest thrusts if patient pregnant or obese as necessary or until patient becomes unconscious.  Consider LifeVac portable suction device if chest thrusts are unsuccessful.  
**Position an infant under 1 year of age with their head in a downward manner to allow gravity assistance and proceed with 5 back blows and 5 chest compressions. Repeat as necessary or until patient becomes unconscious.  Consider LifeVac portable suction device for infants greater than 8 pounds if back blows and chest compressions are not effective.


'''IF OBSTRUCTED AND UNCONSCIOUS:'''
* Clear airway by visualizing with laryngoscope using Magill forceps, suction, and/or LifeVac portable suction device.
* If still obstructed and unconscious:
**Begin CPR with modification of looking for FBAO and carefully remove item if you see it. IF you do not see the object do NOT perform a blind finger sweep.
**In infants under 1 year of age, begin CPR with modification of looking for FBAO and carefully remove item if you see it. IF you do not see the object do NOT perform a blind finger sweep.
* If unable to obtain airway after above attempts, perform Cricothyrotomy.


'''Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias and / or arrest.'''

'''If airway opened, support ventilations as required and transport ASAP.'''

[[Category:Respiratory|0303]]