Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

3 Airway and Breathing

If you think a person has a complete obstruction, ask them “Are you choking?” If they indicate yes, start first aid for choking. First Aid for choking is a combination of back blows and abdominal thrusts or chest thrusts. How you deliver them depends on the patient’s age, stage of physical development, and size. Any person receiving abdominal thrusts for choking should seek medical assessment. Any unconscious person must be cared for until handover to the next level of medical care. An airway obstruction caused by illness or injury will not respond to first aid for choking. Activate 911, give first aid for any injury or illness, and be prepared to provide CPR if breathing becomes ineffective or stops.

Complete Airway Obstruction - Choking Assessment and First Aid

Scene Assessment - Scene Safety Activate 911 / Get Help / Get First Aid Kit / Get AED Primary Assessment Back Blows/Abdominal Thrusts Until Clear! Secondary Assessment • Assess patient history and vital signs • Have the patient stop any activity • Position patient to make breathing easier. Loosen tight clothing around the neck, chest, and waist. • Assist the patient to take any prescribed medication Ongoing Care/Transport • Provide care for shock • Monitor patient’s airway and breathing • Be prepared to provide CPR if breathing becomes ineffective or ceases Hand-Off and Documentation

98

www.preohs.com