What is an Obstructed Airway?

An obstructed airway is a critical and potentially life-threatening condition where the airway is blocked, preventing normal breathing. This obstruction can be caused by a variety of factors including foreign objects, swelling of the airway, or severe allergic reactions.

When a person is experiencing an obstructed airway, it is crucial to act quickly to clear the blockage and restore normal airflow.

Signs of a partial obstruction include difficulty and noisy breathing, while a complete obstruction is characterised by the inability to breathe, speak, or cough. In such cases, the casualty may display signs of distress, such as gripping their throat, cyanosis (bluish skin colour around the lips), and a decline in consciousness.

First aid for an obstructed airway involves several steps depending on the severity of the blockage. For a partial obstruction, encouraging the casualty to keep coughing can help dislodge the object. If the casualty is unable to clear the obstruction, back blows and chest thrusts are used.

In cases where the casualty becomes unconscious, CPR should be initiated immediately, and emergency services should be contacted. It is vital to ensure the safety of the rescuer and to use proper techniques to avoid further injury to the casualty.

First Aid for an Obstructed Airway

Encourage Coughing: If the casualty is conscious and able to cough, encourage them to continue.
DRSABCD: If the person is unconscious, check their airways for a blockage, and follow DRSABCD.
Back Blows: If the person cannot cough effectively enough to dislodge the object, perform back blows. Deliver 5 blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your palm.
Chest Thrusts: If back blows are ineffective, perform chest thrusts. Stand the person with their back against a wall. Using two hands, press firmly into their chest, on their sternum. Perform 5 chest thrusts.
Alternate Techniques: Continue the cycle of back blows and chest thrusts until the object is dislodged, professional help arrives, or the person loses consciousness.

Takeaway to Remember

An obstructed airway occurs when the airway is partially or fully blocked, preventing normal breathing. It can be caused by choking, swelling, or foreign objects.

Reference

First Aid e-Manual Obstructed Airway