FOREIGN BODY AIRWAY

OBSTRUCTIONJackilyn Byrd, RN, BSN

FBAO Foreign Body-something that shouldn’t

be there Airway-trachea…the pipe that takes air

from mouth/nose to lungs Obstruction—a barrier, something

blocking the way

FBAO Most commonly caused by:

Food HOW? Hot dogs, grapes, marshmallows

Small toyscoins

FBAO Partial airway obstruction

Food or object is lodged in airway but air is still able to pass through Coin turned sideways Medication

Victim is able to talk, breathe & cough

What to do?Encourage coughing to dislodge the itemDO NOT smack person on the back

Why?

FBAO Total Airway Obstruction

Food or object is completely blocking airflow to the lungs

If not treated, person will eventually become unresponsive (cardiac arrest) and CPR will be required.

To treat: Heimlich Maneuver

HOW DO YOU KNOW??

HEIMLICH MANEUVER Ask the victim if they can speak or

cough.Yes?—encourage coughing, keep victim

calm DO NOT hit victim on the back!!

No? Proceed to Heimlich

HEIMLICH MANEUVER My name is ____. I know first aid. Can I

help you? Call 911 Assist the victim to standing position. Stand behind victim with your chest

against their back. Wrap arms around torso.

Make a fist with one hand and place other hand on top of it

Between belly button and xiphoid process Careful not to squeeze rib cage or hit xiphoid

process

HEIMLICH MANEUVER Inward and upward thrusts

(like you’re trying to lift them off the floor)PURPOSE: Pushing air up through the

diaphragm to simulate strong coughingContinue thrusts until item is dislodged or

victim becomes unconscious

BIG PROBLEMS What if your arms can’t reach around

the person?PregnancyLarge personSmall/short arms

Same steps except you place arms closer to the xiphoid process. Risk: breaking bones.

Better than death

SELF HEIMLICH What if you’re alone and you begin to

choke?

Perform self Heimlich.Text someone to let them know you’re in

trouble. Thrust yourself on the back of a chair or

high table.

VIDEO CLIP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEIiE

An7b-U

INFANT FBAO Call 911 5/5

5 back blows Support head Keep head lower than chest Use heel of one hand to deliver blows between

infant’s shoulder blades

5 chest thrustsmaintain firm supportturn infant place 2-3 fingers in center of chest (vertically)one inch below nipple line