This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.
Mild Airway Obstruction: Involves discomfort, potential pain, and distress due to a partial blockage (e.g., fishbone or small object).
Severe Airway Obstruction: Represents a complete blockage, preventing breathing, talking, or coughing and may lead to unconsciousness if not addressed.
Assess Breathing: Ask the person if they are choking; if they can talk, they can breathe.
Encourage Coughing: Support and keep the person calm, encouraging them to cough to clear the obstruction.
Observe the Mouth: If the obstruction is visible, attempt to remove it without inserting fingers deeply into the mouth.
Size Considerations: Kneel behind the child due to their smaller size; anticipate distress and the need for forcefulness.
Back Blows: Stand behind and to the side of the child, delivering five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
Abdominal Thrusts: Perform abdominal thrusts by making a fist and placing it between the child's belly button and the bottom of their breastbone; perform five sharp inward and upward pulls with the other hand on top of the fist.
Repeat If Necessary: If the obstruction persists, repeat five back blows and five abdominal thrusts, checking each time.
If Obstruction Persists: Continue attempts to clear the obstruction; call emergency services if not done already.
Loss of Consciousness: If the child loses consciousness, gently guide them to the floor, avoiding injury; initiate CPR if not breathing.
Assess and Calm: Sit the child down and keep them calm; seek medical attention to check for any injuries resulting from the thrusts.
