Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
LESSON 5: Remove an Upper Airway Obstruction in an Adult
5-4
5-4. ASSIST A CASUALTY WITH GOOD AIR EXCHANGE
a. Encourage the Person. A casualty who has an obstruction in his airway and still has good air exchange will naturally attempt to clear his airway by coughing. Do not interfere with the casualty's attempts to expel the obstruction. If possible, have the casualty to lower his head below chest level. When the head is lower than the chest, gravity will help to expel the obstruction. Do not use manual thrusts described in the following paragraphs as long as the casualty is making adequate attempts to expel the blockage himself.
b. Call for Help. If the casualty cannot expel the obstruction through his own efforts, you may need someone to assist you in your efforts and/or to obtain medical help.
c. Remain With the Casualty. Good air exchange can quickly change to poor air exchange or complete blockage. Do not leave the casualty to seek additional medical help, but do send someone else to obtain aid if anyone is available. Give the casualty calm support. Be prepared to administer the procedures given in the following paragraphs if his condition goes from good air exchange to poor air exchange or complete blockage or if he looses consciousness. Even if the casualty does remove the airway obstruction on his own, the casualty may still need medical attention if his trachea has been injured.
