A victim with a foreign-body airway obstruction becomes unresponsive. What is your first course of action?
A. Start CPR, beginning with chest compressions
B. Roll the victim over and perform back blows
C. Perform abdominal thrusts
D. Perform blind finger sweeps
Basie Ufe Support En Rey 16, 2016 2016 American Heart Associate Co
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. Start CPR, beginning with chest compressions.
Explanation:
When a victim with a foreign-body airway obstruction becomes unresponsive, the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend immediately initiating Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), starting with chest compressions. Here’s why this is the best course of action:
- Unresponsiveness Indicates Complete Airway Blockage
If the person is unable to breathe, speak, or cough, and they lose consciousness, it means the obstruction has prevented oxygen from reaching the brain. Immediate action is required to restore circulation and oxygenation. - CPR Can Help Dislodge the Obstruction
Performing high-quality chest compressions increases intrathoracic pressure, which can potentially dislodge the object obstructing the airway. This technique is often more effective than abdominal thrusts in an unresponsive person. - Rescue Breaths Should Be Attempted After Chest Compressions
After 30 chest compressions, you should open the airway, look inside the mouth, and attempt to provide rescue breaths. If you can see the foreign object, carefully remove it without performing blind finger sweeps, as blind sweeps can push the object further down the airway. - Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
If the chest does not rise after attempting breaths, resume chest compressions immediately. Keep alternating between 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency responders arrive or the object is expelled and the victim starts breathing normally.
Why Not the Other Options?
- B. Roll the victim over and perform back blows – Back blows are only recommended for conscious infants, not unresponsive victims.
- C. Perform abdominal thrusts – These are effective for conscious choking adults, but not once they are unresponsive.
- D. Perform blind finger sweeps – This can push the obstruction deeper and worsen the situation.
Thus, the correct and safest action is to start CPR with chest compressions to help dislodge the obstruction and restore circulation.