In order for oxygen from the air to flow to and from the lungs,
the upper airway must be unobstructed.
a. Upper airway obstructions often occur because--
(1) The casualty's tongue falls back into his throat while he
is unconscious as a result of injury, cardiopulmonary arrest,
and so forth. (The tongue falls back and obstructs, it is
not swallowed.)
(2) Foreign bodies become lodged in the throat. These obstructions
usually occur while eating (meat most commonly causes obstructions).
Choking on food is associated with--
- Attempting to swallow large pieces of poorly chewed food.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Slipping dentures.
(3) The contents of the stomach are regurgitated and may block
the airway.
(4) Blood clots may form as a result of head and facial injuries.
b. Upper airway obstructions may be prevented by taking
the following precautions:
(1) Cut food into small pieces and take care to chew slowly and
thoroughly.
(2) Avoid laughing and talking when chewing and swallowing.
(3) Restrict alcohol while eating meals.
(4) Keep food and foreign objects from children while they walk,
run, or play.
(5) Consider the correct positioning maintenance of the open airway
for the injured or unconscious casualty.
c. Upper airway obstruction may cause either partial
or complete airway blockage.
*(1) Partial airway obstruction. The casualty may still
have an air exchange. A good air exchange means that
the casualty can cough forcefully, though he may be wheezing between
coughs. You, the rescuer, should not interfere, and should encourage
the casualty to cough up the object on his own. A poor air
exchange may be indicated by weak coughing with a high pitched
noise between coughs. Additionally, the casualty may show signs
of shock (for example, paleness of the skin bluish tint
around the lips or fingernail beds) indicating a need for oxygen.
You should assist the casualty and treat him as though he had
a complete obstruction.
(2) Complete airway obstruction. A complete obstruction
(no air exchange) is indicated if the casualty cannot speak, breathe,
or cough at all. He may be clutching his neck and moving erratically.
In an unconscious casualty a complete obstruction is also indicated
if after opening his airway you cannot ventilate him.
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