13 Choking Flow Chart
The finger sweep can be used in the unconscious patient with an obstructed airway if solid material is visible in the airway. Call an ambulance and commence CPR.
Management of foreign body airway obstruction (Choking) Flow Chart
Breathing
Normal breathing is essential to maintaining life. No breathing means no oxygen to the body which means no life. Patients who are gasping or breathing abnormally and are unresponsive require resuscitation.
Causes of ineffective breathing of acute onset.
- Breathing may be absent or ineffective as a result of:
- Direct depression or/or damage to the breathing control centre of the brain.
- Upper airway obstruction.
- Paralysis or impairment of the nerves and/or muscles of breathing.
- Problems affecting the lungs.
- Drowning.
- Suffocation.