Swim Patrol - Lifesaving Society

Ranger PatrolFirst AidObstructed airway– conscious victim Item 12Simulate the appearance and treatment of a conscious adult or child victim with an obstructed airway.PurposeTo acquaint lifesavers with the appearance of a conscious adult or child victim with anobstructed airway and to introduce the appropriate lifesaving skills.Notes• Discuss common causes of airwayobstruction.• Supervise candidates carefullyduring training in obstructed airwaytechniques. Cautionrescuers to simulate treatment:misplaced or excessive thrustscan be dangerous.• Conscious victim simulateseither mild or severe airwayobstruction. To signal the type ofassistance needed, teach theuniversal choking signal.• Rescuer assumes severe obstructionif victim nods “yes” whenasked “Are you choking?” or ifvictim clutches neck or cannotspeak or breath.• Back blows, abdominal thrusts orchest thrusts are effective forrelieving severe airway obstructionin conscious adults and children.These techniques should beapplied in rapid sequence untilthe obstruction is relieved or thevictim becomes unconscious.More than one technique may beneeded; there is insufficient evidenceto determine which shouldbe used first.Some jurisdictions follow a standardizedprotocol. E.g., forEmergency or Standard First Aidin Quebec, abdominal thrusts orchest thrusts are used; while inOntario, 5 back blows alternatewith 5 abdominal thrusts. Followprovincial protocols.• See suggested learning activities,p. 71.• Reference: CLM Chapter 7.3Coping with Complicationsduring the ABCsMust See❏ Assessment of degree of obstruction – ask: “Are you choking?”❏ Selection of appropriate procedures:Mild obstruction❏ Coughing encouraged❏ Reassurance for victimSevere obstruction❏ Shout for help❏ Careful landmarking❏ Appropriate obstructed airway technique(s)❏ If successful, victim directed to see a physician to rule out complicationsfrom the obstruction or treatmentLIFESAVING SOCIETY31SWIM PATROL AWARD GUIDE