First Responder EMS Curriculum for Training Centers in Eurasia

Figure 42. Abdominal thrustsperformed for a responsive child withFBAO.4. Each thrust should be a separate, distinct movement, delivered with the intent to relieve theobstruction. Continue the series of up to 5 thrusts until the foreign body is expelled or thevictim becomes unresponsive.Relief of FBAO in the Unresponsive Infant or ChildLay Rescuer ActionsIf the infant or child becomes unresponsive, attempt CPR with a single addition-each time theairway is opened, look for the obstructing object in the back of the throat. If you see an object,remove it. This recommendation is designed to simplify layperson CPR training and ensure theacquisition of the core skills of rescue breathing and compression while still providing treatmentto the FBAO victim.Healthcare Provider ActionsBlind finger sweeps should not be performed in infants and children because the foreign bodymay be pushed back into the airway, causing further obstruction or injury to the supraglottic area.When abdominal thrusts or chest thrusts are provided to the unresponsive/unconscious, nonbreathingvictim, open the victim's mouth by grasping both the tongue and lower jaw between thethumb and finger and lifting (tongue-jaw lift). This action draws the tongue away from the backof the throat and may itself partially relieve the obstruction. If the foreign body is seen, carefullyremove it.If the infant victim becomes unresponsive, perform the following sequence:1. Open the victim's airway using a tongue-jaw lift and look for an object in the pharynx. If anobject is visible, remove it with a finger sweep. Do not perform a blind finger sweep.2. Open the airway with a head tilt-chin lift and attempt to provide rescue breaths. If the breathsare not effective, reposition the head and reattempt ventilation.3. If the breaths are still not effective, perform the sequence of up to 5 back blows and up to 5chest thrusts.382 First Responder EMS Curriculum/AIHA, July 2002