Obstructions in the
Airway
NOTE:
Emergency treatment of airway obstructions is taught as part of CPR training
and only through classroom practice can the necessary skills be mastered. The
mechanics of handling airway obstructions are presented in this tutorial for
background insight only
If an individual is
choking - but can speak or cough forcibly - there is an exchange of air
(although it might be diminished) and you should encourage the victim to
continue coughing while you just stand by! On the other hand, if a victim is
choking, but CANNOT speak or cough, an airway obstruction exists which must be
treated immediately!
The treatment for an
obstructed airway in a conscious victim involves use of the HEIMLICH MANEUVER
which is performed as follows:
- Stand behind the victim.
- Wrap your arms around the
victim's waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and
place the thumb side of the fist against the victim's abdomen just above
the navel and well below the lower tip of the breast bone.
- Grasp your fist with your other
hand, with elbows out, and press your fist into the victim's abdomen with
quick, upward thrusts.
Each thrust is a distinct, separate attempt to
dislodge the foreign object.
- Repeat thrusts until foreign
object is cleared or the victim becomes unconscious.
Emergency
treatment of airway obstructions in an unconscious victim is taught in CPR
classes.
Heart Attack
Heart attacks are among
the leading cause of death in the United States. A heart attack happens when
one or more of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become blocked.
When this occurs, cells in the heart begin to die when they cannot get blood
for vital nourishment. If a large part of the heart is deprived of blood, the
heart stops beating and the victim suffers CARDIAC ARREST!
When a victim's heart
stops beating, they require CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) which provides
vital oxygen through rescue breathing and which maintains circulation through
chest compressions.
PROPER
TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM CPR, HOWEVER ANY HEART ATTACK CAN LEAD TO
CARDIAC ARREST AND IT IS THEREFORE VITAL FOR FIRST AIDERS TO BE ABLE TO
RECOGNIZE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK SO THE VICTIM CAN RECEIVE
PROMPT PROFESSIONAL ATTENTION!
A heart attack victim
whose heart is still beating has a much better chance of survival than a victim
whose heart has stopped! Most heart attack victims who die succumb within 2
hours after having their heart attack. Many of these victims could be saved if
bystanders recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and get the victim to a
hospital quickly! Indeed, many victims of heart attacks think they are
experiencing HEARTBURN or other minor discomfort when in fact their life is in
jeopardy!
The most significant
sign of a heart attack is chest pain. The victim may describe it as pressure, a
feeling of tightness in the chest, aching, crushing, fullness or tightness,
constricting or heavy pain. The pain may be located in the center of the chest
although it is not uncommon for the pain to radiate to one or both shoulders or
arms or to the neck, jaw or back.
In addition to pain,
victims may experience sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. Many victims
deny they may be having a heart attack. Others may have their condition
worsened by fear of dying.
With all victims of
heart attacks - and with all victims receiving first aid for any condition - it
is important for the rescuer to constantly reassure the victim and keep them as
calm and relaxed as possible.
The psychological value
of reassurance is as important in first aid as any treatments!
FIRST AID FOR A HEART
ATTACK:
- Recognize the signs &
symptoms of a heart attack
- Comfort & reassure the
victim
- Have the victim stop whatever
they were doing and sit or lie in a comfortable position
- Summon emergency medical help
quickly
- If the victim become
unconscious, be prepared to perform CPR
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