Ottawa First Aid now offers CPR classes for those that require training in the medical, babysitting, firefighter and additional fields. In this blog, airway emergencies will be identified. Our classes will help pupils identify when a person is mildly choking, severe choking, unconscious choking or an extremely large, pregnant or unable to stand individual.
As a person’s ability to live is based on the ability to breathe, the airway and lungs are extremely important. As you breathe in, air fills your lungs from your airway and the respiratory system then supplies the rest of the body with oxygen it requires and removes carbon dioxide. This entire process is monitored and performed by the brain and is involuntary. As the body constantly requires oxygen, the First Aider must be able to efficiently identify and resolve any difficulties in breathing. In regards to infants and babies, their airways are extremely small and any foreign object may make it difficult for them to breathe. The body’s airway starts from the nose/mouth until the lungs.
Mild choking is when the person can react and still cough. Advise them to cough as it may dislodge the object but be sure to monitor their condition in case the choking worsens. Severe choking is a common respiratory emergency especially for babies, infants and children. Foreign objects may be anatomical or mechanical. Anatomical obstructions can be characterized as a blockage caused by a part of the body which may be the tongue or swollen tissues from the mouth/throat. Mechanical obstruction may be characterized if it is a foreign object such as food, toys, fluids, etc.
Severe choking is characterized if an individual cannot speak, breathe or cough. A common sign that a person is choking is when they are grasping said throat with one or two hands. In order to prevent choking, it is advised to eat slowly and cut food in appropriate sizes. Children most often find themselves choking on hot dogs, peanuts and grapes. Adults most often find themselves choking on large pieces of meat. Advise children to sit down when they eat as this minimizes the likelihood of choking. Monitor children’s activities when near rocks, toys, buttons or coins. Adults most often go into the toilet or private area if they are choking in order to minimize embarrassment. First Aid Ottawa can provide the training through CPR courses to help individuals and groups to help properly identify and rescue airway emergencies.