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"
Quotable Quote "
The
beautiful things about learning is that no-one can take
away form you.
- B. B. King
Real communication happens when people feel safe.
- Ken
Blanchard
Beauty isn't worth thinking about; what's important is your
mind. You don't want a fifty-dollar haircut on a fifty-cent
head.
- Garrison
Keillor
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First
Aid |
Airway Management
An unconscious casualty has no
control over his or her muscles, including the muscles that
control the tongue. If an unconscious casualty remains on his or
her back, the risk of airway obstruction is great.
An unconscious casualty may also
have material in the mouth such as food, blood or vomitus, which
may obstruct the airway. It is vital that such material is
removed.
Care of the airway in an
unconscious casualty takes precedence over any other injury or
illness. This includes spinal injuries.
The method to be employed to
provide care for the airway is to put the casualty into the
stable side position. Immediately the casualty is on his or her
side, the airway should be checked and, if blocked, manually
cleared.
CLEARING THE AIRWAY
This procedure should always be
done with the casualty lying on his or her side to avoid
accidental inhalation of obstructions.
-
ROLL
the casualty into the side position, taking care not to extend
the neck or twist the head
-
USE
two fingers to clear the mouth of any visible obstruction
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REMOVE
dentures only if loose
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AVOID
probing too deeply as this may force a hidden obstruction
further into the airway
Airway management for a casualty
requiring EAR or CPR depends on a clear airway and a suitable
position of the head, allowing access to the airway.
A clear airway is maintained on an
infant by supporting the head in the horizontal position. DO NOT
extend the head backwards. If difficulty is encountered
maintaining the airway in the horizontal position, tilt the
infant’s head back slightly with a gentle movement. This is
sometimes called the ‘sniffing position’.
BACKWARD HEAD TILT
This method is used for a casualty
in the side position, or when on his or her back prior to
commencement of EAR or CPR.
-
PLACE
one hand on the casualty’s forehead
-
SUPPORT
the chin with the other hand
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TILT
the head gently backwards, avoiding undue extension of the
neck
 On completion
of the head tilt, the casualty’s jaw is supported by one hand
under the point of the chin, with the index finger aligned along
the jaw line. Avoid the soft tissues of the neck. The mouth
should be open.
JAW THRUST
In some instances involving
injuries or illness, the casualty’s airway may be difficult to
open. An alternative method of airway maintenance is the jaw
thrust.
-
APPLY
pressure with the fingers behind the angle of the jaw
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THRUST
the jaw gently forward and up, opening the airway.
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