Table of Contents
Maintaining a clear airway and effective breathing is crucial in first aid. Whether a worker is responsive or unresponsive, an OFA Level 3 attendant must be prepared to act swiftly. This guide covers key steps and best practices for managing airway and breathing in emergencies.
Initial Assessment: Responsive vs. Unresponsive Worker
The first step is to determine the worker’s level of consciousness, which dictates subsequent actions.
Conscious Worker:
✅ Assess speech clarity—clear speech indicates an open airway.
Unresponsive Worker:
✅ Check for breathing and pulse. If absent or abnormal (agonal breathing), assume cardiac arrest and initiate CPR/AED immediately.
Airway & Breathing Management: Unresponsive Worker
A. Initial Steps
1️⃣ Scene Assessment: Ensure the area is safe; activate workplace emergency response procedures. 2️⃣ Spinal Motion Restriction: If spinal trauma is suspected, manually stabilize the head and neck. 3️⃣ Open the Airway:
-
Jaw Thrust Maneuver – If spinal injury is suspected.
-
Head-Tilt Chin-Lift – If no spinal injury is suspected. 4️⃣ Assess Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for air movement (5-10 seconds).
B. Specific Scenarios & Interventions
1. Complete Airway Obstruction
🚨 Signs: No air movement, chest does not rise. 🛠 Intervention:
-
Attempt ventilation with a pocket mask.
-
If unsuccessful, perform 30 chest compressions.
-
Check for visible obstruction; remove if possible.
-
Repeat until ventilation is possible.
2. Partial Airway Obstruction Due to Fluids
🚨 Signs: Gurgling breathing, blood/fluid in the mouth. 🛠 Intervention:
-
Roll the worker to lateral or ¾-prone position to allow drainage.
-
Perform a finger sweep.
-
Use suction if needed.
3. Respiratory Distress
🚨 Signs: Inadequate breathing, cyanosis. 🛠 Intervention:
-
Assist ventilation with a pocket mask (1 breath every 5 seconds).
-
Insert an oral airway if the worker is unresponsive.
-
Administer oxygen at 10 L/min.
4. Respiratory Arrest
🚨 Signs: Absence of breathing. 🛠 Intervention:
-
Ventilate (1 breath every 5 seconds).
-
Insert oral airway.
-
Administer high-flow oxygen.
C. Ongoing Care
🔹 Positioning: Place in ¾-prone position unless spinal motion restriction is needed. 🔹 Monitoring: Reassess ABCs every 5 minutes. 🔹 Assist Ventilation: Continue until spontaneous breathing resumes or EMS arrives.
Airway & Breathing Management: Conscious Worker
A. Initial Steps
1️⃣ Scene Safety: Activate workplace emergency response procedures. 2️⃣ Assess Consciousness: Attempt to communicate with the worker. 3️⃣ Assess Airway: Check if they can speak clearly.
B. Specific Scenarios & Interventions
1. Partial Airway Obstruction
🚨 Signs: Coughing, short sentences, noisy breathing. 🛠 Intervention:
-
Encourage forceful coughing.
-
Position worker to maximize airflow.
-
Administer high-flow oxygen.
-
Monitor for deterioration.
2. Complete Airway Obstruction
🚨 Signs: Inability to speak, clutching throat (universal distress signal). 🛠 Intervention:
-
Deliver up to 5 back blows.
-
If ineffective, perform abdominal thrusts (chest thrusts for obese or pregnant individuals).
3. Respiratory Distress (No Ventilation Needed)
🚨 Signs: Rapid breathing, shortness of breath but able to talk. 🛠 Intervention:
-
Position for comfort (usually upright).
-
Administer high-flow oxygen.
-
Provide a blanket for warmth.
4. Respiratory Distress (Ventilation Needed)
🚨 Signs: Labored breathing, gasping speech. 🛠 Intervention:
-
Assist ventilation with a pocket mask.
-
Administer high-flow oxygen.
C. Ongoing Care
🔹 Monitoring: Reassess ABCs every 5 minutes. 🔹 Positioning: Ensure comfort unless spinal injury is suspected.
Essential Equipment for Airway & Breathing Management
🛠 Pocket Mask: For assisted ventilation. 🛠 Oral Airway: To maintain an open airway in unresponsive workers. 🛠 Portable Suction Device: Clears fluids from the airway. 🛠 Oxygen Supply: With appropriate delivery devices. 🛠 CPR/AED: For cardiac arrest situations.
Key Considerations
✅ Spinal Injury Precautions: Always consider spinal injuries and take appropriate measures. ✅ Rapid Transport: Workers with airway obstruction or respiratory distress require immediate transport. ✅ Clear Communication: Ensure effective communication with EMS and bystanders. ✅ Training & Practice: Regular training ensures skill proficiency.
Final Thoughts
Mastering airway and breathing management is an essential skill for every OFA Level 3 attendant. By following structured protocols and staying current with training, you can provide life-saving care in emergencies.
🚑 Want to enhance your skills? Enroll in an OFA 3 course today!