MedBalans

Foreign Body Asphyxiation

Adults · emergency only · brief protocol

Algorithm

  1. Conscious with effective cough: encourage coughing; do not interfere.
  2. Conscious with ineffective cough: 5 back blows, then 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich).
  3. Unconscious: start CPR; check mouth for visible FB before breaths.
  4. Pregnant/obese: chest thrusts instead of abdominal.
  5. After relief: medical assessment — risk of delayed complications.

Red flags

  • • Complete obstruction — immediate BLS foreign-body sequence
  • • Post-relief respiratory failure — observe and image as indicated
  • • Failed extraction — advanced airway / surgical airway readiness

Medications by step

Step 1 — Airway maneuvers (no drugs)

  • Back blows + abdominal thrusts · —

    5 + 5 cycles until relief or unconscious

References

  • • ERC — Adult basic life support (2021)

Updated: Июль 2026