5 Breathing Problems 5.1 Airway Obstruction


It is vital to our survival that we keep our airways (nose, mouth, throat and lungs) open. As air travels through the airway to our lungs, oxygen gets transferred into our blood. Blockages to the airway are Life Threatening Emergencies and must be dealt with immediately.


A blockage can be internal, such as swallowing an object or swelling as a result of a burn or allergic reaction or it can be external as a result of strangulation or hanging.


5.2 Choking Adult - Step by Step


Objects can become partially or fully stuck in the throat. This causes the muscles in the throat to spasm and make breathing difficult or impossible.


Partial blockage – If a casualty has a “partial blockage” they are able to speak, cough and breathe. Your job as a first aider is to encourage them to keep calm and cough, the idea being that the obstruction frees itself.


Full blockage – If however the casualty cannot speak, cough or breathe then a “full blockage” has occurred and this blockage needs clearing before the casualty loses consciousness.


Treatment Step 1. Encourage the casualty to bend forward from the waist and support them with one hand.


Step 2. Back Blows - With the other hand give up to 5 back blows with the heel of your hand, between the casualty’s shoulder blades.


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