Final answer:
In case of a severe airway obstruction where the child is unconscious and the chest does not rise after attempting ventilations, initiate emergency procedures like chest compressions and look for blockages in the airway. If visible, remove the obstruction and continue with CPR efforts until help arrives. In a medical setting, endotracheal intubation is used to maintain an airway during sedation or unconscious states.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proper Response to Severe Foreign Body Airway Obstruction in a Child
If a child has a severe airway obstruction and becomes unconscious, you should first call for emergency medical help. After attempting to give ventilations and finding that the chest does not rise, it indicates that the airway is still blocked. You should then start with 30 chest compressions followed by attempting to give two rescue breaths. If the chest still does not rise, you should look for an object blocking the airway and, if visible, perform a finger sweep to remove it. This is a variation of the Heimlich maneuver and CPR tailored for unconscious victims. If ventilations still do not make the chest rise after the compressions and clearing the airway, continue with cycles of compressions and ventilations until professional help arrives.
In the case of general anesthesia where airway obstruction can occur due to relaxation of the tongue and cessation of respiratory muscles, endotracheal intubation is utilized to maintain an open airway. An intubation involves placing a tube into the trachea to permit air to bypass any obstruction and reach the lungs. In an emergency situation for an unconscious person, similar principles apply to clear the airway and ensure breathing is possible, highlighting the importance of intubation and understanding how to manage airway obstructions.
If a foreign object obstructs breathing, recognition of choking signs, knowing the steps to alleviate choking, and performing the Heimlich maneuver are essential skills. In a medical setting, procedures like intubation ensure the airway remains open for breathing during surgery or in unconscious patients.