Cardiac Arrest: Difference between revisions

An obstruction of the airway is uncommon, but reversible and adequate recognition can prevent cardiac arrest. Airway obstruction is usually related with eating. In a mild obstruction patients can cough and speak and only frequent reassessment is advised. Patients that have a severe obstruction are unable to speak and have problems breathing and coughing. If a patient is still conscious five back blows can be applied between the shoulder blades whilst the patient leans forward. Otherwise five abdominal thrusts can be applied by clenching a fist and grasping it with the other hand. Place the hands it between the rib-cage and the umbilicus and pull sharply inward and upward whilst standing behind the patients. If the patient loses consciousness start BLS.<cite>Koster2</cite>