The victim is conscious
- leave the victim in the position they are in, usually standing or sitting;
- to give someone a ‘pat on the back’;
- Perform chest compressions if ‘back slaps’ prove ineffective:
- in the abdominal region, whether the patient is an adult or a child;
- at chest level in the case of an infant;
- at chest level in the case of an obese adult or a pregnant woman in the final months of pregnancy, when it is not possible to measure the abdomen;
- repeat the cycle of ‘back blows’ and ‘chest compressions’;
- Stop manoeuvres as soon as:
- the onset of a cough, screaming or crying;
- the resumption of breathing;
- the rejection of the foreign body.
If the manoeuvres to clear the obstruction are effective:
- position her in the position where she feels most comfortable;
- to comfort her by talking to her regularly;
- loosen your clothes;
- complete the balance sheet;
- adapt first-aid measures in line with the results of the assessment (administer oxygen by inhalation, if necessary);
- forward the medical report for a medical opinion because:
- Even if the airway is successfully cleared, small particles may still pass into the airways and lungs and cause secondary complications.
- Chest or abdominal compressions, even when performed correctly, can cause internal injuries.
- Keep an eye on the victim, particularly their breathing.
If attempts to clear the airway are ineffective or not carried out, the victim loses consciousness.
The victim loses consciousness
- to assist him on the ground;
- learn what to do when faced with a victim in cardiac arrest.
However, it is important to:
- start with chest compressions, regardless of the victim’s age;
- Check for any foreign objects in the mouth at the end of each cycle of chest compressions. Remove them carefully if they are accessible.