5-4.
ASSIST A CASUALTY WITH GOOD AIR EXCHANGE
a. Encourage the Person. A casualty who has an obstruction in his airway and
still has good air exchange will naturally attempt to clear his airway by coughing. Do not
interfere with the casualty's attempts to expel the obstruction. If possible, have the
casualty to lower his head below chest level. When the head is lower than the chest,
gravity will help to expel the obstruction. Do not use manual thrusts described in the
following paragraphs as long as the casualty is making adequate attempts to expel the
blockage himself.
b. Call for Help. If the casualty cannot expel the obstruction through his own
efforts, you may need someone to assist you in your efforts and/or to obtain medical
help.
c. Remain With the Casualty. Good air exchange can quickly change to poor
air exchange or complete blockage. Do not leave the casualty to seek additional
medical help, but do send someone else to obtain aid if anyone is available. Give the
casualty calm support. Be prepared to administer the procedures given in the following
paragraphs if his condition goes from good air exchange to poor air exchange or
complete blockage or if he looses consciousness. Even if the casualty does remove the
airway obstruction on his own, the casualty may still need medical attention if his
trachea has been injured.
5-5.
ASSIST A STANDING OR SITTING CONSCIOUS CASUALTY WITH POOR
AIR EXCHANGE OR COMPLETE BLOCKAGE
A casualty with poor air exchange is treated as though he has a complete
blockage since both conditions can result in unconsciousness and death if the
obstruction is not removed.
a. Call for Help. If you are alone, yell for help unless a combat situation
dictates otherwise. If you have someone with you, have him obtain medical help
(telephone, radio, run to get professional medical help, and so forth) if it can be done
quickly. If only one person is available, have him obtain medical help and then return to
assist you. You may need his help to perform two-rescuer cardiopulmonary
b. Position Yourself Behind the Casualty. Stand behind the casualty, slide
your arms under his arm, and try to wrap your arms around his waist. This helps to
support the casualty and helps you to determine whether abdominal thrusts or chest
thrusts should be used.
MD0532
5-4