Figure 5-4. Administering a chest thrust to a standing casualty.
d. Position Casualty for Modified Thrusts, If Needed. If the casualty loses
consciousness while you are performing manual thrusts, continue to support the
casualty's weight and gently lay the casualty on his back with his arms at his sides.
Support the casualty's head as you lower him. Make sure that the casualty is lying on a
firm surface since you may need to administer CPR once the obstruction is expelled.
5-6.
REMOVE AN AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION IN AN UNCONSCIOUS CASUALTY
OR A CASUALTY WHO IS LYING ON HIS BACK
The procedures given in this paragraph are used to expel an airway obstruction
when a casualty with poor air exchange or complete blockage is conscious and lying
down, when a standing or sitting casualty becomes unconscious during efforts to expel
the obstruction, or when an obstruction is discovered during an attempt to perform
rescue breathing or CPR.
a. Position Casualty. Place the casualty on a flat, hard surface in a supine (on
his back) position if he is not already in this position.
b. Call for Help. If you have not already sent for help, send someone to get
additional medical help.
c. Administer Finger Sweep. A finger sweep is performed in an attempt to
remove blockage. Finger sweeps are performed only if the casualty is unconscious.
Manual thrusts may dislodge an object which could not be reached when you began
your rescue efforts. When you can remove a foreign object from a casualty's mouth, do
so. Care must be used in helping a conscious casualty remove an object from his
mouth because your actions may trigger his "gag reflex." Do not use the finger sweep
technique with a conscious casualty. The procedures for performing a finger sweep are
given below and in figure 5-5.
MD0532
5-7