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What Are the Most Common Causes of Upper Airway Obstruction?

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 2, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Download a great infographic for this blog!

Airway obstructions are common. The prevalence and type of airway obstruction varies with age. Children younger than four are more vulnerable to choking-related upper airway obstructions, while adults commonly experience airway obstruction caused by complications from smoking. First responders will inevitably encounter a wide variety of airway obstructions and must be prepared to promptly respond to each with appropriate medical care. Here are the most common causes of upper airway obstruction.

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Topics: Airway management, airway obstruction

The Importance of Airway Management for COVID-19 Patients

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 12, 2023 8:00:00 AM

COVID-19 fundamentally changed everything about how many people live. Choices that once seemed innocuous, such as going to the dentist or the grocery store, can now expose people to a lethal virus.

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Topics: Airway management, airway obstruction

Top 4 Reasons to Use the SALAD Suctioning Technique to Clear an Airway Obstruction

Posted by Sam D. Say

Aug 26, 2023 8:00:00 AM

When patients die during or after an aspiration event, it’s often because of the exposure to airway contaminants, not hypoxia. The risk of death increases with the volume of fluid inhaled. This is why diligent, intelligent suction can prove life-saving, especially in someone with limited mobility who is actively aspirating or vomiting. The right suction device quickly clears airway obstructions with a high flow rate and powerful suction.

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Topics: Airway management, airway obstruction

Beat The Summer Heat by Avoiding Airway Hazards

Posted by Sam D. Say

Jul 17, 2023 7:00:00 AM

When we think of summer, we associate it with fun activities like barbecues, swimming and sunbathing. But what we don’t usually think of are the hazardous airway scenarios that can occur during these happy times – especially with children. Educating yourself on the potential risks can help save your life and your summer!

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Topics: Airway management, airway obstruction

Pediatric Airway Complications: Causes and Solutions

Posted by Sam D. Say

Feb 23, 2023 6:00:00 AM

Pediatric airway problems can lead to devastation for families. According to the Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest (POCA) registry, respiratory events led to 27% of all pediatric perioperative cardiac arrests.

 

Likely, this is the first traumatic event the child has experienced and causing further distress will only increase the severity of the problem. It falls to responders to keep an open and friendly disposition during these events, making medical care less intimidating. To be able to focus on that type of demeanor, prior education and comprehension of the causes and solutions to these complications is vital to potentially saving a child’s life or preventing long-term harm.

 

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Topics: Airway management, Pediatric Suction, airway obstruction

Emergency Airway Management for Head and Neck Injuries

Posted by Sam D. Say

Feb 15, 2023 6:00:00 AM

 

Head and neck injuries are very common during emergency calls, particularly following a vehicle crash, fall or another trauma that affects the upper portion of a patient’s body. Those who suffer such injuries, beyond the potential for long-term skeletal, muscular or neurological issues, also carry a high risk for a range of airway issues or crises. If a responder is not able to resolve these issues promptly, the consequences can be fatal.

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Topics: Emergency medical suction, Emergency Preparedness, airway obstruction

Airway Obstruction in The Elderly: What You Need to Know

Posted by Sam D. Say

Dec 13, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Age, weak muscle tone, chronic illnesses, and changes in the throat and esophagus increase the rate of airway obstructions in the elderly. A recent study that used spirometry measures as a clinical indicator of airway obstructions in patients aged 60-93 found an obstruction rate of 22.5% t. This suggests that many elders live with partial obstructions that compromise overall function and health. When they experience an injury or illness, it’s easy for a partial obstruction to become a life-threatening full obstruction. Here’s what you need to know.

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Topics: airway obstruction

Best Practices for Maintaining a Patient Airway in a Tough Situation

Posted by Sam D. Say

Nov 8, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Early training in airway management usually focuses on easy cases. Even as you graduate to working on the difficult airway, classroom training can’t fully prepare you for the many challenges emergency care will throw at you. You may have to tend to patients who are angry and combative, manage delicate airways in frigid cold or dangerous heat, treat patients in unsecured settings, and help people with dementia, developmental delays, or severe mental illness to understand the process of airway management. These tips can help you maintain a patent airway even in challenging situations. 

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Topics: airway obstruction

What Are the Types of Upper Airway Obstruction?

Posted by Sam D. Say

Nov 7, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Upper airway obstructions affect the trachea, pharynx, or larynx. Though partial obstructions can be painful, complete obstructions can be life-threatening. Without treatment, they can quickly prove fatal.

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Topics: airway obstruction

What Causes Airway Obstruction?

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 7, 2022 8:00:00 AM

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Topics: airway obstruction