Basic Life Support Algorithms

Adult Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction Algorithm: Step by Step

1. 1

   Confirm that the scene is safe

2. 2

   Assess for severe airway obstruction

   Signs may include weak or absent coughing, bluish discoloration of the skin or lips, changes in mental status, inability to speak, and absent breathing.

3. 3

   Severe airway obstruction absent: monitor

   • Encourage the patient to keep coughing
   • Continue monitoring for signs of severe airway obstruction
   • If the patient’s condition worsens, reassess immediately
4. 4

   Severe airway obstruction present: activate ERS

   Activate the emergency response system (ERS), then check whether the patient shows a response.

5. 5

   Patient responds: back blows and thrusts

   • Begin repeated cycles immediately: 5 back blows, then 5 abdominal thrusts
   • Use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts in late pregnancy or if you cannot encircle the abdomen effectively
   • Repeat until the obstruction clears or the patient becomes unresponsive
   • If the obstruction clears, monitor the patient until advanced responders arrive
   • If the patient becomes unresponsive, start high-quality CPR immediately
6. 6

   No response: start CPR

   • Begin high-quality CPR immediately
   • Perform chest compressions first
   • Before providing breaths, check the mouth and remove any visible object (only if you can see it clearly)
   • Follow the Adult BLS algorithm and continue CPR cycles until advanced responders take over