What is the first step in responding to a patient with suspected airway obstruction?

When responding to a patient with a suspected airway obstruction, the first step is to assess the patient’s airway and breathing. This initial evaluation is crucial for determining the severity of the obstruction and the appropriate interventions needed. By assessing the airway, you can identify whether the patient is experiencing partial or complete obstruction, which affects the subsequent actions to be taken.

If a partial obstruction is present, the patient might still be able to breathe and speak, allowing for a more conservative management approach. Conversely, if the obstruction is complete, the patient will be unable to breathe, cough, or speak, necessitating immediate and definitive measures like the Heimlich maneuver or back blows and chest thrusts.

This assessment not only informs the responder about the current state of the patient's airway but also allows for a quicker and more effective reaction to the situation. Therefore, conducting an assessment is essential in ensuring the right steps are taken to clear the obstruction and secure the airway before any additional measures, such as administering oxygen or performing CPR, are considered.