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Published on: August 2, 2024
Evaluation of basic life support interventions for foreign body airway obstructions: A population-based cohort study
Cody L Dunne1, Julia Cirone2, Ian E Blanchard3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Back blows improved foreign body airway obstruction relief and survival compared to abdominal thrusts and chest compressions. This finding is crucial for enhancing choking emergency response protocols.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Airway Management
Background:
- Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) is a critical emergency requiring prompt intervention.
- Basic life support (BLS) interventions are the first line of treatment for choking incidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the association between different BLS interventions and FBAO relief.
- To assess the impact of BLS interventions on survival to discharge in FBAO patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of prehospital FBAO encounters in Alberta, Canada (2018-2021).
- Data extracted from emergency medical services and hospital records.
- Multivariable logistic regression used to determine adjusted odds ratios for FBAO relief and survival.
Main Results:
- Back blows (BB) were associated with improved FBAO relief compared to abdominal thrusts (AT) and chest compressions (CC).
- Abdominal thrusts (aOR 0.49) and chest compressions (aOR 0.14) showed decreased odds of FBAO relief versus back blows.
- Chest compressions were linked to significantly decreased odds of survival to discharge (aOR 0.04).
Conclusions:
- Back blows demonstrate superior outcomes in FBAO management compared to AT and CC.
- Findings suggest a re-evaluation of current BLS protocols for choking emergencies.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to optimize choking emergency response.
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