Pharyngeal trauma as a result of blind finger sweeps in the choking child

Knowledge and misconceptions of choking and first-aid procedures among Syrian adults: A cross-sectional study

Background

Choking is a critical emergency that occurs when foreign objects obstruct the airways. It commonly affects young children, older people, individuals with developmental disabilities, those with acquired or lifelong disability, and those with mental health conditions. Symptoms can vary, ranging from coughing to cyanosis.

Aim

Our study aims to evaluate Syrian adults' knowledge of choking and their understanding of first-aid procedures. Specifically, we will assess the prevalence of misconceptions in order to train community members and increase their level of knowledge about first aid for choking. Ultimately, our goal is to reduce deaths resulting from this critical condition.

Methods

This cross-sectional study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding choking among adults in Syria. The targeted population consists of Syrians aged between 18 and 45 years who reside in Syria. Data were collected through an online survey, disseminated via social media platforms from March to July 2022. Scores were computed to quantify levels of knowledge, with participants achieving a score of 16 or higher classified as having a high level of knowledge. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and chi-square tests.

Results

A total of 406 responded to the survey, with 246 (60.6%) scoring less than 16 points, indicating a low level of knowledge. Gender and place of residency were not correlated with knowledge level p = 0.249, p = 0.913, respectively). Participants employed in the medical field, those who had received training in first aid, and individuals with higher levels of education exhibited higher levels of knowledge. However, the level of knowledge was below expectations for these groups.

Conclusion

There should be an increase in the availability of first-aid courses to the public and improvements in hands-on training for physicians and medical trainees.

The efficacy and usability of suction-based airway clearance devices for foreign body airway obstruction: a manikin randomised crossover trial

Background

Newly-developed suction-based airway clearance devices potentially provide a novel way to improve outcome in patients with foreign body airway obstruction. We conducted a randomised controlled crossover manikin trial to compare the efficacy and usability of two of these devices with abdominal thrusts.

Methods

We randomised participants from a UK medical school to one of six groups which determined the order in which participants attempted the three techniques (abdominal thrusts; LifeVac, Nesconset, New York, USA; Dechoker, Concord North Carolina, USA). Randomisation was performed using an online randomisation system. Following brief training, participants sought to remove a foreign body airway obstruction from a manikin using the allocated technique. The primary outcome was successful removal of the foreign body. Usability was assessed in a questionnaire following the three simulations.

Results

We randomised and analysed data from 90 participants (58% male; 86% aged 18−29 years). Compared with abdominal thrusts, successful foreign body airway obstruction removal was achieved more frequently in manikins in the LifeVac group (odds ratio 47.32, 95% CI 5.75–389.40) but not in the Dechoker group (odds ratio 1.22, 95% CI 0.60–2.47). The usability of LifeVac and abdominal thrusts were generally evaluated more positively than the Dechoker.

Conclusion

In this manikin study, we found that, compared with abdominal thrusts, the success rate for foreign body airway obstruction removal was higher in the LifeVac group but not in the Dechoker group.

Adult Basic Life Support: International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations

This 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations on basic life support summarizes evidence evaluations performed for 20 topics that were prioritized by the Basic Life Support Task Force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. The evidence reviews include 16 systematic reviews, 3 scoping reviews, and 1 evidence update. Per agreement within the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, new or revised treatment recommendations were only made after a systematic review.

Systematic reviews were performed for the following topics: dispatch diagnosis of cardiac arrest, use of a firm surface for CPR, sequence for starting CPR (compressions-airway-breaths versus airway-breaths-compressions), CPR before calling for help, duration of CPR cycles, hand position during compressions, rhythm check timing, feedback for CPR quality, alternative techniques, public access automated external defibrillator programs, analysis of rhythm during chest compressions, CPR before defibrillation, removal of foreign-body airway obstruction, resuscitation care for suspected opioid-associated emergencies, drowning, and harm from CPR to victims not in cardiac arrest.

The topics that resulted in the most extensive task force discussions included CPR during transport, CPR before calling for help, resuscitation care for suspected opioid-associated emergencies, feedback for CPR quality, and analysis of rhythm during chest compressions. After discussion of the scoping reviews and the evidence update, the task force prioritized several topics for new systematic reviews.

Adult Basic Life Support: 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations

This2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation(CPR)and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendationson basic life support summarizes evidence evaluations performed for 22 topics that were prioritized by the Basic Life Support Task Force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. The evidence reviews include 16 systematic reviews, 5 scoping reviews, and 1 evidence update. Per agreement within the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, new or revised treatment recommendations were only made after a systematic review.

Systematic reviews were performed for the following topics: dispatch diagnosis of cardiac arrest, use of a firm surface for CPR, sequence for starting CPR (compressions-airway-breaths versus airway-breaths-compressions), CPR before calling for help, duration of CPR cycles, hand position during compressions, rhythm check timing, feedback for CPR quality, alternative techniques, public access automated external defibrillator programs, analysis of rhythm during chest compressions, CPR before defibrillation, removal of foreign-body airway obstruction, resuscitation care for suspected opioid-associated emergencies, drowning, and harm from CPR to victims not in cardiac arrest.

The topics that resulted in the most extensive task force discussions included CPR during transport, CPR before calling for help, resuscitation care for suspected opioid-associated emergencies, feedback for CPR quality, and analysis of rhythm during chest compressions. After discussion of the scoping reviews and the evidence update, the task force prioritized several topics for new systematic reviews.

Removal of foreign body airway obstruction: A systematic review of interventions

OBJECTIVE

To summarise in a systematic review the effectiveness of interventions to treat foreign body airway obstructions (FBAO).

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library from inception on 30th September 2019 for studies that described the effectiveness of interventions to treat FBAO in adults and children. We included randomised controlled trials, observational studies and case series (≥5 cases) that described evidence of benefit. For evidence of harm/complications, we included case reports. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, extracted study data, and assessed risk of bias. Data are summarised in a narrative synthesis. The GRADE system is used to assess evidence certainty.

RESULTS

We included 69 publications, comprising three cross-sectional studies (557 patients); eight case series (755 patients), and 59 were case reports (64 patients). One paper was included as a case series and cross-sectional study. For all interventions and associated outcomes, evidence certainty was very low. Early removal of FBAO by bystanders was associated with improved neurological survival (odds ratio 6.0, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 23.4). Identified evidence showed that key interventions (back blows, abdominal thrusts, chest thrusts/compressions, Magill forceps, manual removal of obstructions from the mouth, suction-based airway clearance devices) are effective in relieving FBAO. We identified reports of harm in relation to back blows, abdominal thrusts, chest thrusts/compressions, and blind finger sweeps.

CONCLUSIONS

Key interventions successfully relieve FBAO, but may be associated with important harms. Guidelines for FBAO management should balance the benefits and harms of interventions.

Nasopharyngeal foreign body triggered by a blind finger sweep

A previously healthy 1-year-old boy suddenly began choking and coughing after ingesting a coin. The child's mother attempted to extract the coin by inserting her fingers in his mouth and sweeping the oral cavity. The mother felt the object momentarily with her fingertips but was unable to retrieve it, and brought her son to a local hospital for assistance. The patient was referred to our emergency department (ED) for possible oesophageal obstruction by a foreign body based on the X-ray findings. On arrival at our ED, the child exhibited mild gagging but presented no respiratory symptoms and normal pulmonary examination. The chest X-ray revealed a nasopharyngeal foreign body. The patient was placed under procedural sedation and emergency removal was successfully completed by an otolaryngologist. Subsequently, the patient was discharged without complications.

2005 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) of pediatric and neonatal patients: pediatric basic life support

This publication presents the 2005 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) of the pediatric patient and the 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics/AHA guidelines for CPR and ECC of the neonate. The guidelines are based on the evidence evaluation from the 2005 International Consensus Conference on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations, hosted by the American Heart Association in Dallas, Texas, January 23-30, 2005. The "2005 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care" contain recommendations designed to improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest and acute life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems. The evidence evaluation process that was the basis for these guidelines was accomplished in collaboration with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). The ILCOR process is described in more detail in the "International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations." The recommendations in the "2005 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care" confirm the safety and effectiveness of many approaches, acknowledge that other approaches may not be optimal, and recommend new treatments that have undergone evidence evaluation. These new recommendations do not imply that care involving the use of earlier guidelines is unsafe. In addition, it is important to note that these guidelines will not apply to all rescuers and all victims in all situations. The leader of a resuscitation attempt may need to adapt application of the guidelines to unique circumstances. The following are the major pediatric advanced life support changes in the 2005 guidelines: There is further caution about the use of endotracheal tubes. Laryngeal mask airways are acceptable when used by experienced providers. Cuffed endotracheal tubes may be used in infants (except newborns) and children in in-hospital settings provided that cuff inflation pressure is kept <20 cm H2O. Confirmation of tube placement requires clinical assessment and assessment of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2); esophageal detector devices may be considered for use in children weighing >20 kg who have a perfusing rhythm. Correct placement must be verified when the tube is inserted, during transport, and whenever the patient is moved. During CPR with an advanced airway in place, rescuers will no longer perform "cycles" of CPR. Instead, the rescuer performing chest compressions will perform them continuously at a rate of 100/minute without pauses for ventilation. The rescuer providing ventilation will deliver 8 to 10 breaths per minute (1 breath approximately every 6-8 seconds). Timing of 1 shock, CPR, and drug administration during pulseless arrest has changed and now is identical to that for advanced cardiac life support. Routine use of high-dose epinephrine is not recommended. Lidocaine is de-emphasized, but it can be used for treatment of ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia if amiodarone is not available. Induced hypothermia (32-34 degrees C for 12-24 hours) may be considered if the child remains comatose after resuscitation. Indications for the use of inodilators are mentioned in the postresuscitation section. Termination of resuscitative efforts is discussed. It is noted that intact survival has been reported following prolonged resuscitation and absence of spontaneous circulation despite 2 doses of epinephrine. The following are the major neonatal resuscitation changes in the 2005 guidelines: Supplementary oxygen is recommended whenever positive-pressure ventilation is indicated for resuscitation; free-flow oxygen should be administered to infants who are breathing but have central cyanosis. Although the standard approach to resuscitation is to use 100% oxygen, it is reasonable to begin resuscitation with an oxygen concentration of less than 100% or to start with no supplementary oxygen (ie, start with room air). If the clinician begins resuscitation with room air, it is recommended that supplementary oxygen be available to use if there is no appreciable improvement within 90 seconds after birth. In situations where supplementary oxygen is not readily available, positive-pressure ventilation should be administered with room air. Current recommendations no longer advise routine intrapartum oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal suctioning for infants born to mothers with meconium staining of amniotic fluid. Endotracheal suctioning for infants who are not vigorous should be performed immediately after birth. A self-inflating bag, a flow-inflating bag, or a T-piece (a valved mechanical device designed to regulate pressure and limit flow) can be used to ventilate a newborn. An increase in heart rate is the primary sign of improved ventilation during resuscitation. Exhaled CO2 detection is the recommended primary technique to confirm correct endotracheal tube placement when a prompt increase in heart rate does not occur after intubation. The recommended intravenous (IV) epinephrine dose is 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg per dose. Higher IV doses are not recommended, and IV administration is the preferred route. Although access is being obtained, administration of a higher dose (up to 0.1 mg/kg) through the endotracheal tube may be considered. It is possible to identify conditions associated with high mortality and poor outcome in which withholding resuscitative efforts may be considered reasonable, particularly when there has been the opportunity for parental agreement. The following guidelines must be interpreted according to current regional outcomes: When gestation, birth weight, or congenital anomalies are associated with almost certain early death and when unacceptably high morbidity is likely among the rare survivors, resuscitation is not indicated. Examples are provided in the guidelines. In conditions associated with a high rate of survival and acceptable morbidity, resuscitation is nearly always indicated. In conditions associated with uncertain prognosis in which survival is borderline, the morbidity rate is relatively high, and the anticipated burden to the child is high, parental desires concerning initiation of resuscitation should be supported. Infants without signs of life (no heartbeat and no respiratory effort) after 10 minutes of resuscitation show either a high mortality rate or severe neurodevelopmental disability. After 10 minutes of continuous and adequate resuscitative efforts, discontinuation of resuscitation may be justified if there are no signs of life.

Part 9: pediatric basic life support. European Resuscitation Council

The epidemiology and outcome of pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest and the priorities, techniques, and sequence of pediatric resuscitation assessments and intervention differ from those of adults. Current guidelines have been updated after extensive multinational evidence-based review and discussion over several years. Areas of controversy in current guidelines and recommendations made by consensus are detailed. A large degree of uniformity exists in the current guidelines advocated by the AHA, Council on Latin American Resuscitation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, European Resuscitation Council, Australian Resuscitation Council, and Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa. Differences are currently based on local and regional preferences, training networks, and customs rather than scientific controversy. Unresolved issues with potential for future universal application are highlighted.