Patient CAN TALK normally
If patient can talk, Airway is open.

Patient CAN NOT TALK normally,
If patient can not talk normally, assess for cause of or risk of  AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION.

STEP 1: Assessment

LOOK  for :

• Chest movements
• Fluid like secretions, blood, vomit
• Foreign bodies
• Swelling
• Altered level of consciousness 

• Air from mouth or nose
• Gurgling
• Stridor
• Snoring

STEP 2: Management

There are various maneuvers that can be applied to open an airway:

i. Head- Tilt/ Chin- lift

•    If  no suspected traumatic injury
  

ii. Jaw Thrust

•   If concern for traumatic injury or possible head or neck injury
  
•    Maintain Manual in-line immobilization of c-spine                                                                                                                    

         - Nasopharyngeal airway

iv. Suction

Consider suctioning for airway with fluids such as secretions, blood and vomit 

v. Foreign body removal

Consider using Magi-ls forceps to remove visible foreign body

vi. Chocking

For a patient with ongoing obstruction from a solid foreign body, use :

• Encourage them to cough
• Adult : Abdominal thrusts (5) , followed by back blows (5)
  
• Child : Back blows , followed by abdominal thrusts
• If patient worsens and becomes unconscious, start CPR

vii. Anaphylaxis

If airway narrowing from suspected anaphylaxis ( stridor, skin rash), administer Adrenaline IM and plan for handover or transfer for definitive airway management

Place patient in recovery position if no features suggestive of traumatic injury