first aid: Asphyxia and Obstruction of Air Passages

Symptoms: Blue discoloration of face, tongue, and lips; gasping; inability to speak; unconsciousness. Treatment: First try the Heimlich maneuver, grasping the victim from behind with hands linked in front and compressing the abdomen just below the ribs. Encourage victim to cough up foreign objects in throat; as a last resort, rap victim between shoulder blades to dislodge object. For asphyxia caused by gas or fumes, remove victim to a clear atmosphere; use artificial respiration.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Wound
• Shock
• Severe Bleeding
• Poisoning
• Heatstroke
• Heat Exhaustion
• Frostbite
• Fractures and Joint Injuries
• Foreign Body in the Eye
• Fainting
• Drowning and Near-Drowning
• Burns
• Bites and Stings
• Asphyxia and Obstruction of Air Passages
• Bibliography

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