In an unconscious patient with airway obstruction, if you cannot ventilate effectively, what should you do?

In an unconscious patient with airway obstruction, if you cannot ventilate effectively, what should you do?

• A. Transport immediately while continuing CPR
• B. Stop CPR and wait for ALS
• C. Begin bag-valve ventilation only
• D. Defibrillate

Answer: (A)

When an unconscious patient has an airway obstruction and you can’t ventilate, the priority is to maintain circulation and get the patient to definitive care quickly. Continue high-quality CPR to preserve brain and heart perfusion, and transport immediately so advanced airway management and obstruction relief can be performed by ALS. Stopping CPR to wait for ALS or attempting defibrillation without addressing the airway won’t improve oxygen delivery and can worsen outcomes. If you can, briefly attempt airway maneuvers to relieve the obstruction and suction as appropriate, but the key action is rapid transport with ongoing CPR.

When an unconscious patient has an airway obstruction and you can’t ventilate, the priority is to maintain circulation and get the patient to definitive care quickly. Continue high-quality CPR to preserve brain and heart perfusion, and transport immediately so advanced airway management and obstruction relief can be performed by ALS. Stopping CPR to wait for ALS or attempting defibrillation without addressing the airway won’t improve oxygen delivery and can worsen outcomes. If you can, briefly attempt airway maneuvers to relieve the obstruction and suction as appropriate, but the key action is rapid transport with ongoing CPR.