If an unconscious patient has vomited and a large piece of food is blocking their airway, what should you do?

In the scenario where an unconscious patient has vomited and a large piece of food is obstructing their airway, the most appropriate action is to perform a finger sweep. This technique involves using your fingers to carefully remove the obstruction in the mouth and throat, provided that you can see the object clearly and it is safe to do so. Removing the obstruction is crucial because if the airway is blocked, the patient cannot breathe, which is a life-threatening emergency.

When performing a finger sweep, it is important to be cautious not to push the object further down the throat, as this could exacerbate the blockage. It's also essential to ensure that the patient's head is tilted appropriately to help facilitate the removal of the obstruction.

Other actions, while potentially useful in different contexts, do not address the immediate need to clear the airway. Holding the head in a neutral position is helpful for maintaining a clear airway but does not directly resolve the obstruction. Beginning CPR is indicated only when the patient is not breathing and has no pulse, but if an obstruction is present, addressing that should come first. Turning the patient to their side can help with drainage and may be appropriate if the patient is semi-conscious or fully conscious, but it does not specifically target the immediate threat posed by a blockage