Airway foreign body removal device

The airway foreign body removal device is a supplementary rescue tool used in cases of choking, asphyxiation, or airway obstruction. Its primary purpose is to help remove the foreign body obstructing the airway by creating negative pressure, or suction. The device can be used especially in situations where the victim cannot cough effectively, cannot breathe, and traditional first aid interventions are unsuccessful. The main parts of the device are the handle, the plunger, the one-way valve, and the face mask. The handle provides easy grip and control, the plunger creates the suction effect, and the one-way valve allows air to escape from the device while helping to create proper vacuum. The purpose of the face mask is to fit properly over the victim's nose and mouth, thereby creating a closed system for effective suction. The device usually comes with adult and child-sized masks. During use, the face mask must be placed over the victim's nose and mouth so that it seals tightly on the face. The mask must be held steadily with the non-dominant hand, and then the plunger must be pushed down completely. The handle must then be pulled upwards, creating a suction effect. This suction effect can help dislodge and remove the foreign body obstructing the airway. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the operation can be repeated, but the device must not be removed from the face between repetitions. It is professionally very important to emphasize that this type of airway foreign body removal device does not replace the traditional interventions according to current international first aid guidelines. For adults and children, in case of severe airway obstruction, the first step is still the application of 5 back blows, followed by 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if necessary. For infants, the primary care is 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts. Therefore, the device should be considered as an additional option, not as a replacement for basic first aid steps. In all severe choking cases, especially if the victim cannot speak, cough, has wheezing or silent breathing, turns blue, loses consciousness, or their condition deteriorates, an ambulance must be called immediately at the emergency number 112. Alongside the use of the device, the victim's condition, breathing, and consciousness must be continuously monitored, and in case of loss of consciousness, initiating CPR may become necessary.