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FM/G88 · First aid

Dealing with obstructed or occluded airways

Passages: 8
Reading time: 2 mins
Views: 66
Owned by: Unit Command
Platforms: Every platform
Role cards: 102 cards
Published: 23 Sep 2026

On this page

Understanding airways FM/BG-435
Assess the airway FM/BS-163
Turn the head to clear an occluded airway FM/BS-263
Hyperextend the head to clear an obstructed airway FM/BS-266
Put the patient in the recovery position to keep the airway clear FM/BS-261
Clear an airway occlusion using a suction pump FM/BS-1808
Recognising cyanosis FM/BG-1809
Assess cyanosis in a patient FM/BS-1810

Understanding airways

Airways can become blocked when a casualty is unconscious, when rendering first aid the airway should be checked to see if it is blocked or occluded if this is not treated, then it will result in death of the casualty.

Airways can be cleared by turning or hyperextending the head or by using other advanced medical equipment. Once clear, a patient can be placed in the recovery position.

Assess the airway

Assess the airway with “check airways” and categorize as one of the following states:

Clear
Occluded
Obstructed

The location of the "Check Airway" action and the result as seen in the activity log

Turn the head to clear an occluded airway

Turn the patient's head to clear the occluded airway of the patient if an Accuvac is not available.

Hyperextend the head to clear an obstructed airway

Hyperextend the patient's head to clear the obstructed airway of the patient, and stay within 2m of the patient during the process.

Put the patient in the recovery position to keep the airway clear

Place the patient into a recovery position to keep the airway clear, if they:

are stable
do not need to be moved

Clear an airway occlusion using a suction pump

Assess the patient for an airway occlusion.
Use a suction pump to remove the obstruction from the airway.
Confirm the airway has been cleared.
Verify successful treatment by reading the in-game hint.
Continue with further casualty treatment as required.

Recognising cyanosis

Cyanosis provides a visual indication of reduced blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and can be used to estimate oxygen levels when monitoring equipment is unavailable.

Cyanosis Indicators

No Cyanosis – Approximately 100% SpO₂
Slight Cyanosis – Below 90% SpO₂
Mild Cyanosis – Below 70% SpO₂
Severe Cyanosis – Below 50% SpO₂

Treatment Considerations

Mild cyanosis indicates significantly reduced oxygen saturation and should prompt assessment of airway and breathing conditions.
Priority should be given to restoring and maintaining a clear airway.
Severe cyanosis indicates critically low oxygen saturation and an immediate risk to life.
Immediate intervention is required to restore oxygenation and prevent death.

Assess cyanosis in a patient

Inspect the patient for signs of cyanosis.
Identify the level of cyanosis present:
- No Cyanosis
- Slight Cyanosis
- Mild Cyanosis
- Severe Cyanosis
Estimate the patient's oxygen saturation based on the observed cyanosis.
Determine the urgency of intervention based on the severity of cyanosis.
Prioritise airway assessment and treatment when mild or severe cyanosis is present.
Escalate treatment urgency as cyanosis severity increases.