Are They Choking? Esophageal Foreign Body

EMS Cast: Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers

We delve into the management of esophageal foreign body obstructions, a common yet often misunderstood medical emergency. We discuss the symptoms and causes of esophageal food impactions, sometimes referred to as 'Steakhouse Syndrome,' and differentiate it from tracheal obstructions. We explore the protocols, potential treatments, and if there's any rationale behind treatments such as glucagon administration. Join us as we also share real-life scenarios to better illustrate the challenges and solutions when dealing with such medical cases.

• Resources and links
  • This episode was inspired by an article on EMSAirway.com- Friday Night Lights- Shift 9 Steak Night
  • EMScast15 - code for 15% off an awesome pair of sunglasses
  • Help Us By Filling Out Our Audience Survey
  • Medic Box - awesome medical gear shipped directly to your door
  • Articles-

    • American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy- Guidelines for ingested foreign bodies

    • Glucagon for Relief of Acute Esophageal Foreign Bodies and Food Impactions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    • Efficacy of cola ingestion for oesophageal food bolus impaction: open label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial

    • Conservative management of oesophageal soft food bolus impaction

    • Esophageal Food Impaction: A Retrospective Chart Review

    • Food Bolus Impaction- Question and Answer Review

Guest/Cast/Crew information-

Host- Ross Orpet, Will Berry

Catch up with us after the show

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• Twitter- @ems_cast
• Website- www.emspodcast.com

00:00 Introduction to Esophageal Foreign Bodies 00:43 Audience Survey and Sunglasses Giveaway 01:46 Interview with Contest Winner 06:11 A Choking Incident at Mile High Stadium 09:02 Discussion on Esophageal Obstructions 11:46 Life-Saving Story at Denver International Airport 13:28 A Life-Saving Outcome 14:11 The Choking Incident at the Tavern 14:57 Assessing the Patient's Condition 19:38 Understanding Esophageal Food Impaction 21:49 Treatment Options and Challenges 29:01 The Role of Endoscopy 37:45 Managing Esophageal Impactions in the Field 39:32 Final Thoughts