If spontaneous breathing is not present after the removal of a foreign body airway obstruction, what should be done?

In the situation described, if spontaneous breathing is not present after the removal of a foreign body airway obstruction, the most appropriate course of action is to refer to the Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) protocol. This protocol is designed for cases where the patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own, and is particularly pertinent when dealing with airway management after an obstruction incident.

RSI involves the use of medications to facilitate intubation, allowing for controlled airway management, especially in patients who are unable to maintain their airway or breathe effectively. This is critical to ensure that the patient receives adequate ventilation and oxygenation, preventing further compromise to their condition.

Using supplemental oxygen by itself would not address the underlying issue of inadequate ventilation and would not be sufficient if the patient is not breathing spontaneously. Similarly, beginning chest compressions would indicate cardiac arrest rather than inadequate respiratory function following an obstruction, and referring to the BLS protocol would not provide the necessary advanced airway management required in this scenario. Therefore, referring to the RSI protocol is the most appropriate and effective step to ensure patient safety and proper airway management.