Are They Choking? Esophageal Foreign Body

Episode overview

About This Episode

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

• Instagram- @emscast

• Twitter- @ems_cast

• Website- www.emspodcast.com

• Want to stay ahead of the top 1% in EMS and build real confidence in the field?

👉 Book a call to get personalized guidance, improve decision-making under pressure, and grow your skills as a paramedic: emspodcast.com/free-coaching-call

📰 Join our weekly newsletter for exclusive EMS insights, leadership strategies, real-life scenarios, and tools designed to help you stay sharp, confident, and ahead of the curve: https://loudandclear.kit.com/d45b012fae

•  

•  

 
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

American Burn Association / ABLS: Enter the ABLS giveaway by June 30, 2026; the winner will be selected July 1, 2026. Loud & Clear listeners also get 10% off ABLS Now through August 31, 2026. Details: https://bit.ly/aba-loud-clear