What sign indicates potential airway compromise in a casualty?

• A. Severe airway obstruction signs such as stridor, gurgling, or inability to speak
• B. Normal speaking
• C. Good audible breath sounds
• D. No distress signals

Answer: (A)

When assessing airway, look for signs of obstruction. Severe obstruction signs such as stridor, gurgling, or an inability to speak indicate the airway may be closing or blocked and require immediate action to secure the airway. Stridor means a high-pitched sound from airflow through a narrowed upper airway; gurgling suggests secretions or fluid pooling that are impeding passage; inability to speak shows airflow is too limited to phonate. These are urgent red flags because they reflect a real risk of airway collapse or complete blockage. By contrast, normal speaking, good audible breath sounds, and no distress signals point to an airway that is currently open and functioning, with ventilation occurring adequately.