What is a common source of major airway obstruction in children?

The tongue is a common source of major airway obstruction in children primarily because of anatomical differences and developmental factors. In young children, their airways are relatively smaller and more prone to obstruction. When a child is unconscious or in a position where they cannot maintain their own airway (such as during deep sleep or after an injury), the tongue can fall back against the soft palate and obstruct airflow. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in infants and toddlers, who have proportionally larger tongues relative to their airway size compared to older children and adults.

In contrast to the other options, while food and foreign objects are indeed significant causes of airway obstructions in children, especially during eating or playing, they do not account for scenarios where a child loses consciousness. Swelling can also obstruct airways, especially in cases of allergic reactions or infections, but it tends to occur less frequently as an acute obstruction source compared to tongue displacement in unconscious individuals. Understanding these mechanics is critical for EMTs as it guides their interventions in pediatric emergencies, where maintaining an open airway is essential for effective patient management.