Which type of objects must be manually removed from the airway?

The necessity for large objects such as teeth or food to be manually removed from the airway relates to their size and the potential to cause significant obstruction. In emergency situations, large objects are often incapable of dislodging themselves due to gravity or airflow, which means that if they enter the airway, immediate action is required to remove them to restore the person’s ability to breathe.

Small objects, while also potentially obstructive, may sometimes be coughed up or dislodged naturally by the individual, making their removal less critical in some cases. Liquid substances can be expelled by coughing and do not block the airway in the manner solid obstructions can. Medical instruments, while they might be a concern if accidentally introduced into the airway, would typically not require manual removal unless in an emergency situation where they become lodged. Hence, large objects are distinctly highlighted for their need for prompt, manual intervention to ensure the airway is clear.