Choking is a serious medical condition that can occur when an object or food becomes lodged in the trachea (windpipe), blocking the flow of air. Choking can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Signs and symptoms of choking
The signs and symptoms of choking include:
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
- Clutching at the throat
- Gasping for air
- Turning blue or purple in the face
- Loss of consciousness
What to do if someone is choking
If someone is choking, you should act quickly and give choking first aid. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Assess the situation. Is the person choking conscious? Are they able to speak or breathe? 2. If the person is conscious: * Ask them if they are choking. * Encourage them to cough up the object. * Give them back blows. Stand behind the person and place your arms around their waist. Bend them forward at the waist so that their upper body is parallel to the ground. Strike them between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand five times. * Give them abdominal thrusts. Stand behind the person and place your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their belly button. Place the other hand on top of your fist and pull sharply inwards and upwards. Repeat five times. 3. If the person is unconscious: * Call 911 or your local emergency number. * Begin CPR if you are trained to do so.
How to perform back blows
To perform back blows:
- Stand behind the person and place your arms around their waist.
- Bend them forward at the waist so that their upper body is parallel to the ground.
- Strike them between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand five times.
- Check to see if the object has dislodged. If not, repeat steps 2 and 3.
How to perform abdominal thrusts
To perform abdominal thrusts:
- Stand behind the person and place your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their belly button.
- Place the other hand on top of your fist and pull sharply inwards and upwards.
- Repeat five times.
- Check to see if the object has dislodged. If not, repeat steps 2 and 3.
Important safety tips
- If the person is conscious, do not give them back blows or abdominal thrusts unless they are choking.
- Be careful not to use too much force when giving back blows or abdominal thrusts. You could injure the person’s ribs or internal organs.
- If the object is stuck in the person’s throat and you cannot dislodge it, do not try to remove it yourself. Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Conclusion
Choking is a serious medical condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. If you see someone choking, act quickly and follow the steps outlined above. By following these steps, you can help to save a life.