CHOKING

Choking 3,000 or more deaths due to cardiac arrests from airway obstruction annually in U.S.

Other Causes of Respiratory Arrest Fainting Stroke Heart attack Epilepsy Respiratory illness Drug overdose

Choking In adults, usually occurs while eating. Poorly chewed meat dentures alcohol laughing/talking while eating

Signs of Choking Unable to talk or cry (people will be able to move if conscious but if they cannot talk/cry they are obstructed) Cyanosis is a VERY late sign Consider choking if: sudden collapse while eating child <6 w/ sudden collapse, unconsciousness or acute respiratory distress without history

Choking NEVER TELL AN RP TO DISCONTINUE ANY EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS THAT THEY HAVE ALREADY BEGUN! If they are already doing the abdominal thrusts or doing CPR never tell them to stop. Any witnessed choking event – conscious patient – go right to the instructions for choking If the patient is or becomes unconscious go to CPR

Vital Points Interrogation Does the chest rise and fall? Is the patient able to speak or cry? Is the patient turning blue? Was the person eating or did they have something in their mouth?

Vital Points Interrogation If child is 6 years or below, Is the child hot to the touch? If airway obstruction is ruled out, go to pediatric card

Questions? Let’s practice our Choking instructions.