Choking - Child /Adult

A person chokes when the airway is partly or completely blocked and airflow is reduced or cut off. A choking person may die if first aid is not given immediately.

Common Causes of Choking Food or some other object is stuck in the throat The tongue of an unconscious person falls to the back of the throat Blood or vomit collects in the throat

Common Signs of Choking Little or no air sounds Patient is holding hands to their throat universal sign of choking) Inability of speak or cough

If casualty is conscious Activate EMS Stand behind casualty, lean them forward and give 5 back blows between shoulders Reach around and locate navel Make a fist with the other hand and place thumb side against adomen, just above the nave and below ribs

If casualty is conscious continued Grasp fist with other hand Quickly thrust inward and upward into the abdomen 5 times Repeat back blows and thrusts until casualty can breathe normally or becomes unresponsive.

If casualty becomes unresponsive Gently lower casualty to the ground If not already done, activate Ems Begin CPR, starting with chest compressions Look in mouth for an object before giving rescue breaths. If object present, remove with a finger sweep being cautious not to drive it back into the throat.

Do the Heimlich Maneuver If a choking person is not coughing or is unable to speak, that's your cue to perform the Heimlich maneuver immediately.

Self-Administered Option 1 is to use your hands and try to give yourself the Heimlich Option 2 is to use furniture and position your abdominal area, slightly above the hips, and press forcefully into the edge to apply pressure. Make each thrust distinct, with the intent to dislodge the obstruction. Repeat thrusts until the obstruction is relieved.