Choking

TL;DR

Obstruction of the airway by a foreign object, requiring immediate removal efforts.

What is Choking?

Choking occurs when an object, usually food or a small item, becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking airflow. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action to prevent suffocation.

Signs of choking include difficulty breathing, coughing, gagging, wheezing, and the inability to speak or cry out. In severe cases, the casualty may clutch their throat, a universal sign of choking, and their skin may turn blue due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis).

First aid for choking involves a sequence of manoeuvres to dislodge the obstruction. For adults and children over one year old, deliver up to five back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If the obstruction persists, perform chest thrusts (the same motion as for CPR, but with the casualty standing up against a wall). For infants, use back blows and chest thrusts with the baby in an incline position (their head lower than their body).

If the casualty becomes unconscious, begin CPR immediately and call emergency services. Continuous monitoring and readiness to adapt the response based on the casualty's condition are critical.

First Aid for Choking

• Encourage Coughing: If the casualty can cough, encourage them to continue.
• Back Blows: Deliver up to 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades.
• Chest Thrusts: Stand the casualty against a flat surface. Give 5 sharp chest thrusts, as you would for CPR.
• Alternate: Continue alternating back blows and chest thrusts until the object is expelled or help arrives.

Takeaway to remember

Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing. It can quickly become life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

Reference

• First Aid eBook