Rescue at hand: First aid for choking

Choking is a life-threatening emergency condition that occurs when the airway becomes blocked by a foreign body. It could be food, a toy, a coin or any other object. In such a situation, it is crucial to act quickly and effectively, which can save lives. This article will provide you with the necessary knowledge on first aid for choking in adults and children.

How to recognize choking?

A person who chokes may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Grasping at the throat: This is a universal sign of choking.
• Cough: Initially, it may be a strong cough that weakens over time.
• Breathing problems: A person may have difficulty taking in air, turn blue, and in extreme cases lose consciousness.
• Inability to speak: A choked person is unable to speak or make sounds.
• Panic and fear: A natural reaction to not being able to breathe.

First aid for choking in a conscious adult

1. Stay calm: Your composure is key to providing effective assistance.
2. Ask, “Are you choking?” If the person can talk or cough, it means that the airway is not completely blocked and should be encouraged to cough.
3. Back strokes: If the person cannot speak or cough, stand behind him, bend him forward and deliver 5 strong strokes to the area between the shoulder blades, using the base of your hand.
4. Heimlich manhandle: If backstroke doesn’t work, use the Heimlich manhandle.
   • Stand behind the affected person.
   • Put your arms around her waist.
   • Clench one hand into a fist and place it between the navel and the lower end of the sternum.
   • Place your other hand on your fist and perform 5 quick inward and upward compressions.
5. Repeat: Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal compressions until the airway blockage is cleared or you lose consciousness.
6. Call for help: Regardless of the outcome of your actions, call the emergency services (emergency number 112 or 999).

First aid for choking in an unconscious adult

1. Lay the person on his or her back: Gently lay the person on a flat surface.
2. Open the airway: Tilt the head back and lift the jaw.
3. Check your breath: Check if the person is breathing. If not, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
4. Chest compressions: Perform 30 chest compressions at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute.
5. Artificial respiration: Perform 2 rescue breaths.
6. Continue CPR: Continue CPR until an ambulance arrives or the victim regains consciousness.

First aid for choking in infants (under 1 year of age)

1. Lay the infant on your forearm: Lay the infant face down on your forearm, supporting its head and neck.
2. Back strokes: Perform 5 strokes on the area between the shoulder blades, using the base of the hand.
3. Turn the infant onto its back: Turn the infant onto its back, still supporting the head and neck.
4. Chest compressions: Place 2 fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line, and perform 5 quick compressions.
5. Repeat: Alternate back blows and chest compressions until the airway blockage is cleared or you lose consciousness.
6. Call for help: Regardless of the outcome of your actions, call emergency services.

First aid for choking in children (over 1 year old)

The management of choking in children over 1 year of age is similar to that of adults. However, the strength of back blows and abdominal compressions should be adjusted according to the age and size of the child.

Choking prevention

• Careful eating: Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
• Avoid distractions while eating: Don’t talk, watch TV or read while eating.
• Proper cutting of food: Cut food into small pieces, especially for children.
• Supervising children: Pay special attention to young children when eating and playing.
• Avoid giving small objects to children: Keep toys, coins and other small objects out of children’s reach.

Remember!

• Quick action is key: The sooner you administer first aid, the better the chances of saving a life.
• Do not hesitate to call for help: When in doubt, always call the emergency number 112 or 999.
• Learn first aid: Enroll in a first aid course to learn how to respond properly in life-threatening situations.

Attention:
The above article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for visiting a doctor. If you have any doubts about your health, consult a specialist.