First Aid for Choking: Essential Skills and Procedures

Understanding Choking

Choking is a life-threatening condition where an airway obstruction prevents breathing. It can be classified as mild or severe.

Mild Choking

A mild obstruction might be a small object like a fishbone lodged in the throat but not completely blocking the airway. This is uncomfortable and causes coughing and distress. If someone has a mild obstruction:

• Encourage them to cough and monitor their condition.
• They should be able to speak, cry, cough, or breathe and often clear the blockage themselves.
• Do not put your fingers in their mouth to avoid accidental bites.
• They may need to see a doctor if the obstruction is not cleared.

Severe Choking

Severe choking involves a complete airway obstruction, preventing any breathing. Signs include inability to talk, cough, cry, or breathe, and the victim may use the universal choking sign (hands around the throat). Without intervention, the person will become unconscious.

If you suspect severe choking:

• Ask “Are you choking?” – if they cannot answer, they have a severe obstruction.
• Shout for help and begin first aid.

First Aid Steps for Severe Choking

Back Blows and Abdominal Thrusts

Perform the following steps:

1. Stand behind the victim with one arm supporting their stomach and lean them forward.
2. Give up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades. Check if the obstruction is cleared after each blow.
3. If unsuccessful, place one foot behind the victim's feet, raise their elbows, and perform abdominal thrusts:
• Place your fist (thumb in) against the abdomen above the belly button.
• Grab your fist with the other hand and perform up to 5 abdominal thrusts, checking after each thrust.
4. Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the obstruction is cleared or the person becomes unconscious.

Calling Emergency Services

If the obstruction is not cleared after 5 cycles of back blows and thrusts, call emergency services. Always have the person checked by a medical professional after performing abdominal thrusts, as this can cause internal damage.

Special Considerations

For pregnant or obese individuals, use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.

CPR for Unconscious Victims

If the person becomes unconscious, lay them on their back, call emergency services if not already done, and start CPR at the compression stage. Compressions may help dislodge the obstruction.

Conclusion

Only perform these procedures when absolutely necessary, and always ensure the individual receives medical attention afterwards. Understanding and applying these first aid skills can save lives.