Helping someone who is choking is a critical and potentially life-saving skill. Choking occurs when an object obstructs the airway, making it difficult or impossible for the person to breathe. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to assist someone who is choking:
1. Assess the Situation:
- Quickly assess the person's condition to determine if they are genuinely choking. Look for signs of choking, such as:
- Inability to speak, breathe, or cough.
- Clutching their throat.
- A bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails (cyanosis).
- If the person can cough forcefully or make sounds, encourage them to continue coughing to try and clear the obstruction on their own.
2. Ask for Consent:
- If the person is conscious and appears to be choking, approach them calmly and ask, "Are you choking? Can I help you?" Gaining their consent is essential before proceeding.
3. Encourage Coughing:
- If the person is coughing forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing. Coughing is a natural reflex that can help dislodge the obstruction.
4. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts):
- If the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe, and they are conscious, you should perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) to dislodge the object:
- Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the middle of the person's abdomen, just above the navel.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand and deliver quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen using your upper body strength.
- Continue performing thrusts until the object is expelled or the person can breathe or cough on their own.
- If the person becomes unconscious, carefully lower them to the ground, call 911 or your local emergency number, and start CPR.
5. Alternate Between Back Blows and Abdominal Thrusts (for Pregnant or Obese Individuals):
- If the person is pregnant or obese, it may be necessary to use a combination of back blows and abdominal thrusts:
- Stand behind the person and deliver five back blows between their shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
- If the obstruction is not cleared, move to the Heimlich maneuver with abdominal thrusts as described earlier.
6. Call 911:
- If the person is unable to breathe, cough, or if the obstruction is not expelled after several attempts, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately for professional assistance.
7. Continue Care:
- Even if the person appears to have cleared the obstruction, they should seek medical evaluation to ensure there is no residual damage or risk of infection.
8. Be Prepared:
- Knowing how to respond to choking emergencies by taking a first aid and CPR course can be invaluable. Proper training can help you respond effectively and confidently in critical situations.
Remember, choking is a life-threatening emergency, and immediate action is crucial. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of the person choking, and call for professional medical help if needed.
