What Do You Do When Someone Is Choking?

Choking is a life-threatening emergency that can occur suddenly, leaving the choking person unable to breathe and bystanders in a state of panic. Knowing how to recognize the signs of choking and responding quickly can mean the difference between life and death. This comprehensive guide explains how to handle choking situations for adults, children, and infants, including prevention strategies and the importance of proper training. Key techniques such as the abdominal thrust are crucial for effectively managing these emergencies.

Understanding Choking: What Happens?

Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs. If an obstruction remains in the person's throat, it is crucial to call for emergency help as medical teams are equipped to provide immediate care and transport the individual to the hospital for further treatment. It is essential to act promptly to restore airflow and ensure the victim’s safety.

Definition and Facts About Choking

Choking, or foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), is a medical emergency caused by an object or substance blocking the airway. The blockage may occur in the upper or lower airway and is a leading cause of injury and death, particularly in young children and the elderly.

Key Facts:

• Choking is a top cause of accidental death in children under 4 years old.

• In adults, food is the most common choking hazard, especially when not chewed properly.

• Talking, laughing, or engaging in physical activity while eating increases choking risks.

Understanding the risks associated with choking is the first step toward preventing such emergencies.

Common Causes of Choking

1. Food-Related Causes

• Poorly chewed meat, especially with tough textures or small bones.

• Hard candies, popcorn, nuts, and whole grapes are high-risk foods for children.

• Eating too quickly or while distracted.

2. Small Objects

• Coins, buttons, beads, and small toys are frequent choking hazards for children.

• Household items like pen caps and paper clips can also cause choking.

3. Medical Conditions

• Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or stroke, can impair swallowing.

• Muscular disorders that weaken the swallowing muscles.

Recognizing the Signs of Foreign Body Airway Obstruction

Partial Obstruction

• The person can cough, speak, or breathe but appears distressed.

• Noisy breathing or a wheezing sound as air struggles to pass around the object.

• Coughing is the body's natural mechanism to expel the blockage.

Complete Obstruction

• The person cannot speak, cough, or breathe.

• They may clutch their throat—a universal choking sign.

• Skin may turn blue (cyanosis) due to oxygen deprivation.

• Without intervention, the person will lose consciousness.

Immediate Actions for Choking

Responding promptly to a choking emergency can save a life. The steps you take depend on the age and condition of the choking victim.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

1. Ask: “Are you choking?”

   • If the person can respond verbally or cough, encourage them to keep coughing to expel the object naturally.

   • If the person cannot speak, cough, or breathe, they likely have a complete obstruction.

2. Call for Help: If someone else is present, ask them to call emergency services while you provide aid. If you are alone, perform first aid and then call for help if necessary.

Step 2: Take Action Based on the Condition

For Adults and Children Over One Year Old

If the person cannot speak, cough, or breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts):

1. Position Yourself Behind Them:

• Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.

2. Create a Fist:

• Place the thumb side of your fist just above the navel and below the ribcage.

3. Perform Quick, Upward Thrusts:

• Grasp your fist with your other hand and press inward and upward forcefully.

4. Repeat:

• Continue performing thrusts until the object is expelled or the person loses consciousness.

As an alternative technique for infants who are choking, you can administer five chest thrusts after delivering five back blows to help clear the airway.

Special Considerations for the Heimlich Maneuver

• Pregnant or Obese Individuals:

  • Perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.

  • Place your fist on the center of the chest, just above the sternum, and press inward and upward firmly.

• Choking Alone:

  • Place your hands just above your navel and press inward and upward with quick, forceful motions.

  • Alternatively, use a firm object like the back of a chair to apply pressure to your abdomen.

For Infants Under One Year Old

Infants require a modified approach due to their fragility and size.

1. Position the Infant:

• Lay the infant face-down along your forearm, supporting the head and neck.

• Ensure the head is lower than the chest.

2. Deliver Back Blows:

• Use the heel of your hand to deliver five firm back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades.

3. Perform Chest Thrusts:

• Turn the infant face-up while supporting the head and neck.

• Use two fingers to press down on the breastbone, just below the nipple line, delivering five quick chest thrusts.

4. Repeat:

• Alternate between five back blows and five chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the infant loses consciousness.

Back Slaps

Back slaps are a crucial first aid technique used to help relieve choking in infants and young children. When a child is choking, it’s essential to act quickly and carefully to remove the object from their airway. Here’s how to perform back slaps:

1. Position the Child:- Sit down with the child facing upwards on your forearm, ensuring their head is lower than their body.

2. Support the Head:- Use one hand to support the child’s head and neck.

3. Deliver Back Slaps:- With the heel of your other hand, give the child five quick back slaps between the shoulder blades.

4. Check the Airway:- After the back slaps, check the child’s mouth and throat to see if the object has been dislodged.

5. Repeat if Necessary:- If the object is still stuck, repeat the back slaps and checks until the object is removed or the child starts to cough.

It’s crucial to note that back slaps should only be performed on infants and young children, as they are more effective for this age group. For older children and adults, abdominal thrusts are more effective in relieving airway obstruction.

If the Person Becomes Unconscious

If a choking victim becomes unconscious, transition to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation cpr is a critical step in emergency response:

1. Lay the Person Flat:

• Place the person on their back on a firm surface.

2. Perform Chest Compressions:

• For adults and children, place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (between the nipples) and press hard and fast (100–120 compressions per minute).

• For infants, use two fingers to compress the breastbone.

3. Check the Airway:

• After every 30 compressions, open the airway and look for visible obstructions. If you see the object, carefully remove it.

4. Provide Rescue Breaths:

• If the airway is clear, give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose and cover the mouth for adults and children. For infants, cover both the nose and mouth with your mouth.

Special Situations: Choking Alone

If you find yourself choking alone, it’s essential to act quickly and call for help. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Call for Help:- Dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

2. Make Noise:- If you are unable to speak, try to make as much noise as possible to attract attention.

3. Seek Assistance:- If you are in a public place, try to find someone to help you.

4. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Yourself:- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

• Make a fist with one hand and place it just above your navel.

• Grasp your fist with your other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts.

• Repeat the thrusts until the object is dislodged or you start to cough.

It’s also important to note that if you are choking alone, you should not try to drive yourself to the hospital. Instead, call for emergency help and wait for assistance to arrive.

Preventing choking is crucial, especially for individuals who are prone to choking episodes. Some ways to prevent choking include:

• Eating slowly and carefully.

• Avoiding talking or laughing while eating.

• Avoiding eating small objects or hard foods.

• Keeping a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

• Learning first aid techniques, such as the Heimlich maneuver and CPR.

By being aware of the risks of choking and taking steps to prevent it, you can reduce the likelihood of a choking episode occurring.

Emergency Response and When to Seek Help

1. Call 911 Immediately:

   • If initial attempts to clear the airway fail, call emergency services.

2. Emergency Personnel Actions:

   • Paramedics may use specialized tools or perform advanced techniques to remove the blockage.

Preventing Choking

Prevention is the best way to avoid choking emergencies.

Safe Eating Practices

• Chew food thoroughly before swallowing.

• Avoid eating while talking, laughing, or running.

• Cut food into small, manageable pieces for young children.

Supervise Mealtime

• Always watch infants and toddlers while they eat.

• Avoid giving high-risk foods like nuts, popcorn, hard candies, and whole grapes to young children.

Childproof Your Environment

• Keep small objects, coins, and toys out of reach.

• Regularly inspect toys for small or detachable parts.

The Importance of First Aid Training

Proper training equips individuals with the skills and confidence to handle choking emergencies effectively.

Benefits of CPR and First Aid Certification:

1. Confidence: Learn how to act decisively in emergencies.

2. Comprehensive Skills: Training covers choking response, CPR, and other lifesaving techniques.

3. Community Impact: Certified individuals can assist in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

Organizations like MyCPR NOW offer flexible online courses for CPR and first aid certification.

Emotional Aftermath of a Choking Incident

Witnessing or responding to a choking emergency can be stressful. After the incident, take time to reflect and recover.

• Reflect and Learn: Evaluate your response and refresh your skills through additional training.

• Seek Support: Talk to a trusted person or counselor if you feel distressed.

• Share Knowledge: Encourage others to learn CPR and choking response techniques.

Final Thoughts

Choking emergencies require immediate and informed action. By recognizing the signs, applying appropriate techniques, and prioritizing prevention, you can save lives and reduce choking risks. Take the next step by enrolling in a CPR and first aid certification course through organizations like MyCPR NOW. With proper preparation, you can make a lifesaving difference in your community.