Choking is a life-threatening emergency that can happen suddenly, often during meals or when someone is eating too quickly. Knowing how to respond can make the difference between life and death. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or stranger, having the skills and confidence to act quickly can save a life.
Blended First Aid courses, which combine Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and adult basic life support certifications, offer the knowledge and hands-on techniques you need to respond effectively in choking emergencies. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do if someone is choking.
Understanding Choking
Choking is a serious medical emergency that occurs when an object or substance blocks the airway, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs and brain. This can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health status. Choking can be caused by a variety of factors, including food, objects, or other substances. In adults, a piece of food is the most common cause of choking, while young children often choke on small objects.
When a person is choking, their airway is blocked, and they may experience difficulty speaking or making sounds, clutching at their throat or chest, and exhibiting a blue-tinged face or lips. In severe cases, a person who is choking may become unconscious. It is essential to act quickly and provide first aid to help dislodge the object and restore breathing.
Step 1: Assess the Situation and Ask for Permission
Before taking any action, determine if the person is truly choking.
Signs of Choking:
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The choking person's airway is blocked, and they cannot speak, cough, or breathe.
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They may grab their throat (the universal sign for choking).
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The face may turn red or blue.
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Panic and distressed gestures are common.
Ask for Permission:
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If the person is conscious, ask if you can help by saying, "Are you choking? Can I help you?"
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If they nod or give an affirmative response (non-verbal), proceed immediately with care.
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If they refuse help but continue struggling, call 911 and remain close in case their condition worsens.
Important:
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If the person cannot respond, it is assumed they are unable to give consent, and you can begin providing aid immediately.
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Always call 911 as soon as possible, especially if the blockage cannot be dislodged quickly.
Step 2: Call for Emergency Help
Even if you are confident in your abilities, choking situations can escalate quickly.
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Call 911 or instruct someone nearby to call for emergency services while you begin care.
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Remain calm and stay on the phone with the operator, providing details about the victim’s condition.
If the victim loses consciousness at any point, having emergency responders already on their way can significantly improve outcomes.
Step 3: Perform Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)
The abdominal thrusts technique, often called the Heimlich maneuver, is the most effective way to dislodge an object blocking the airway for both an adult or child. Follow these steps carefully:
How to Perform Abdominal Thrusts:
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Stand Behind the Person:
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Position yourself directly behind the choking victim.
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If they are taller than you, consider kneeling slightly to reach their abdomen effectively.
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Stabilize Yourself:
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Place one foot slightly in front of the other to create a solid, balanced stance.
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Make a Fist:
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Use one hand to make a fist, keeping your thumb pointed inward.
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Position Your Fist:
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Place your fist at the center of the person’s abdomen, just above the belly button and below the rib cage.
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Grab Your Fist with the Other Hand:
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Secure your fist tightly with your other hand to provide stability for the thrusts.
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Perform Quick, Upward Thrusts:
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Deliver six to ten strong, inward and upward abdominal thrusts.
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Use quick, forceful movements to compress the diaphragm, which can expel air and dislodge the blockage.
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Key Tips:
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Do not use excessive force: Be mindful of the amount of pressure applied, especially when assisting children or frail individuals.
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Continue thrusts until:
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The object is expelled, or
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The person becomes unresponsive.
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Alternative Techniques
In addition to the Heimlich maneuver, there are alternative techniques that can be used to help a choking person. These include:
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Back Blows: Stand behind the choking person and use the heel of your hand to give five quick blows between their shoulder blades. This can help dislodge the object from the airway.
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Chest Thrusts: Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around their chest. Make a fist with one hand and place it on the center of the person’s chest, just above the nipple line. Push down on the chest with the heel of your hand to help dislodge the object.
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Abdominal Thrusts: Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the person’s navel. Pull inward and upward to help dislodge the object.
It is essential to note that these alternative techniques should only be used if the Heimlich maneuver is not effective or if the person is unconscious.
Step 4: Do Not Use Manual Removal or Back Blows
It is tempting to try to manually remove the blockage with your fingers, but this approach can make the situation worse.
Why Manual Removal is Dangerous:
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You risk pushing the object further down the airway, making it harder to dislodge.
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Blindly reaching into the throat can also cause injury to the airway or soft tissue.
Instead, rely on abdominal thrusts or CPR techniques as outlined in the following steps. For pregnant or obese people, consider modified techniques to account for their unique physiological challenges.
Step 5: If Abdominal Thrusts Fail and the Person Becomes Unconscious
If the object is not successfully dislodged and the person becomes unresponsive, switch to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which includes chest compressions and rescue breaths.
How to Perform Chest Compressions for a Choking Person's Airway:
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Lay the Person on Their Back:
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Carefully lower them to the ground on a flat surface.
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Call 911 (if not already done):
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Ensure emergency help is on the way.
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Begin Chest Compressions:
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Position your hands at the center of the chest (on the lower half of the sternum).
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Perform 30 chest compressions at a depth of 2 inches (for adults).
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Use a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (similar to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees).
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Check the Airway:
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After compressions, open the airway and check if the object is visible.
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Do not sweep blindly; only remove the object if it can be seen clearly.
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Repeat Compressions:
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Continue chest compressions until emergency responders arrive or the blockage is cleared.
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Note: Skip rescue breaths during CPR for choking victims, as they can push the blockage further down the airway.
Why Immediate Action is Crucial
Choking can block the oxygen supply to the brain, leading to severe complications or death within minutes. Quick and confident action can save lives.
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4 Minutes: Permanent brain damage begins after 4 minutes without oxygen.
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6 Minutes or More: The chances of survival decrease drastically.
Acting immediately, even if you’re not 100% confident, can improve the victim’s chances of recovery. Recent updates to guidelines and protocols for pediatric basic life support emphasize the importance of effective CPR techniques tailored to children, as highlighte.
Step 6: Get Trained and Certified
The best way to ensure you are prepared for emergencies like choking is by completing a blended First Aid course that covers Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
Benefits of Training:
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Skill Development: Learn the proper techniques for abdominal thrusts, chest compressions, and CPR.
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Increased Confidence: Training prepares you to act quickly and effectively during emergencies.
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Life-Saving Knowledge: Skills learned in First Aid and CPR courses significantly increase survival rates for choking victims.
Did You Know?
When CPR and First Aid are administered promptly, individuals are 50% more likely to recover from choking and other emergencies.
Preventing Choking
Preventing choking is crucial, especially in young children and adults with certain medical conditions. Here are some tips to help prevent choking:
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Cut Food into Small Pieces: This can help reduce the risk of choking, especially in young children.
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Chew Food Slowly and Thoroughly: This can help reduce the risk of choking, especially in adults.
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Avoid Talking and Laughing While Eating: This can help reduce the risk of choking, especially in adults.
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Avoid Drinking Alcohol Before and During Meals: Alcohol can affect awareness and increase the risk of choking.
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Keep Small Objects Out of Reach: This can help reduce the risk of choking, especially in young children.
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Supervise Mealtimes: This can help reduce the risk of choking, especially in young children.
After the Incident
After a choking incident, it is essential to seek medical attention, even if the object has been dislodged and the person appears to be fine. This is because complications can arise, such as neck and throat problems, difficulty breathing, or even brain damage.
It is also essential to learn first aid techniques, such as the Heimlich maneuver and CPR, to help respond to choking emergencies. These techniques can be learned through certified first-aid training courses, which can provide you with the knowledge and skills to respond to choking emergencies.
In addition, it is essential to take steps to prevent choking, such as cutting food into small pieces, chewing food slowly and thoroughly, and avoiding talking and laughing while eating. By taking these steps, you can help reduce the risk of choking and ensure a safe and healthy environment for yourself and others.
Takeaways: Be Prepared to Save a Life
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Recognize the Signs: Look for the universal choking sign and signs of respiratory distress.
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Ask for Permission: Always get consent before helping a conscious person.
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Call for Help: Dial 911 to ensure professional assistance is on the way.
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Perform Abdominal Thrusts: Use upward thrusts to expel the object blocking the airway.
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Switch to Chest Compressions: If the person becomes unconscious, begin CPR with chest compressions only.
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Get Certified: Training in First Aid, BLS, and ACLS equips you with the skills to respond effectively.
Conclusion: Make a Difference with Training
Choking emergencies can happen anywhere—at home, at a restaurant, or during a social gathering. By learning how to recognize the signs of choking and mastering life-saving techniques like abdominal thrusts and chest compressions, you can act confidently when every second counts.
Blended First Aid courses, such as those offered by MyCPR NOW, provide the knowledge and hands-on practice you need to respond effectively in choking emergencies and other critical situations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get started today and make a life-saving difference!
