Many of us have heard of the Heimlich manoeuvre, but the first aid for choking is beyond that. It’s a terrifying experience: a sudden gasp, a panicked look, and the chilling realization that someone is choking. However, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. While we all hope we never have to use them, mastering these life-saving techniques is crucial for everyone.
Understanding the Danger: Why Choking Happens
Choking occurs when a foreign object, like food or a small toy, gets lodged in the airway, blocking the flow of oxygen to the lungs. This can lead to unconsciousness and even death within minutes. It's vital to act quickly and decisively.
Recognizing the Risks and Signs
Some people are at increased risk of choking, these include:
- Reduced consciousness
- Drug and/or alcohol intoxication
- Neurological impairment (e.g. stroke, Parkinson’s disease)
- Respiratory disease
- Mental impairment
- Dementia
- Poor dentition
- Older age
Not every coughing fit means someone is choking. Here's a list of some signs to look out for:
- Clutching the throat with hands.
- Looking panicked, shocked or confused.
- Unable to talk.
- Strained/ noisy breathing.
- Cough (may be weak or forceful).
- Bluish/ greyish skin, lips and nails.
- Loss of consciousness.
In general, the airway obstruction can be mild or severe:
- Mild: The person is coughing effectively. At this stage, encourage them to keep coughing to dislodge the object. At the same time, look out for deterioration to ineffective cough or a relief of obstruction.
- Severe: The person cannot cough effectively. At this stage, check their consciousness. If unconscious, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) needs to be started immediately. If conscious, intervention with the following techniques should be started without delay.
The Life-Saving Techniques: Acting Fast is Key
If someone is severely choking, you need to act immediately. Do note that other than the techniques below, it is also important to call for help. Here's a list of techniques:
1. Back Blows (Conscious Adult or Child over 1 Year Old):
- Stand to the side and behind the person.
- Support their chest with one hand and bend them forward at the waist.
- Deliver 5 firm blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your other hand.
2. Abdominal Thrusts, aka Heimlich Manoeuvre (Conscious Adult or Child over 1 Year Old):
- If back blows don't dislodge the object, perform abdominal thrusts.
- Stand behind the person.
- Make a fist with one hand and place it between their navel and their ribcage.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand and press inward and upward with a quick, forceful thrust. For a child, use gentle but firm pressure.
- Repeat 5 times.
- Note: If the person is pregnant or if you can't get your arms around the stomach, chest thrusts to the base of the breastbone may be needed.
3. Alternating Back Blows and Abdominal Thrusts:
- Continue alternating 5 back blows with 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious. If unconscious, CPR needs to be initiated.
Empower Yourself: Learn and Practise
Taking a certified first aid and CPR course is the best way to learn these life-saving techniques. Practising the manoeuvres on a mannequin helps to build confidence and muscle memory. Knowing how to respond to a choking emergency may just save a life in a critical moment.
More articles on health-related topics can be found here.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor for personalized guidance and address any concerns you may have.
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