Choking (1) Flashcards
Recognizing Choking
Definition of choking?
Airway partially or fully blocked
Recognizing Choking
What can happen if choking isn’t resolved quickly?
Could lead to cardiac arrest
Recognizing Choking
Unusual signs of choking?
high-pitched, squeaking noises, crying but no sound
Recognizing Choking
What do you do if they are coughing?
Encourage them to keep caughing, air is getting through
Recognizing Choking
What do you do if they are speaking?
Encourage them to keep caughing, air is getting through
Recognizing Choking
Why no intervention if they are partially obstructed?
If they can cough or talk, they are getting enough air
Recognizing Choking
How do you tell if their airway is blocked?
High-pitched noises, unable to speak, unable to cough
Recognizing Choking
What if they are coughing weakly, intermittantly?
Anything short of forceful coughing is a blocked airway
Recognizing Choking
What do you do if they have a blocked airway?
Call 9-1-1 first.
Choking Initial Assessment
Initial steps if you see choking?
Get consent & “Are you choking?”
Choking Initial Assessment
Person coughing, leave them alone?
Sort of: don’t let them out of your sight – can get worse quickly.
Choking Initial Assessment
What do you do first if confirm choking?
Call 9-1-1
Adult Choking Intervention
Steps if someone is choking?
5 back blows, 5 abdominal thrusts
Adult Choking Intervention
Your position for back blows?
Slightly behind, arm under theirs & across their chest
Adult Choking Intervention
Their position for back blows?
Bend them at the waist until torso is parallel with ground
Adult Choking Intervention
How do you give back blows?
Strike between shoulder blades with heel of your hand
Adult Choking Intervention
Cadence for back blows? Time between blows?
Give all 5 in a row without stopping
Adult Choking Intervention
Your position for abdominal thrusts
Find navel with two fingers, move behind, one leg between theirs
Adult Choking Intervention
Hand position for abdominal thrusts?
ASL “A” fist, thumb on their belly just above belly button, other hand cover fist
Adult Choking Intervention
What do you do after 5 abdominal thrusts?
Check for breathing
Adult Choking Intervention
How long do you do blows/thrusts?
Keep at it until they can speak or pass out
