Choking

Question 1

Mild choking

Answer 1

partly blocked airway the person will usually be able to speak, cry, cough or breathe

1. encourage the person to keep coughing to try + clear the blockage
2. remove any obvious blockage from their mouth using first two fingers + thumb to grasp the object
3. be ready to help incase their airway becomes fully blocked or choking becomes severe

Question 2

Severe choking

Answer 2

will not be able to speak, cry, cough or breathe

1. stand slightly behind to one side (either left or right handed)
2. support their chest with one hand, lean person forwards + give 5 sharp blows between pt shoulder blades with the heel of your hand
3. stop after each blow to check if blockage has cleared
4. if not, give up to five abdominal thrusts and check after each thrust

Question 3

How long should you continue?

Answer 3

if pt airway still blocked after 3 cycles, send for help
if someone is with you, send them to dial 999 but if alone dial first and then return to help the pt
continue with back blows + abdominal thrusts until help arrives 1 thrust every 4/5 secs

Question 4

Choking in babies under 1 years old

Answer 4

1. lie baby face down along forearm or thigh with their head low
2. give five firm slaps to baby’s back between shoulder blades + stop after each
3. look inside mouth + remove any obvious blockage but don’t poke fingers into mouth unless you can see/reach the blockage
4. if airway is still blocked, five chest thrusts + check after each
5. if still blocked after 3 cycles, dial 999 and continue until help arrives

Question 5

If the person has abdominal injuries, pregnant

Answer 5

administer chest thrusts