Most people have at some point experienced that mild choking feeling when a piece of food gets struck in your throat. It can be distressing and quite scary, but thankfully in most cases the blockage is easily cleared.
However sometimes a blockage can be severe and assistance from someone nearby can be the difference between life and death. Would you know how to respond if a friend of family member experienced choking?
Here's some handy tips on dealing with a choking incident.
Mild Airway Obstruction
Air flow may still pass in and out and the casualty may be able to talk.
Signs and Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing or gasping
- Clutching at throat
- Red face and watering eyes
- Anxiety and agitation
What to do for a Mild Airway Obstruction
- Assess severity
- If an effective cough is present, encourage coughing
- Rest & reassure
- Seek medical assistance
- Do not let the person sleep
Severe Airway Obstruction
In this case there is no airflow in or out and the victim is unable to talk
Signs and Symptoms
- Silent
- Clutching at throat
- Frantic or quiet
- No air is getting into the body
- May collapse
What to do for a Severe Airway Obstruction
If conscious:
- Call 000
- Administer 5 back blows with the heel of your hand between their shoulder blades. Check if the object is cleared between each blow
- If unsuccessful administer 5 chest thrusts. Sit or stand casualty against a hard surface - infants (12 months and under) can be held in a football hold. Place the heel of your hand - or two fingers for an infant - in the CPR compression position and press the chest wall in to clear the object
- Alternate if unsuccessful
If unconscious: