ADULT CHOKING

Choking is a life threatening situation due to the blockage of air passage into the lungs after the inhalation or ingestion of food or another object.
        Choking is caused by mechanical obstruction of the airways that prevents normal breathing. This obstruction can be partial or complete.

•   Usually choking in small children is caused by small foreign object.
•  Whereas in adults it's most commonly caused by food. 
   
• If the blockage is mild , the casuality should be able to clear by Coughing.

            Food that can adapt their shape to that of pharynx such as banana, marshmallows or gelatinous candies can be a danger and can cause Choking.

 Signs and Symptoms

• Grasping of the throat
• Anxious & distressed
• Difficulty in speaking & breathing
• Persistent cough
• Pale grey / blue skin developing
• Becoming unconscious 

     So what to do now....?????????

 

•     Step 1

"Assess the Situation"

  If you think someone choking ;

                 Ask "Are you Choking?"

 

If they are unable to speak and answer you. They need your help straightaway.

• Calm & Reassure the person that everything will gonna be ok.

• Step 2 

"Encourage to Cough"

Coughing is the most effective way to clear the airways & push the stuck piece of food out of trachea.

  

If coughing doesn't work then move on to the next step.

• Step 3

          "Slap it Out"

•  Stand behind the victim
• Lean them forward
• Support their upper body with one hand or your arm across the chest
• Give 5 Back Blows by using the heal of your hand between the shoulder blades.  
• Then check the mouth
• If anything is in the mouth , if erased then ask the victim to speak.
•      If backblows doesn't work. Move to the next step.
  

• Step 4

      "Squeeze it Out"

• Again stand behind the victim
• Place both arms around them
• Lean them forward
• Put a fist just below the breast bone.
• Cup the fist with the other hand
• Give 5 Abdominal thrusts
• Pull sharply inwards and upwards
• Then check the mouth
•     If Abdominal thrusts doesn't work then come to the next step.
  
• Step5

  " Repeat the Cycle"

•  Repeat 5 Back Blows
•  Repeat 5 Abdominal Thrusts
• If within the 3 cycles the obstruction isn't clear.
• Then call for an ambulance.
• Continue to repeat the cycle untill the blockage clears or the help arrives.