What do you do when someone is choking in front of you?

The sight of someone choking can be terrifying. In those crucial moments, knowing what to do can make all the difference. It is essential to equip yourself with the essential steps to take if you encounter someone choking, empowering you to act decisively and potentially save a life.

Dr Ather Pasha, consultant – internal medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, helped us identify and break down the signs of choking, and effective first-aid techniques for adults.

Signs of choking

The first step to helping someone who’s choking is recognizing the signs. Unlike someone who’s simply coughing, a choking person is usually unable to speak, breathe, or cough effectively. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Universal choking sign: This is where the person clutches their throat with one or both hands, a gesture indicating they can’t breathe.
• Struggling to breathe: They may exhibit laboured breathing, rapid and shallow breaths, or wheezing sounds.
• Panic and distress: Choking can be a terrifying experience, so the person may appear panicked or distressed.
• Inability to speak: They might be unable to speak or only manage short, weak sounds.
• Change in skin color: As oxygen deprivation sets in, the person’s skin may turn blue or pale, especially around the lips and fingernails.
• Loss of consciousness: In severe cases, choking can lead to unconsciousness.

If you observe any combination of these signs, it’s crucial to act quickly and follow the steps outlined in this guide. Early intervention can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.

(Source: Freepik)

7-step guide to help someone who’s choking

1. Assess the Situation: Quickly determine if the person is really choking. Look for signs such as inability to speak or cough, clutching at their throat, and blue discoloration of the lips or face.

2. Ask Permission: If the person is conscious, ask for permission to help. If they are unable to respond or are losing consciousness, proceed immediately.

3. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts):
– Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around their waist.
– Make a fist with one hand and place it slightly above the person’s navel but below the ribcage.
– Grasp the fist with your other hand and press hard into the abdomen with a quick upward thrust.
– Repeat thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.

4. Back Blows: If the Heimlich maneuver is unsuccessful or the person is obese or pregnant, you can perform back blows:
– Stand behind the person and slightly to one side.
– Support their chest with one hand and lean them forward.
– Give five quick blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

5. Check the Mouth: After each thrust or back blow, check the person’s mouth for the obstructing object. If it becomes dislodged, remove it with your fingers if possible, but be careful not to push it further down.

6. If Unconscious: If the person becomes unconscious, lower them to the ground and start CPR. Check for signs of breathing and perform rescue breaths if necessary.

7. Call for Emergency Help: If the obstruction persists or the person loses consciousness, call emergency services immediately.

Here are some other things to be mindful of, according to Dr Pasha:

– Avoid using excessive force, especially in frail or pregnant individuals.
– If the person is obese or pregnant, modifications to the Heimlich manoeuvre may be necessary.
– After the choking incident, seek medical attention even if the person seems fine, as complications can arise later.
– Stay calm and reassure the choking person to prevent panic, which can worsen the situation.

Remember, it’s essential to be prepared for such emergencies by learning first aid techniques and regularly refreshing your knowledge.

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