How can you tell if someone is choking?
Signs of choking include gasping for breath, not being able to speak or cough and turning blue.
Removal of a foreign object from the airways
A foreign object blocking the airways constitutes a choking hazard.
The person may have a piece of food, a sweet or similar stuck in their throat, which is blocking their airways. This prevents them from breathing, coughing or speaking. A foreign object that prevents breathing is always a medical emergency, and quickly identifying the danger and acting accordingly is essential.
What to do if someone is choking:
1
5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades
Stand behind the person and lean them forward from the waist, supporting their body. With the heel of your hand, give them 5 sharp back blows between their shoulder blades.
2
Call 112
If you cannot dislodge the foreign object, call the emergency number (112).
3
Heimlich manoeuvre
If back blows do not work, switch to the Heimlich manoeuvre. Stand behind the person as shown in the picture and clench one fist. Put the other hand on top of your fist and pull sharply inwards and upwards. Repeat up to 5 times.
4
Continue in cycles of 5 and 5
If the foreign object still will not come out, continue with cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the blockage clears or paramedics arrive. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR.
Most choking incidents occur in the context of eating when there are other people present. The first step is to identify the danger.