Choking

Choking is caused by a blockage in the back of the throat or further down the airway that restricts the flow of air to the lungs. It usually happens suddenly and without warning.

Younger children are particularly vulnerable to choking because of their habit of putting everything they pick up into their mouth, however, even pieces of food ‘going down the wrong way’ can cause choking.

A mild obstruction can lead to an inability to speak, cry, cough or breathe. While a severe obstruction can also lead to loss of consciousness if assistance isn’t given immediately.

It is therefore vital you act straightaway if someone in your family or anyone you’re with starts to choke.

What to do

    Your aim is to remove the obstruction and restore breathing back to normal as quickly as possible.

    For adults and children

  • If the obstruction is mild, encourage the casualty to continue coughing and try to remove any obvious obstruction from the mouth.
  • If the obstruction is severe, give up to 5 blows to the back and check the mouth to try and remove any obvious obstruction.
  • If still present give up to 5 abdominal thrusts and check the mouth again.
  • If the obstruction does not clear after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance.
  • Continue until help arrives.

    • For infants

  • If the infant is distressed, unable to cry, cough or breath firstly lay them face down along your forearm, with their head low but supporting the back and head.
  • Give up to 5 back blows with the heel of your hand.
  • Check the infant’s mouth and remove any obvious obstructions.
  • Do not do a finger sweep of the mouth.
  • If the obstruction is still present, use two fingers and push inwards and upwards (towards the head) against the infant’s breastbone, one finger’s breadth below the nipple line.
  • The aim is to relieve the obstructions with each chest trust rather than necessarily doing all five.
  • If the obstruction does not clear after three cycles of back blows and chest thrusts dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance and continue until help arrives.

    Source:

  • http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-advice/lifesaving-procedures/choking.aspx

Top Tip

To avoid the risk of choking at mealtimes, get children to chew each mouthful at least ten times before they swallow - It’ll help their digestion too.

     

 

PLEASE NOTE:
The information on this website is provided as a reference guide only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice from your pharmacist, doctor or NHS Direct. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure of the treatment required or dial 999 in an emergency.