Conscious Adult Choking

Summary

The video script instructs on the critical skill of conscious adult choking intervention. It details the steps to identify a choking individual, obtain consent, and perform abdominal thrusts to dislodge the obstruction. The script emphasizes the importance of checking for responsiveness and when to call 911. It also addresses special considerations for pregnant women, advising to thrust under the breastbone to avoid the baby and ensuring both mother and child's safety.

Takeaways

• 🆘 Recognize the signs of choking: inability to cough, breathe, or speak.
• 🚨 Prioritize calling emergency services if easily accessible, or wait until the person is unresponsive.
• 🤝 Always seek permission from the conscious choking victim before attempting to help.
• 🔑 Use the abdominal thrust technique, placing the fist above the navel and below the xiphoid process.
• 👆 Perform inward and upward thrusts with the heel of your hand until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.
• 👀 Keep your elbows out to avoid causing injury to the victim's ribs.
• 🗣️ Encourage the person to sit down if they feel comfortable after the object is removed.
• 📞 Call 911 or activate emergency services if the person becomes unresponsive or if the object isn't expelled.
• 🤰 Adjust the abdominal thrust technique for pregnant women by thrusting under the breast and onto the sternum.
• 🛑 If the object isn't expelled and the person becomes unconscious, activate emergency services and proceed with unconscious choking procedures.

Q & A

What is the first sign that someone is choking as described in the script?

The first sign of choking is when a person cannot cough, breathe, or speak, indicating a full obstruction.

Why is it important to get permission from a choking person before helping them?

It is important to get permission to help a choking person to ensure they are conscious and can consent to the assistance, which is a standard practice in providing first aid.

What is the landmark used to locate the correct spot for performing abdominal thrusts on a choking person?

The belly button is used as a landmark to locate the correct spot for performing abdominal thrusts, with the fist placed just above it on the abdomen.

Why is it crucial to avoid the xiphoid process when performing abdominal thrusts?

The xiphoid process should be avoided during abdominal thrusts to prevent injury to the internal organs and to effectively target the diaphragmatic region, which helps in dislodging the obstruction.

What is the goal of performing inward and upward thrusts during abdominal compressions?

The goal of performing inward and upward thrusts is to bring the diaphragm up and in, compressing the lower lobes of the lungs to force air up the trachea and dislodge the choking object.

What should you do if the object does not come out after performing abdominal thrusts?

If the object does not come out after performing abdominal thrusts, you should continue the thrusts until the person becomes unresponsive, at which point you would call 911 or activate emergency services.

Why is it recommended to call 911 even if the object is dislodged and the person starts breathing?

Calling 911 is recommended even after successful dislodgement to ensure the person is checked by medical professionals for any potential internal injuries or complications from the choking incident.

What is the special consideration for performing abdominal thrusts on a pregnant woman?

For a pregnant woman, the abdominal thrusts are modified by avoiding the abdominal area and performing inward thrusts under the breast, on the sternum, to prevent injury to the baby.

What should you do if a pregnant woman becomes unresponsive after you've attempted abdominal thrusts?

If a pregnant woman becomes unresponsive, you should activate 911 and then proceed with the unconscious choking victim compressions as learned in other segments of first aid training.

Why is it important to have EMS professionals check a person after a choking incident, even if they seem fine?

EMS professionals should check a person after a choking incident to assess for any partial obstruction, lung sounds, and internal bleeding from the abdominal thrust, ensuring there are no hidden complications.