Choking Adult | First Aid

Summary

The transcript provides essential guidance for responding to a choking emergency. It outlines key signs of choking, such as inability to make sounds and signs of distress. The initial response involves encouraging the person to cough to dislodge the obstruction. If that fails, the protocol includes delivering up to five hard back blows followed by the Heimlich maneuver, with careful attention to avoid causing harm. The transcript emphasizes the importance of calling for medical help early and performing CPR if the person loses consciousness, ensuring that first responders are alerted promptly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choking victims may not be able to make a sound and may show signs of distress, such as clutching their throat.
• 😰 If a person appears red, scared, and struggles to breathe, they may be seriously choking.
• 🧘‍♂️ Keeping the situation calm is crucial, as stress can worsen the victim's ability to breathe.
• 🤲 Encourage the choking person to cough if they can, as this may help dislodge the obstruction.
• 👋 If the victim cannot cough, provide up to five hard back blows while supporting their chest.
• 🔄 If back blows are ineffective, proceed with the Heimlich Maneuver for further assistance.
• 👊 The Heimlich Maneuver involves making a fist and pulling in and up in a J-shape under the ribcage.
• ⚠️ Be cautious with the Heimlich Maneuver, as it can potentially cause injury; it's a second-line treatment.
• 🚑 Always call for emergency medical help if choking continues after the initial interventions.
• 💔 If the victim loses consciousness, begin CPR immediately and ensure an ambulance is on the way.

Q & A

What are the signs that someone is seriously choking?

Signs of serious choking include being unable to make a sound, clutching their throat, appearing very red, looking scared, and struggling to breathe.

Why is it important to keep the situation calm when someone is choking?

Keeping the situation calm is crucial because stress can make it harder for the choking person to breathe.

What should you encourage a choking person to do if they can?

If the choking person is able to cough, encourage them to do so, as it may help dislodge the obstruction on their own.

What is the first action to take if a person is choking and unable to cough?

If the person cannot cough, lean them forward, support their chest with your hand, and deliver up to five hard back blows between their shoulder blades.

What is the Heimlich Maneuver, and when should it be used?

The Heimlich Maneuver involves making a fist and placing it under the ribcage, then pulling in and up in a J-shape movement. It should be used if back blows do not dislodge the obstruction.

What should be monitored while performing back blows and the Heimlich Maneuver?

You should continuously check to see if the obstruction has come out, and if the person is able to make noise, which indicates that air is starting to come in and out.

What are the risks associated with the Heimlich Maneuver?

The Heimlich Maneuver can potentially cause damage, which is why it is recommended only after trying back blows first.

What should you do if the choking person loses consciousness?

If the person starts to lose consciousness, you need to begin CPR immediately and call for an ambulance.

When should you call for an ambulance during a choking incident?

You should call for an ambulance right after determining that someone is choking, especially if back blows have not resolved the situation.

How many back blows and abdominal thrusts should you administer if the obstruction is not cleared?

You should give up to five back blows, followed by up to five abdominal thrusts, checking after each set to see if the obstruction has been cleared.