choking - first aid

EXPLAIN

What is choking (including signs & symptoms), How it happens, When to intervene, Where to position your hand for back blows & abdominal thrusts 

DEMONSTRATE 

The correct technique for back blows & abdominal thrusts

IMITATE

Get your students to practice techniques on manikin (observe throughout)

CORRECTION

Offer advice and guidance on best practice, correct any mistakes

TRY AGAIN

Allow students additional practice to perfect technique

SUMMARY

Q & A check for understanding and emphasise important 'take aways'

Key Student Take aways:

• Understands the signs of mild & severe choking
• Assess severity
• When & How to administer 5 back blows, 5 abdominal thrusts
• How to position casualty appropriately
• If and When to start CPR

Choking: 

What is choking? 

Choking happens when an object gets stuck in a person's throat and blocks their airway.

Signs & Symptoms of choking?

Someone who is choking may be: 

• clutching their chest or neck
• won't be able to speak, breathe or cough

What can you do to assist?

1. If someone is choking, encourage them to cough.

If the blockage is severe, they may be holding their chest or neck and won't be able to speak, breathe or cough, and you will need to help them.

2. Bend them forwards and give up to 5 back blows to try and dislodge the blockage.

Hit them firmly on their back with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades.  

Hitting them on their back creates a strong vibration and pressure in the airway, which is often enough to dislodge the blockage. Dislodging the blockage will allow them to breathe again. 

3. If they are still choking, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts: hold around the waist and pull inwards and upwards above their belly button.  

Abdominal thrusts squeeze the air out of the lungs and may dislodge the blockage

4. If they are still choking call 999.

Repeat the steps until they can breathe again or until help arrives.

IMPORTANT: Never give abdominal thrusts to pregnant women or children under 1 years old