First Aid for Someone Who Is Choking

Choking is a frightening situation that can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Whether it is food, toys, an object, or even vomit blocking the airway, the consequences can be severe if not fatal. Knowing the right first aid techniques can make a crucial difference and potentially save a life. In this article, we will explore the essential steps for providing first aid to someone who is choking, with a particular focus on the guidelines in Australia.

Recognising Choking:

The first step in administering first aid for choking is to identify the signs. A person who is choking may have difficulty speaking, coughing, or breathing. They might also exhibit panic or distress and make desperate gestures to their throat, indicating that their airway is blocked.

Choking First Aid in Australia:

In Australia, the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC)sets the guidelines for first aid, including those for choking. The ARC recommends the following steps:

a) 5 Back Blows:

Stand behind the choking person and slightly to one side.

Place one arm diagonally across their chest for support and bend them forward.

Deliver up to five sharp back blows between their shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

Assess if the blockage has been dislodged before proceeding to the next step.

b) 5 Chest Thrusts:

If the back blows do not clear the airway, the next step is to perform five chest thrusts.

Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, and locate the lower part of the sternum.

Make a fist with one hand and place it above the navel but below the ribcage.

Cover your fist with your other hand and perform five quick inward and upward thrusts to help expel the obstruction.

c) Continue Cycles:

Continue alternating between five back blows and five chest thrusts until the person can breathe or cough forcefully, or until medical help arrives.

What Not to Do When Choking:

Certain action that should be avoided during a choking incident as they can worsen the situation include abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich manoeuvre) to infants under one year old, as it may cause harm.

Using blind finger sweeps to try and dislodge the obstruction, as it may push the object further down the airway.

Importance of First Aid Training:

While knowing the basic steps of choking first aid is valuable, undergoing first aid training is even more critical. First aid courses provide hands-on practice, scenario-based training, and up-to-date information on the best techniques to deal with emergencies effectively.

Conclusion:

Choking is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation that requires quick and decisive action. By recognising the signs of choking and knowing the correct first aid techniques, such as back blows and chest thrusts, you can increase the chances of helping a choking person. Remember to avoid improper techniques, and if the choking persists, seek medical assistance immediately.

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