While having lunch at work the other day a colleague at the next table started to choke. Apart from one person who thumped him on the back no one knew what to do. What is the correct action when it comes to choking?
Choking is not only a very frightening experience but can also be life threatening. In adults, the cause is usually food, such as a large piece of meat, getting wedged in the gullet during swallowing. Small infants whose swallowing reflexes are not well developed may start to choke on small round pieces of food such as peanuts or hard sweets.
In young children who like putting things into their mouths, coins, beads or small toys can cause choking. In some people there may be a stricture or narrowing of the gullet where food can get lodged.
The first symptom of choking is usually coughing. At this point It is very important that first aid treatment is administered swiftly. Usually, a good strong cough is enough to expel the object from the airway.
If the person cannot cough then a procedure known as the Heimlich Manoeuvre should be used. This involves getting behind the choking person and circling your arms around the abdomen. Forming a fist with one hand and with the other hand placed firmly over it, the hands are thrust firmly inwards and upwards between the breastbone and navel. It may be necessary to repeat the action a number of times but in most cases it will succeed in dislodging the object from the airway.
What should be done if these actions do not stop the choking?
Choking can be so severe that the person is unable to breath and may become weak, turn blue and faint or have a seizure. If the Heimlich Manoeuvre does not do the job then it is imperative that emergency medical help is sought as quickly as possible. If the airway is blocked steps will have to be taken to open the airway and provide artificial respiration. Perhaps you should check out the first aid procedures in place at your place of employment and see if a first aid course is available for interested workers.
Can the Heimlich Manoeuvre be used on babies?
No, in infants and small children it is more usual to turn them face down with their heads lower than their bodies. Using the heel of the hand, the infant should be struck between the shoulder blades a number of times. The force used should be firm enough to dislodge the blockage but not hard enough to cause injury.