Choking
What is choking?
Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In most cases, the victim choking can cough up the object. If this does not occur, then it can become a serious situation. Because choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, it is important to administer first aid as quickly as possible.
Symptoms
Treatment - follow DRSABCD
This creates a strong vibrations and pressure in the airway, which is often enough to dislodge the blockage. Dislodging the object will allow them to breathe again.
Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In most cases, the victim choking can cough up the object. If this does not occur, then it can become a serious situation. Because choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, it is important to administer first aid as quickly as possible.
Symptoms
- Panic and anxiety.
- Inability to talk.
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.
- Inability to cough forcefully.
- Discolouration - blue and red.
- Loss of consciousness.
Treatment - follow DRSABCD
- Ask the victim to try and cough up the object or piece of food.
- If nothing happens, bend the victim over.
- Hit the victim on the back, between their shoulder blades, in a slightly upward motion.
- Do this up to 5 times to dislodge the foreign object.
- Check between the blows if the object has been dislodged.
- If the object is still in the victim's airways, give the victim up to 5 quick chest thrusts.
- If the object or piece of food is coughed out, make the victim comfortable and monitor their condition while calling emergency services on 000.
- If the victim is unconscious and not breathing after chocking, follow the 7 DRSABCD steps.
This creates a strong vibrations and pressure in the airway, which is often enough to dislodge the blockage. Dislodging the object will allow them to breathe again.
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