Seeing someone choking can be frightening, but knowing what to do in an emergency can make you feel more in control – and could save a life.
Act fast
It is important to act as soon as possible if you see someone choking. As you may be taught on clinical training courses run by companies such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/clinical-training-courses.
It is vital to remove blockages that restrict air flow quickly. If an adult has a blockage and cannot laugh forcefully, cry or talk, you should administer blows to the back, followed by five abdominal thrusts, known as the Heimlich manoeuvre. A choking child will need specific first aid, and this will be dependent on their age and size. First aid and clinical training courses can help you to prepare for such emergencies and put you in the best position to be able to act quickly and confidently.
Call for help
If you are alone with someone choking, give the blows and thrusts first and then call for emergency help. If someone else is there, get them to call 999 while you give first aid.
If a person falls unconscious, then you may need to perform CPR with rescue breaths and chest compressions. This can literally be life-saving and how to do this is important knowledge to have. Before this, you will need to attempt to clear their airway if possible. This could be by reaching in and sweeping out an object if you can see it, but CPR could also help to remove a blockage.
