Choking: Why is a Quick Response Required?

If someone is choking, it is crucial to act quickly to help them. Here are the steps you can take if you encounter a choking person:

1. Assess the situation: Determine if the person is indeed choking by asking them if they can speak or cough. If they are unable to produce any sound or are clutching their throat, it indicates a severe blockage.
2. Encourage coughing: If the person is conscious and able to breathe, encourage them to cough forcefully. Coughing can help dislodge the object causing the choking.
3. Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver): If the person is unable to cough, speak, or breathe, you should immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver. Here’s how to do it:
   • Stand behind the choking person and place your arms around their waist.
   • Form a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the person’s upper abdomen, just above the navel.
   • Grasp your fist with the other hand and deliver upward and inward thrusts to the abdomen in a quick and forceful manner.
   • Repeat the thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious.
4. Call emergency services: If the person is still choking after attempting the Heimlich maneuver, or if they become unconscious, you should call emergency services (such as 911 in the United States) immediately. Inform them about the choking situation and follow any instructions they provide.
5. Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): If the person becomes unconscious and emergency services are on their way, you should initiate CPR. Begin with chest compressions by placing the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest (between the nipples) and the other hand on top of it. Push hard and fast, aiming for a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute.
6. Continue with CPR: If you are trained in CPR, follow the recommended guidelines for rescue breaths and chest compressions until emergency help arrives or the person starts breathing again.

Remember, it is essential to seek medical attention even if the object is successfully removed, as there could be underlying injuries or complications. It’s always advisable to take a certified first aid and CPR course to be prepared to handle emergencies effectively.

Medic Response Health and Safety offers ON-SITE First Aid and CPR training to businesses, churches, schools and organizations. Our training includes responding to choking of adults, children and infants. 

We offer CPR AED Class weekdays, evenings, and weekends for small and large groups.

Please contact us today at 703-449-5438 for CPR AED supplies, maintenance and/or training for your office, school, church or job site.