How to Know if Someone Is Choking
Choking is very dangerous, possibly fatal, and should not be taken lightly!
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Steps
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1Are they able to talk or cough? If so, they are still able to get air through their trachea; encourage them to cough. Do not slap them on the back; instead encourage them to cough and clear.Ad
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2Are they displaying an international choking symbol? This is when someone places their hands around their neck.
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3If they are unable to talk or cough, they cannot get any air down the trachea and they are choking. In less than one minute, without an "airway", they may start to appear blue ("cyanosis"). Call 911! Then, immediately follow the steps for the Heimlich maneuver or ONLY if trained to do so give CPR. To "Establish an airway" - getting oxygen to the brain - is the first priority in First Aid, even before "Establish heart-beat."Ad
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Tips
- Take some First Aid classes at a Red Cross center, Community Center, college seminar, or a similar, accredited facility.
- Go to http://www.reference.com/motif/Health/free-heimlich-maneuver-poster to learn the steps to perform the Heimlich maneuver for children and adults, and obtain a free poster.
Warnings
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- Slapping a person on the back or sticking your fingers down their throat can cause the object to lodge further in their esophagus, sealing off all oxygen.
- Performing the Heimlich maneuver is different for adults than children; please learn the steps before someone you know has this problem.
- Do not allow someone to walk away from a group if they are beginning to choke on something. Remain with them - the situation could change very quickly.
- Do not give CPR if not trained to.
Article Info
Categories: Pages Needing Attention | First Aid and Emergencies
Recent edits by: Meriam saeed, CaraleComhairle, Mark Tulk
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,393 times.