Dealing with Choking: Techniques for Children and Adults

Understanding Choking in Different Age Groups

Although this course primarily covers choking in children and infants, the techniques for older children and adults are similar:

• Mild Airway Obstruction: Includes discomfort and possible pain from objects like fishbones stuck in the throat.
• Severe Airway Obstruction: Complete blockage, causing inability to breathe, talk, or cough.

Actions for Mild Airway Obstruction

If the person can talk and cough:

• Keep them calm and encourage coughing to dislodge the object.
• Check the mouth and remove the obstruction if visible.

Dealing with Severe Airway Obstruction

When the person cannot breathe, talk, or cough:

• Stand behind them and provide 5 back-blows between the shoulder blades.
• If unsuccessful, perform 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre).
• Alternate between back-blows and abdominal thrusts until the obstruction clears.

Emergency Steps if Obstruction Persists

If the obstruction remains:

• Call emergency services and maintain communication.
• If unconscious, guide them safely to the floor and initiate CPR.

After Clearing the Obstruction

If successful in clearing the airway:

• Sit the person down and monitor their condition.
• Seek medical evaluation to check for any injuries caused by the procedure.