CHOCKING
Obstruction of an airway by an object e.g. a toy or a piece of food is an emergency.
WHAT TO DO
If a conscious person cannot speak, cough or breathe:
- Stand behind him and give several thumps with the hill of your hand between the shoulder blades.
- If this does not help, wrap your arms around the person’s waist just below the ribs. Make a fist with one hand and grasp it with the other hand. Press into the abdomen below the breastbone with a quick and forceful thrust upwards and inwards.
- If this is unsuccessful, repeat twice
- If this fails emergency help is vital.
BABIES AND SMALL CHILDREN
WHAT TO DO
- To remove an obstruction bend the child face downwards over your arm. Strike him once or twice on the back with the outside edge of you fist
- The obstruction should be forced out by the air expelled from the lungs.
- Repeat if necessary.
Note
- Any chocking person who has been revived by an abdominal thrust should see a doctor.
- Medical attention is particularly important if the swallowed object is a fishbone, chicken bone or other jagged object which could cause damage as it passes through the patient’s system.
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