Choking: First Aid and Prevention
Choking is a serious emergency that happens more often than we think. Anyone can experience it at any time and place, and knowing the proper first aid techniques can help you save lives. Whether in Australia or anywhere else, this guide will walk you through the first aid steps for choking, helping you be prepared for any situation.
What is Choking?
Choking occurs when an object, often food, becomes lodged in the throat, blocking the airway. This can prevent oxygen from reaching the lungs and brain, leading to a life-threatening situation. Knowing first aid for choking in Australia is essential for anyone who wants to be prepared to act swiftly in such emergencies. However, even first aid sometimes fails in severe cases of choking.
Signs of Choking
Before administering choking first aid, it's crucial to recognise the signs:
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking
- Continuous coughing or gagging
- Silence in cases of severe (complete) obstruction
- Clutching the throat (also known as the universal choking sign)
- Blue or dusky skin colour, especially the lips, earlobes, and fingernails
- Loss of consciousness if the blockage is not removed
If you notice the person cannot cough effectively and/or has become more drowsy, immediate action is necessary.
First Aid for Choking in Australia
Administering first aid can prevent a tragic outcome in most cases. Here's how to provide first aid for choking in different scenarios:
Choking First Aid for Adults
For an adult who is choking, follow these steps:
- Encourage Coughing - If the person is coughing, encourage them to continue. Coughing is the body's natural response to clearing the airway.
- Perform Back Blows - If coughing is not enough, lean the person forward and deliver five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- Chest or Abdominal Thrusts - Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist (or around their chest for chest thrusts), and place a fist just above the navel (CPR compression point for chest thrusts). Using your other hand, make a fist and push upward quickly until the object comes out.
- Repeat if Necessary - If the blockage still hasn't cleared, continue alternating between back blows and chest and abdominal thrusts.
- Call Emergency Services - If the person loses consciousness or the choking persists, call emergency services immediately and consider using an airway clearance device.
Choking First Aid for Babies and Children
Choking in babies and young children requires a different approach:
- Assess the Situation - If the baby is coughing, allow them to try to expel the object. If not, move quickly to first aid.
- Back Blows - Lay the baby face down on your forearm, supporting their head. Deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades straight down.
- Chest Thrusts - If back blows don't work, turn the baby face up on your forearm and give five chest thrusts by pressing with two fingers (or thumbs) on the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line.
- Call Emergency Services - If the object is not dislodged and the baby becomes unresponsive, call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, consider using a baby choking device to assist.
Prevention: Reducing the Risk of Choking
Preventing choking is just as important as knowing how to respond. Here are some practical tips for reducing the risk of choking:
Practice Safe Eating Habits
Safe eating habits are essential, especially for young children. It is important to cut food into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards, avoiding hard, round foods like nuts or grapes unless they are properly cut. Encouraging everyone to chew thoroughly and eat slowly can also reduce the risk of choking. Additionally, supervising meal times is crucial; young children should always be watched while eating, and distractions such as TV should be avoided to ensure they focus on their food.
Utilise First Aid Choking Devices
A first aid choking device at home, in your car, and even in public places can be a life-saving tool. These devices are designed to help clear blocked airways when standard first aid measures are unsuccessful. The same choking device for adults can be used on a baby or child by fitting a different mask. These tools add an extra layer of security and have saved thousands of lives, even after the best first aid has failed.
Educate and Train
Regularly educating yourself and your family on choking first aid in Australia can make a significant difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid course to become proficient in these life-saving techniques, and ensure you have a LifeVac airway clearance device available at home, work, and the car.
What to Do After a Choking Incident
Even if the choking person seems fine after the object is expelled, it is still recommended to seek medical advice. Choking can cause internal injuries, and it's essential to ensure there are no lasting effects.
When to See a Doctor
If coughing persists or a person has difficulty swallowing after choking, or there are signs of injury, it’s best to seek medical attention immediately.
Save Lives with LifeVac
Severe choking is a time-critical emergency that requires immediate and effective action. By understanding the signs of choking, knowing how to administer first aid (including using an genuine and regulator approved Airway Clearance Device), and taking preventive measures, you can protect yourself and others in Australia from this life-threatening situation. Always keep an emergency choking device handy and stay informed about the latest first aid practices.
For more information on how to prepare for choking emergencies, explore our range of LifeVac airway clearance device kits.
By staying vigilant and prepared, you can make a difference when it matters most.