Recognising Choking and When to Act
Choking is a serious emergency that can happen in an instant. Recognising the signs and knowing when to act can be the difference between life and death. Whether it's a child exploring their surroundings or an adult enjoying a meal, choking can affect anyone. In this guide, we’ll explain what is recognised as normal breathing, identify the universal choking sign, and detail the signs and symptoms of complete obstruction choking. We’ll also provide clear guidance on how many back blows for choking are recommended for both adults and infants, so you feel confident to respond in an emergency.
How Do You Recognise a Person Who is Choking?
Choking occurs when an object partially or completely obstructs the airway, preventing what is recognised as normal breathing. Normal breathing means air is moving freely in and out of the lungs, with steady chest movement and the ability to speak or cough without strain. When this rhythm is disrupted, or a person can no longer draw in air effectively, it’s a clear sign that something may be stuck in their airways. The object couldan be anything from food to a small items like a toys or coins.
Recognising the signs early allows you to respond swiftly and effectively. Here are the common symptoms of choking:
Partial Blockage
If the person has a partial blockage, they may still be able to breathe, speak, or cough, but with difficulty. Symptoms include:
- Frantic coughing or wheezing
- Difficulty speaking or making noises
- Grasping at the throat, which is recognised worldwide as the universal choking sign
- Red or flushed face
- Watery eyes
- Panic or distress
Complete Blockage
A complete airway blockage is a life-threatening situation. Understanding the signs and symptoms of complete obstruction choking is critical. Signs include:
- Inability to speak, make any sound, cough, or breathe
- Silent gasping or no sound at all
- Turning blue (cyanosis) due to lack of oxygen
- Loss of consciousness if the blockage is not cleared promptly
In a severe choking episode, it’s critical to act quickly. If the person shows signs of complete airway obstruction, immediate intervention is required. Consider using a life-saving choking device like LifeVac®, which is designed to provide effective relief when traditional first aid methods are insufficient or unable to be performed.
How Do You Recognise If an Infant is Choking?
Infants are particularly vulnerable to choking because they explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths, and their small airways can be easily blocked. Recognising choking in infants can be more challenging since they cannot verbalise their distress. Watch for these signs:
- Weak or ineffective coughing
- Quiet or high-pitched breathing sounds
- Inability to cry or make noise
- Struggling to breathe with mouth wide open
- Blue or pale skin, especially around the lips and nails
If an infant is choking, remain calm and act immediately. Avoid slapping the infant on the back while they are upright, as this may cause the object to slip further down the trachea. Instead, follow the appropriate first-aid choking procedure.
First Aid for Choking: When and How to Act
Knowing the correct first aid steps can save lives in a choking emergency. The procedure varies slightly for adults, children, and infants.
1. First Aid for Choking Adults and Children Over One Year
Step 1: Encourage Coughing
If the person can cough, encourage them to continue, as this is the body’s natural response to expel the object.
Step 2: Call for Help
If coughing doesn’t dislodge the object, call triple zero (000) immediately.
Step 3: Administer Back Blows
Bend the person forward and give sharp back blows between their shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. When it comes to how many back blows for choking, the answer is up to five, checking their breathing after each one.
Step 4: Perform Chest or Abdominal Thrusts
If back blows are unsuccessful, continue with five chest or abdominal thrusts. Stand behind the casualty and join your hands into a fist over the abdomen or centre of chest. Bracing against the casualty pull forcefully toward you.
Step 5: Repeat if Necessary
Alternate between back blows and chest/abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious. If the person loses consciousness, start CPR and continue until emergency services arrive.
Using a choking rescue kit such as LifeVac ® can provide an additional level of safety when first aid methods are not working or can’t be performed. These devices are designed to create suction and remove obstructions without the need for invasive procedures.
2. First Aid for Choking Infants Under One Year
Step 1: Position the Infant
Lay the infant face down along your forearm, with their head lower than their chest. Support the infant's head and neck securely.
Step 2: Administer Back Blows
Using the heel of your hand, deliver up to five firm back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades. Check after each blow to see if the object is dislodged.
Step 3: Perform Chest Thrusts
If the back blows do not work, turn the infant face up, keeping their head lower than their body. Place two fingers/thumbs on the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line, and give up to five chest thrusts.
Step 4: Repeat as Needed
Continue alternating between back blows and chest thrusts until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unresponsive. If unconscious, begin CPR immediately and continue until help arrives.
Having an emergency choking device on hand, like LifeVac, can be crucial for infants. This device is non-invasive, easy to use, and specifically designed for all ages, including babies.
The Importance of a Choking Aid Device
In many cases, traditional first aid methods like back blows and chest thrusts may not be enough to clear a severe obstruction, especially when time is of the essence. A choking aid device like LifeVac® offers a reliable alternative. It uses suction to pull the blockage out without needing invasive procedures, making it safe and effective for all age groups.
Benefits of LifeVac:
- Safe and Non-Invasive: Unlike other methods, LifeVac® does not involve inserting anything into the airway.
- Easy to Use: Requires no special training or prescription, making it accessible for anyone to use, even on themselves.
- Versatile: Suitable for infants, children, and adults, ensuring comprehensive protection for your entire family.
- Stay Prepared: Recognise and Respond to Choking Emergencies
Choking is a preventable tragedy when recognised early and addressed with the correct actions. By learning how to identify choking symptoms and knowing the right first aid techniques, such as how many back blows should be given in an emergency, you can protect those around you. Equip your home with a life saving choking device, stay vigilant, and always be ready to act swiftly in an emergency. Remember, your quick response can make all the difference.