Recognising Choking and When to Act

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 cover how to recognise a person who is choking, including infants, and provide a clear overview of the correct choking first aid procedure.

How Do You Recognise a Person Who is Choking?

Choking occurs when an object partially or completely obstructs the airway, preventing normal breathing. The object can be anything from food to small items like 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 (known 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. Signs include:

  • Inability to speak, 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.

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 up to five sharp back blows between their shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. Check after each blow to see if the obstruction is cleared.

Step 4: Perform Chest or Abdominal Thrusts

If back blows are unsuccessful, perform up to five chest or abdominal thrusts 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. 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 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, 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.

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