Choking

FALSE: Just because someone is in distress doesn’t mean that they are choking. Ask them “Are you choking?”

TRUE: The signs of severe airway obstruction include:

• i.   Inability to talk.
• ii.  Weakening cough.
• iii.  Struggling or unable to breathe.

FALSE: There are many groups of people who could have a weak swallow/cough reflex, such as

• i.  Those who are intoxicated or drowsy due to drugs.
• ii.  People who have been affected by brain injury or disease, such as Dementia, Stroke, Head Injury, Parkinson’s Disease
• iii. The elderly.
• iv.  People with poor dentition.
• v.   People with a Respiratory Disease
• vi.  People with a lowered level of consciousness.

FALSE: Once you have confirmed that they are choking, give 5 backslaps, followed by 5 abdominal thrusts. Now call 999. This is especially important if you do not have any helpers, as the patient may collapse before you complete your 999 call. 

FALSE: The patient needs to be leant forward as much as possible, and supported. The combination of the back-blow and gravity will help move the obstruction out of the airway

TRUE. Anyone who has had abdominal thrusts performed on them needs to be professionally examined for injury.

FALSE: The patient is now unconscious and not breathing. You must start Basic Life Support.

TRUE: The risk of serious internal injury is too great. Their bones are more flexible than an adults so perform chest thrusts instead, using two fingers, mid nipple-line.

FALSE: Do not give abdominal thrusts to a pregnant woman. If backslaps have not worked then try giving chest thrusts. Use the same hand grip, but come up high onto the sternum and try to squeeze the lungs directly through the ribcage.

FALSE: Someone who has been choking needs to be checked out if:

• i.   They feel something is still stuck in their throat.
• ii.  They still have difficulty in swallowing.
• iii. They have a persistent cough.
• iv. They had abdominal thrusts performed on them.