Would you know what to do if someone was choking? Over 600 people each year choke to death in the UK alone – with the majority being babies and young children.
Prompt appropriate action could save their lives.
Adults and children (a child is between the ages of 1 and puberty)
· Get the casualty leaning forward whilst supporting their chest
· Ask the casualty if they can cough
· If they are unable to cough give up to 5 sharp back blows with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades
· If these back blows are unsuccessful give up to 5 abdominal thrusts
· Repeat this sequence until the object clears or until the casualty becomes unconscious
Babies (up to the age of 1year)
· Hold the baby with head lower than the chest down your arm or leg
· Give up to 5 back blows with the flat of your hand – these need to be quite firm
· If these back blows are unsuccessful give up to 5 chest thrusts using two fingers
· Repeat this sequence until the object clears or until the casualty becomes unconscious
If the above technique does not work dial 999/112 after the first cycle of back blows and thrusts.
If the casualty becomes unconscious assess breathing and begin CPR if necessary.
Want to learn more about First Aid as a parent, carer or at work? Call 01922 411611
