What should I do if someone is choking and cannot breathe ?

In summary, if someone is choking and cannot breathe, it is crucial to remain calm, call for help, and determine the severity of the situation. For adults and children aged one year and up, abdominal thrusts are recommended until help arrives or the person becomes unconscious, at which point CPR should be started. For infants under one year, five back blows followed by five chest thrusts should be administered. Preventative measures include cutting food properly, supervising closely, and educating about choking signs. Being prepared with knowledge can make all the difference in saving a life.
What should I do if someone is choking and cannot breathe

What to Do if Someone Is Choking and Cannot Breathe

Immediate Steps

1. Remain Calm

  • Take a deep breath yourself.
  • Keep a clear head to assess the situation effectively.

2. Call for Help

  • Yell for someone nearby to call 911 or your local emergency number.
  • If you're alone with the person, do it yourself before proceeding further.

3. Determine Severity

  • Ask the person if they are choking.
  • Look for inability to speak or breathe, high-pitched sounds, or finger pointing at the throat.

Assist Choking Adult

1. Give Abdominal Thrusts

  • Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
  • Make a fist and place it just above the navel.
  • Give quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen with force but control.

2. Continue Until Help Arrives

  • If the object does not dislodge, continue with abdominal thrusts.
  • If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR.

Assist Choking Child (Aged 1 Year and Up)

1. Give Abdominal Thrusts

  • Kneel or stand behind the child.
  • Place your arms around the child's waist, making a fist with one hand.
  • Firmly give inward and upward thrusts.

2. If Unconscious, Begin CPR

  • Start chest compressions if the child loses consciousness.
  • If trained, perform rescue breathing after every 30 compressions.

Infants Under One Year

1. Five Back Blows

  • Give five firm back blows with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades.

2. Five Chest Thrusts

  • If back blows don't work, give five chest thrusts using two fingers.

3. Call for Emergency Help

  • If the infant doesn't respond, immediately call for emergency help while continuing efforts.

Preventative Measures

1. Cut Food Properly

  • Ensure food is cut into small pieces to reduce choking risk.

2. Supervise Closely

  • Watch children closely when they eat to prevent them from putting large objects in their mouths.

3. Educate About Choking Signs

  • Teach family members and coworkers how to recognize choking signs and basic first aid.

By following these steps, you can potentially save a life in case of choking emergencies. Remember that prevention is key, and being prepared with knowledge can make all the difference.