Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : December 5, 2014 11:56 PM IST
Most of us might have seen people suffering from choking due to sudden blockage of windpipe in our day-to-day lives. However, lack of proper awareness about how to help these people is one big question faced by most of us! As choking blocks the supply of oxygen to the brain, performing first aid is the foremost step. This is how you can go about it.
How to recognise that a person is suffering from choking?
A person suffering from choking will hold his hands around the throat a universal sign of choking. In case a person doesn t give this signal, look if he/she gives any other significant indications to confirm his condition like -
Difficulty in breathing
Inability to say anything
Showing signs of coughing
Lips, skin or nails turning blue in colour
Lastly, losing consciousness.
Once it is confirmed that a person is suffering from choking, start with first aid measures. These include
1. Make them cough with force: Calm the person first and encourage him/her to cough, as it may cause the choked substance to come out of the mouth. In case this approach proves futile, proceed to the next one back blows.
2. Back blows: Stand behind the person, such that you face the person to one side. Now, hold the person s chest with one hand and make them lean forward. Give sharp back blows with your other hand between the shoulder blades on the back. Repeat it for five times and check the mouth for obstructions. If this technique also fails, try abdominal thrusts.
3. Abdominal thrusts: To perform abdominal thrust, stand behind the person and place your hands around their abdomen. Now, form a fist in such a way that the thumb is projected and can be used to put pressure on the upper abdomen (between the sternum and breast bone). As this is done, grasp the fist with the other hand and apply sharp inward and upward thrusts. This is done to force air to the lungs which in turn might help in dislodging the obstruction into the mouth. Attempt this for 5 times.
4. Repeat step 2 and 3: If abdominal thrusts are unsuccessful, repeat black blows and abdominal thrusts alternatively for three cycles. And in the meantime tell someone to call emergency helpline or doctor.
5. CPR: In case the person falls unconscious during the process, lie him/her onto the floor and apply pressure on the chest with the help of your hands. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation). In case the person still lies unconscious, take him to a nearby hospital.
Choking can be quite a scary experience not only for the person experiencing it but also to the people present around them. You never know when these first aid tactics of choking can come in handy as well! Learn it and be safe.
Image Source: Getty Images
Video Source: YouTube.com
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