We all know that choking occurs when a certain particle makes its way all the way to our throats. It results in excessive coughing, and our breath being stuck wherever it is. This incessant choking is frequent amongst us. But prevention techniques or a method to reduce it is not all that common. The most common hint towards knowing that person is choking would be to gauge where his hands are. If they’re clutching the throat, and then check if they’re unable to talk, they’re losing consciousness, they coughing forcefully. If any of these signs are there, then you know that person is unfortunately choking or suffering from breathing problems. Therefore, you need to be pro-active andmemorize these first aid tips. So that the next time you have a choking problem or a breathing problem, you are not caught unaware.
- Mild Obstruction
If you know that the particle is small and mild, you should encourage them to continue coughing. This way the particle will have a chance to come out of the throat through the pressure exerted by coughs.
- Not so mild obstruction
If the particle isn’t coming out after coughing, you need to apply other measure now.
- Give a couple of blows on his back and check if the particle has been removed. If not, then
- Give a couple of blows on the abdominal and check if the particle has been removed. If not, then
- Perform the blows repeatedly, alternating between his back and his abdomen.
- A serious obstruction
If the air passage has been severely blocked and the person is on the verge of unconsciousness, then roll him on his back and began CPR. If that doesn’t give a good result either, then call the ambulance immediately.
- For children and infants
Treating children and infants differs slightly from the treatment of adults. This is becausechildren don’t usually show visible signs of choking or hindered breath. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is check if the child is able to cry or cough, due to which the particle can be dislodged. If not, then roll them on their stomach and give five blows on their back with slight pressure. Remove any hindrances that are visible, and continue with the blows.
If the throat is still blocked, then roll the child on his back and thrust his check. Follow that up with pressing your fingers from the child’s breastbone towards his head. The purpose of this action is to remove any obstruction from the child’s chest without hurting him.
If the chest doesn’t unblock after this first aid treatment either then call the ambulance immediately. Because this shows that the throat has been severely blocked, therefore professional medical assistance needs to be called in. Do not try to deal with the complications on your own.
Though not a substitute for proper first aid training, I hope these tips help you during an unfortunate bout of choking or breathing problem.