4.1 Recognition and management of choking in adults, children, and infants

Choking can be life-threatening, blocking airflow and causing panic. Quick action is crucial. Recognizing signs like the universal choking gesture and cyanosis can save lives. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver and back blows is essential.

Different techniques are used for adults, children, and infants. The Heimlich maneuver works for adults and children, while infants need gentler back blows and chest thrusts. After choking, monitor the person closely and seek medical attention if needed.

Identifying Choking

Signs and Symptoms

• Airway obstruction occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air
• Partial obstruction allows some air to pass through, while complete obstruction totally blocks the airway
• Universal choking sign is when a person clutches their throat with one or both hands, indicating they are choking
• Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, may occur due to lack of oxygen

Assessing Consciousness

• Conscious choking victims can typically cough, speak, or breathe, and may exhibit the universal choking sign
• Unconscious choking victims are unresponsive, not breathing, and may have a bluish color to their skin (cyanosis)

Adult and Child Choking Management

Heimlich Maneuver and Abdominal Thrusts

• Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is a first aid technique used to dislodge an object from a choking person's airway
• Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, and place your fist, thumb-side in, just above their navel
• Grasp your fist with your other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen to force air from the lungs and dislodge the object

Back Blows and Finger Sweep

• Back blows involve delivering firm blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand to dislodge the object
• Alternate between abdominal thrusts and back blows until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious
• Finger sweep is a technique used to remove a visible object from the throat, but should only be performed if you can see the object

Self-Administered Abdominal Thrusts

• If you are alone and choking, you can perform self-administered abdominal thrusts
• Press your abdomen quickly against a firm object, such as the back of a chair or a countertop edge, to force air from your lungs and dislodge the object

Infant Choking Management

Infant Choking Protocol

• Infant choking protocol differs from adult and child management due to their smaller size and more fragile bodies
• If an infant is choking, sit or kneel with the infant in your lap, supporting their head and neck with your non-dominant hand

Back Blows and Chest Thrusts

• Deliver up to five firm back blows between the infant's shoulder blades using the heel of your hand
• If the object is not dislodged, turn the infant face-up, supporting their head and neck, and deliver up to five chest thrusts using two fingers at the center of the chest, just below the nipple line
• Alternate between back blows and chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the infant becomes unconscious

Post-Choking Care

Recovery Position

• After successfully dislodging the object, place the person in the recovery position to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration
• The recovery position involves laying the person on their side with their top leg and arm crossed over their body, and their head tilted back to keep the airway open

Monitoring for Complications

• Monitor the person for any complications, such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or chest pain
• Seek medical attention if the person experiences any complications or if you are unsure about their condition
• Even if the choking incident seems resolved, it is essential to have the person evaluated by a medical professional to ensure no further damage has occurred