CHOKING        

What is choking?

Choking is upper airway obstruction which is not relieved by coughing.

What are the common causes?

In adults the usual cause is unchewed food, while in children it is foreign bodies, especially peanuts and candies.

Techniques of Emergency First-Aid:

Back Blows:

The manoeuver can be performed with the patient sitting or standing and leaning forward, as well as while lying on his side (ideally).
Children should be placed head down lying along rescuer's thigh.
Give a series of 4-6 blows to the middle of the back while the patient is breathing out.

Abdominal Thrusts:

1. Stand behind the victim, wrapping the arms around the patient just below the lower margin of the rib cage.
2. Clasp the hands tightly together and give a series of sharp upward thrusts, timed with expiration, if discernible. (This technique is not recommended in pregnancy, extreme obesity or infants and children for danger injury to organs.)
3. If unconsciousness occurs with impacted foreign body, attempt to clear mouth by finger sweeps.