Cuts and Choking

Choking

The universal sign of choking is hands clutched to the throat. If the person does not give the signal, you might see these indications:

• Inability to talk

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing

• Inability to cough forcefully

• Skin, lips, and nails turning blue

• Loss of consciousness

What to do when someone is choking

Recognize...

A mildly blocked airway allows some air in. If a choking victim can still speak, cough, and breathe, the blockage is not complete -- but very uncomfortable. Encourage the person to cough to try to dislodge the obstruction.

A severely blocked airway is an emergency and help must be immediate!

React...

Ask, "Are you choking?" or "Can you breathe okay?"

1. If the person has a mildly blocked airway, encourage him or her to cough. Try to calm the person so he or she can take in more air before each cough. If coughing is ineffective, use the technique for severe blockage.

2. If the person has a severely blocked airway shout for help. Call 911 or have someone call for you. Begin to give abdominal thrusts.

• Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around his or her waist.

• Make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist against the victim's abdomen below the ribcage and above the navel.

• Grasp your fist with the other hand and press firmly and suddenly upwards and inwards.

• Check the mouth after each thrust; help the person remove any material coughed up.