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Scenario Completed!

Outcome:

Upon noticing the woman clutching her throat and unable to speak, cough, or breathe, you quickly assess the situation and confirm that she is choking. You notice the woman's family member has called for an ambulance. Then, you approach the woman and inform her that you are going to help. The woman is panicking so you reassure her and calmly ask her to try and cough to expel the object, when this does not work you position yourself to the side and slightly behind the woman, supporting her chest with your arm, you deliver five firm back blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand to try to dislodge the obstruction.

The obstruction is not dislodged and the woman is becoming cyanosed (blue tinge to lips). Standing behind her, you wrap your arms around her waist, make a fist with one hand, place it just above her navel, and grasp your fist with your other hand. You perform quick, upward abdominal thrusts.

After a few thrusts, the obstructing piece of food is expelled from her airway, and she begins to breathe again, coughing and gasping for air. You continue to stay with her, offering reassurance and encouraging her to take slow, deep breaths while monitoring her condition until the paramedics arrive. The emergency responders check her vital signs, confirm that she is stable but take her to hospital for additional monitoring. and follow-up to ensure there is no injury or ongoing risk.

The woman and her family express immense gratitude for your quick and decisive actions, which likely saved her life. The restaurant manager commends you for your composure and effective response in a critical situation.

Debrief

Assessment and Recognition:

• Quickly assess the situation to confirm that the person is choking and unable to speak, cough, or breathe.

• Look for universal signs of choking, such as clutching the throat.

Calling for Help:

• Immediately alert someone to call emergency services (999) while you stay with the victim and begin intervention.

• Ensure the person calling provides clear details about the location and the nature of the emergency.

Performing Back Blows and Abdominal Thrusts:

• Administer up to five back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

• If the obstruction persists, perform abdominal thrusts by standing behind the person, placing your fist above their navel, and performing quick, upward thrusts.

Monitoring the Victim:

• Continue to monitor the victim's condition after the obstruction is cleared, watching for any signs of respiratory distress or changes in consciousness.

• Be prepared to perform CPR if the person becomes unresponsive.

Communication and Reassurance:

• Provide reassurance to the victim throughout the intervention to help keep them calm.

• Communicate clearly and confidently with bystanders to manage the situation effectively.

Reflection and Emotional Support:

• Acknowledge any feelings of anxiety or stress during the situation; it is normal to feel this way.

• Discuss the experience with peers or mentors to process emotions and gain feedback.

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