Choking

Choking occurs when any foreign object (often food but any small object) becomes lodged in the throat and obstructs the flow of air to the lungs. It can be extremely distressing.

Signs & Symptoms

A person who is choking will usually have their hands in front of their throat and will be unable to speak. If choking is mild the person will still be able to speak or cough. If choking is severe there may be a weak cough but the person will have difficulty breathing.

Treatment

For adults and children over one year old:

Encourage the casualty to cough to clear the blockage.
If this is ineffective give up to 5 back blows – lean the casualty forward and apply enough force between the shoulder blades to clear the blockage.
Shout for someone to call 999/112 or use your speakerphone.
If the obstruction does not clear as a result of the back blows, perform 5 abdominal thrusts. Stand behind the person, make a fist with your hand and place it above the belly button. Grasp your fist with your other hand and thrust upwards and inwards sharply.
If the obstruction still does not clear, repeat back blows and abdominal thrusts. Ensure professional emergency help is on the way.
If the casualty becomes unconscious, commence CPR.

Infant choking

The treatment for a child under one follows the same principals as for an adult or older child but – importantly – abdominal thrusts are replaced with chest thrusts. DO NOT perform abdominal thrusts on a baby.

Treatment

For adults and children over one year old:

Can the baby cough or cry? If the baby is coughing, they may be able to dislodge the obstruction themselves.
If there is no coughing, or it is clearly not effective, lay the baby over your lap, face down, supporting the head (if they are small enough ,you can lay them along your forearm). Give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades.
Shout for someone to call 999/112 or use your speakerphone.
If the obstruction does not clear, turn the baby over so that they are facing upwards and using 2 fingers in the middle of their chest, give 5 chest thrusts. DO NOT perform abdominal thrusts.
Keep repeating these steps.
If the baby becomes unconscious, commence CPR.