Choking

TREATMEANT:

Instruct the casualty to cough:

Instruct the casualty to cough. If the choking is only mild, this will clear the obstruction and they should be able to speak to you.

Back Blows:

Shout for help, but don’t leave the casualty yet. Lean the casualty well forward and give up to 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. The aim is to relieve the choking with each blow rather than to give all 5.

Abdominal Thrust:

If the obstruction hasn’t cleared, stand behind the casualty and place both your arms around them. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the belly button. Grasp this fist with your other hand, then sharply pull inwards and upwards. Do this up to 5 times, the aim is relieve the choking with each thrust. If this does not work, keep repeating the back blows and abdominal thrusts.

If nothing is solved, shout for help and ask someone to call 999/112 for emergency help without interrupting the treatment.