Don’t be a choker – know how to handle choking
Choking is a common enough occurrence but one that can be deadly.
Remember how mom always used to tell you to chew your food properly?
Well, she did it for good reason.
Choking is never a fun experience and – if something gets properly stuck down your throat – it could be deadly.
In the event that someone is choking, Netcare 911 advises the following action:
Be certain that the victim is choking – and not suffering a heart attack or the like.
Choking victims will often point or gesture at their throats.
Give them five back blows to attempt to help them release the obstruction in the throat.
If this doesn’t work, perform the Heimlich manouvre by placing a fist with the thumb side against the victim’s abdomen, just above the navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press it into the abdomen with a quick inward and upward thrust.
Continue with these thrusts until the object is removed or the victim becomes unresponsive.
If the victim becomes unresponsive, lower them to the floor and call emergency services before starting CPR.
Each time you open the airway to give a breath, look for an object in the mouth or throat and, if visible, reach in and remove it.
To relieve an airway obstruction in a responsive infant who cannot cry, breathe or cough, follow these steps:
Call emergency services immediately.
Support the infant’s head and neck and lay the infant face down on your forearm, then lower your arm to your leg for support.
Give five back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
If the infant still cannot breathe, roll the baby face-up onto its back while supporting the head and neck.
Give the baby five chest thrusts on its sternum (the middle of the chest) in the same location used for CPR.
Repeat these steps until the object is removed.
If the infant becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and look for the obstruction each time you give a rescue breath.
>>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.
>>> Looking for a church? Check out our Churches on the North Coast feature.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
