CHOKING IN ADULTS
Choking is a preventable cause of death that occurs when food or another object gets stuck in the throat. The airway gets blocked and immediate action is needed. The person typically only has a few minutes before they pass out. The universal sign of choking is holding the neck with one or both hands.
Choking can be mild or severe. Table 1 will help determine whether it is mild or severe.
| DEGREE OF OBSTRUCTION | RESPONSIVENESS | RESCUERS ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Obstruction |
|
|
| Severe Obstruction |
|
|
Table 1
Figure 18:
Abdominal Thrusts
RELIEF OF CHOKING
Abdominal Thrusts for Adolescents and Adults
- Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist under the ribcage (Figure 18a).
- Put your fist above the person’s navel in the middle of the belly (Figure 18b).
- With your other hand, hold the first fist and press forcefully into the abdomen and up toward their chest (Figure 18c).
- Continue performing thrusts until the obstruction is relieved or until the person becomes unresponsive. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR.
Very large persons or pregnant women can be treated with chest thrusts. In this case, do the following:
Wrap both arms around the person. Pull your arms straight back to deliver the chest thrusts.