Choking is when someone cannot breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the throat or windpipe (airway). Show A choking person's airway may be blocked so that not enough oxygen reaches the lungs. Without oxygen, brain damage can occur in as little as 4 to 6 minutes. Rapid first aid for choking can save a person's life. This article discusses choking in adults or children over age 1 who have lost alertness (are unconscious). CausesChoking may be caused by:
SymptomsSymptoms of choking when a person is unconscious include:
First AidTell someone to call 911 or the local emergency number while you begin first aid and CPR. If you are alone, shout for help and begin first aid and CPR.
If the person starts having seizures (convulsions), give first aid for this problem. After removing the object that caused the choking, keep the person still and get medical help. Anyone who is choking should have a medical examination. This is because the person can have complications not only from the choking, but also from the first aid measures that were taken. DO NOTDO NOT try to grasp an object that is lodged in the person's throat. This may push it farther down the airway. If you can see the object in the mouth, it may be removed. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalSeek medical help right away if someone is found unconscious. In the days following a choking episode, contact a doctor right away if the person develops:
The above signs may indicate:
PreventionTo prevent choking:
Alternative NamesChoking - unconscious adult or child over 1 year; First aid - choking - unconscious adult or child over 1 year; CPR - choking - unconscious adult or child over 1 year Images
ReferencesAmerican Red Cross. First Aid/CPR/AED Participant's Manual. 2nd ed. Dallas, TX: American Red Cross; 2016. Atkins DL, de Caen AR, Berger S, et al. 2017 American Heart Association focused update on pediatric basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality: an update to the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation. 2018;137(1):e1-e6. PMID: 29114009 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29114009/. Easter JS, Scott HF. Pediatric resuscitation. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 163. Kleinman ME, Goldberger ZD, Rea T, et al. 2017 American Heart Association focused update on adult basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality: an update to the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation. 2018;137(1):e7-e13. PMID: 29114008 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29114008/. Kurz MC, Neumar RW. Adult resuscitation. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 8. Thomas SH, Goodloe JM. Foreign bodies. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 53. Review Date 2/12/2021Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What are the 6 steps to care for an unconscious choking victim?Perform a scene survey. Determine unresponsiveness. Open Airway. ... . Start chest compressions (30 compressions). Open patient's airway and give 1 ventilation. ... . Attempt to ventilate. If air does not go in, continue CPR sequence of 30 compressions and 2 ventilations.. What is to be done if a person who is choking is not responsive?If they are unresponsive and not breathing, push firmly downwards in the middle of their chest at a regular rate. Ideally, you should alternate two rescue breaths with 30 chest compressions for anyone who has been rescued from drowning.
What are the 5 steps if someone is choking?Step-by-step instructions for helping a choking older adult:. Assess whether or not they're choking. ... . Call 911. ... . Begin back blows. ... . Begin Heimlich maneuver or abdominal thrusts. ... . Repeat 5-and-5. ... . Begin CPR. ... . Begin chest compressions. ... . Give two rescue breaths.. |