Choking Adult
Note
- Newborn – Birth to 2 months of age
- Infants – 2 months to 1 year
- Toddlers – 1 year to 4 years
- 1yr and above treat as adult
Signs & Symptoms
- Coughing, wheezing
- Gagging
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty breathing may have a blue tinge to lips and face
Treatment
5 x back Blows - 5 x chest thrusts - alternate
- If not already, get the patient to try and cough the obstruction loose
- If this does not work call for an ambulance immediately
- Bend the patient forward and give up to five back blows between the shoulder blades.
- If unsuccessful give up to 5 chest thrusts
For a chest thrust Place one hand in the middle of the patient’s back and one hand in the centre of the chest. Depress the chest quickly with a thrusting motion
- If unsuccessful continue with alternating back blows and chest thrusts until Medical assistance arrives
Note
- If the patient becomes unconscious quickly look in the mouth / throat. You may be able to see the obstruction and remove it.
- Be prepared to commence CPR
