What should you do for a conscious adult who is choking and cannot cough?

Answer 1

FIRST: Put some latex gloves on - this will protect your hands from HIV or hepititis, (two blood-born deseases), that could come out with the obstruction and/or vomitis. Gloves also make the patient aware that you are trained and can help.

1. Ask "Are you choking?" This rules out an alternate situation such as an allergic reaction.

2. Say "I know first aid, can I help you?" You must always obtain consent before treating a patient.

3. Stand behind the patient with your right foot just behind and between the patients legs. Landmark for the proper abdominal thrust position by sliding your hands down the patients sides until you feel the hip bones, then encircle the hips with your arms. The proper position is just below where your hands will meet here.

4. Hold your right hand against the abdomen in line with the navel, curl your fist (thumb should be against the patients body). Place your left hand behind your right to strengthen it.

5. Pull HARD, inward and upward simultaneously. (Abdominal Thrust)

6. Continue performing abdominal thrusts until the patient manages to make noise again (high-pitched wheezes don't count), or he/she goes unconscious.

If he/she goes unconscious, **alert the Emergency Services**, provide first aid for the unconscious casualty (will most likely require CPR, with the addition of mouth checks before every ventilation).

Answer 2

You first determine that they are choking. You then can perform the Heimlich maneuver on them. Make sure that you only do it if you know how. If you do not, and you still attempt the maneuver, you may be sued.

Answer 3

Guidelines state that you should first encourage the person to cough in order to dislodge the object or food causing choking.

If this fails then you should give up to 5 back slaps, if this then fails to remove the obstruction then you should give up to 5 abdominal thrusts also known as the 'Heimlich manoeuvre' which should hopefully being the last resort dislodge the obstruction.

If this still fails then you should repeat the cycle, if the casualty becomes unconscious CPR should be administered and further health care called.

Answer 4

If the substance was an obstructive object, back blows or back slaps are recommended now a days, as to the abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver). The Heimlich Maneuver is not usually recommended since it can be harmful, it may lead to a fractured xiphoid process or even ribs. Finger sweeping can also be done, but only if the victim is unconscious.