How do you treat choking?

Answer 1

The Heimlich Manoeuvre is the first aid and medical procedure for removing an obstruction in a patient's airway, and to relieve choking due to a physical obstruction. The Heimlich manoeuvre cannot be used to relieve choking caused by other medical and physiological abnormalities such as a tumour.

Before beginning the Heimlich Manoeuvre, it is of the utmost importance to work through the Patient Management Plan as with all first aid emergencies.

1) Ensure the safety of you and your team, including bystanders.

2) Check for the patient's response. Tap the patient and shout to attract his/her attention. If there is no response, call immediately for medical and ambulance backup.

3) Check that the patient has a patent airway. Look into the patient's airway; tilt the head back and lift the chin using two fingers. If the obstruction can be removed without risking further damage, swipe a gloved finger to remove the obstruction.

If the obstruction cannot be removed manually, perform up to six back blows. A back blow is a sharp, hard "hit" delivered in between the patient's scapula (shoulder blades). It forces the air out of the lungs in the hope of dislodging the object. If, after six back blows, the object is still not dislodged, perform the Heimlich Manoeuvre:

- Standing behind the patient, wrap your arms around the patient's lower abdomen and grip your hands together. Position your hands so that your thumb makes contact with the patient's belly-button.

- Without informing the patient, drive your clasped hands inwards and upwards forcefully.

- Check for the patient's response and see if the object is dislodged. If not, repeat the sequence until the object is dislodged or the patient becomes unconscious.

If the patient loses consciousness, and breathing ceases, procedures state that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) be commenced. Perform the CPR sequence and ensure medical assistance is on the way.

A variation of the Heimlich Manoeuvre can be used if you are choking and there is no one around to help you. Without tensing your abdominal muscles, drive your stomach into the back of a chair. If it comes down to doing Heimlich Manoeuvre to yourself, my advice is to close your eyes to make sure you don't expect the blow and involuntarily tense your muscles, making the procedure ineffective.

Answer 2

You can use the Heimlich maneuver on the person.