Emergency and First Aid measures for Choking

There is a form of choking which is due to nervous disease affecting the functions of the muscles which open and shut the larynx. Choking may also be due to a disease of the larynx. But the form of choking we are concentrating on is due to the presence of a foreign body in the upper part of the air passages. When this is a piece of meat or bone, or something similar, the finger or the handle of a spoon should be passed to the back of the throat and the foreign body should be hooked forward. It is often also useful, in the case of a child choking, to smack it once or twice, firmly between the shoulders, this is sometimes possible as well in the case of an adult choking. This should never be done if the foreign body is trapped in the windpipe. Depending on the severity of the choking, there are a number of measures which can be taken, one such useful and effective one is the abdominal thrust, more popularly known as the Heimlich Manoeuver. This is necessary when the person is coughing so hard, that it is impossible for them to speak. This usually means that the person has difficulty breathing as well. The abdominal thrust (Heimlich Manoeuver) is performed as follows: while standing behind the person, have them lean forward slightly, encircle the person with your hands while making a fist. Put your arms around the person and grasp your fist with your other hand in the middle just below the ribs. Make a quick, hard movement inward and upward in an attempt to assist the person in coughing up the object. This maneuver should be repeated until the person is able to breathe. In the event that the person collapses then the following should be done: Put the person to lie down with their face to the ground. Ascertain that the mouth and throat are clear, loosen tight clothing at the neck and chest. Lay face downwards, head to one side, arms forward. Kneel alongside at the level of the person's hips, with your hands on the lower ribs, your thumbs are to be parallel and near the spine, then stoop forward with your arms straight and count slowly to three, keeping your hands on the person's chest. Spring back to take off the pressure and count slowly to two. Repeat this exercise until the natural breathing is restored. Another measure you can take to clear the airway is to kneel next to the person and put the heel of your hand against the middle of the abdomen, just below the ribs. Place your other hand on top and press inward and upward five times with both hands. If the airway clears and the person is still unresponsive, then you will have to perform CPR. If you are unable to perform this manoeuver, then call for emergency help immediately, do not delay. You may be able to successfully stop the choking before help arrives using techniques discussed here, but it is best for the choking person to be evaluated by the emergency medical team when they arrive. If something is still in the person's throat, the emergency medical team can begin care immediately and take the person to the hospital for further treatment