First aid for a conscious adult who is choking

Authors: Simulation and Certification Center

Editor: Rednenko V.V.

Clinical situation:

While in a cafe, you heard a call for help. As you approached the scene, you found a man (appearing to be about 60 years old) who places both hands on his throat. The person’s face skin appears flushed. You may hear high-pitched squeaking noises as the person tries to breathe. The person can’t speak and cough.

Equipment for the practical skill:

• protective medical gloves;
• simulative patient.

The procedure for performing a practical skill

• Make sure the scene is safe.
• Have someone call 103 or the designated emergency number.
• Check airway for complete blockage (the person can’t speak and cough).
• Give 5 back blows
  • position yourself to the side and slightly behind the person;
  • place one arm diagonally across the person’s chest (to provide support)
  • bend the person forward at the waist so that the person’s upper body is as close to parallel to the ground as possible;
  • firmly strike the person between the shoulder blades with the heel of your other hand;

• •  each back blow should be separate from the others.
• Give 5 abdominal thrusts.
  • stand behind the person, with one foot in front of the other for balance and stability;
  • if possible, place your front foot between the person's feet;
  • wrap your arms around the person's waist;
  • find the person's navel by placing one finger on the person's navel, and the adjacent finger above the first;
  • make a fist with your other hand and place the thumb side just above your fingers;
  • cover your fist with your other hand;

• o   give quick, inward and upward thrusts into the person's abdomen;

• • each abdominal thrust should be separate from the others.
• Continue giving sets of back blows and abdominal thrusts until
  • the person can cough forcefully, speak, breathe – arrange to take or send the casualty to the hospital, even if he seems to have recovered completely;
  • or the person becomes unresponsive – start CPR.