Choking is embarrassing! People like to run into the bathroom to avoid the starring as you are hacking away in a restaurant. Do not be alone when you are choking!! If someone is choking and runs to the bathroom, follow them to make sure they are ok!
If you are at home ALONE and seriously choking:
Call 911
Unlock the front door so EMS can get into the house
Get out of the house if you can! If you fall unconscious on your front lawn or neighbours lawn you are more likely to get help than in your house by yourself!
Here are some common choking hazards for adults:
Hard candies: Sucking on hard candies can cause them to become lodged in the throat if accidentally swallowed or if the candy breaks apart.
Nuts and seeds: Small and round nuts and seeds can be difficult to chew properly, increasing the risk of choking. Peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, and similar items should be eaten with caution.
Raw vegetables: Crunchy and firm raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli can pose a choking risk, especially if they are not adequately chewed.
Meat and poultry: Large chunks of meat, such as steak or chicken breast, can be difficult to swallow if not cut into smaller, manageable pieces.
Grapes and cherry tomatoes: These small, round fruits can easily become lodged in the throat. It's recommended to cut them into smaller pieces before eating.
Popcorn: The small, hard kernels of unpopped popcorn can easily get stuck in the throat. Additionally, popcorn can also pose a risk if chewed but not fully broken down.
Sticky foods: Sticky foods like peanut butter, caramel, or marshmallows can adhere to the throat, making them more likely to cause choking.
Bread and doughy products: Large bites of bread, bagels, or doughy foods can be challenging to swallow, particularly if they are dry or not thoroughly chewed.
Hot dogs: Hot dogs have a cylindrical shape and a rubbery texture that can create a choking hazard. It's crucial to cut them into small pieces before consuming.
Cheese cubes: If large chunks of cheese are swallowed without proper chewing, they can get stuck in the throat.
Remember, it's always important to chew food thoroughly, eat slowly, and be mindful while consuming foods that have a higher likelihood of causing choking incidents.
Let's review.......
What is Choking?
Choking occurs when a person's airway is partially or completely blocked, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. It can be a serious medical emergency, and it's important to know how to recognize the signs of choking and how to respond appropriately.
Signs of Choking:
The signs of choking can vary depending on the degree of blockage in the airway, but some common signs to look for include:
Inability to speak or breathe
Difficulty or inability to cough
Bluish skin or lips
Clutching at the throat or neck
Panic or distress
Loss of consciousness
If you suspect that someone is choking, it's important to act quickly to prevent further harm.
How to Help Someone Who Is Choking:
Call for help: If the person is unable to breathe, cough, or speak, immediately call for emergency medical help.
Perform the Heimlich maneuver: If the person is conscious, stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel, with the thumb side facing inward. Use your other hand to grasp your fist and press forcefully into the person's abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Repeat until the blockage is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.
Perform back blows: If the person is unconscious or if the Heimlich maneuver doesn't work, lay the person on their back and straddle them. Place the heel of one hand on the person's upper back between the shoulder blades and give five sharp back blows with the other hand. If the blockage is still not dislodged, proceed to step four.
Perform chest thrusts: Place the heel of one hand on the person's breastbone just below the nipple line. Place your other hand on top of the first hand and push down quickly and firmly. Repeat until the blockage is dislodged or emergency medical help arrives.
Precautions to Consider:
Make sure you are trained: It's important to receive proper training in how to respond to choking emergencies, particularly if you work in a profession where you may be called upon to respond to these types of emergencies.
Avoid causing injury: The Heimlich maneuver and chest thrusts can be very forceful, so make sure you are using the right amount of force to dislodge the blockage without causing harm.
Stay calm: Choking can be a scary experience, but it's important to remain calm and act quickly to help the person in distress.
Make sure you ask women if they are PREGNANT! Do not perform abdomen thrusts on someone who is pregnant.
Do chest thrusts and back blows instead!
Conclusion:
Choking is a serious medical emergency that can be life-threatening if not treated quickly and properly. By recognizing the signs of choking and knowing how to respond appropriately, you can help save someone's life. Remember to call for emergency medical help right away and follow the appropriate steps to dislodge the blockage.
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