Recognizing and responding to adult choking emergencies is crucial. This detailed guide provides the universal signs of adult choking and step-by-step first aid procedures.
Equipped with these skills, you’ll be prepared to act swiftly and effectively during choking emergencies, whether at home or in public. Master these lifesaving responses to keep yourself and others safe from choking hazards.
Identifying choking signs and symptoms in Adult
Recognize a severe airway block in an adult by these signs:
- Holding throat with hand(s)
- Weak or no cough
- Has a cough that has no sound
- High-pitched squeaking noises when breathing or no sound
- Pale or blue skin color
- Unable to breathe, cough, speak, cry or make sounds
- Appearances of panic, confusion, or surprise
Adult Choking Rescue: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Positioning
- Stand to the side and slightly behind the person.
Step 2: Give 5 Firm Back Blows
- Give 5 firm back blows using the heel of your hand to strike between the person’s shoulder blades.
Step 3: If no improvement, ensure the person is standing up straight.
Step 4: Prepare for Abdominal Thrusts
- Move directly behind the choking person.
- Slightly bend your knees for better balance and support.
Step 5: Give 5 Abdominal Thrusts just above the navel
- Pull inward and upward each time.
Step 6: Repeat If Necessary
Repeat giving 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until:
- The obstruction is cleared.
- The person can cough, cry, or speak.
- The person becomes unresponsive.
If the choking person becomes unresponsive, perform CPR:
Step 1: Shout for help
- If possible, send someone to call 9-1-1 or do it yourself.
- If available, get an AED. Turn it on upon arrival and follow the prompts to use it immediately.
Step 2: Place the person on his back on a firm, flat surface.
Step 3: Give 30 Chest Compressions
- Push down hard and fast in the center of the chest (just below the nipple line) at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Give 30 compressions per set, using 2 hands. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. Put your other hand on top, interlace your fingers, and keep them off the chest.
- Each compression should be about 2 inches deep.
- Allow chest to return to normal position after each compression
- Do not pause compressions for more than 10 seconds.
After each compression set and before attempting breaths:
- Open the person’s mouth.
- Check for visible objects.
- If an object is seen, gently remove it with your pinky.
- Never do a pinky sweep unless the object is visible.
Step 4: Give 2 breaths
- Open the person’s airway.
- Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and form a complete seal over the person’s mouth with your own.
- Give 2 quick breaths into the person’s mouth, each lasting about 1 second.
Step 5: Repeat sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until:
- The person shows signs of life (moves, speaks, blinks, or reacts).
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive.