What to do if a person is choking: proper help without harm

What to do if a person is choking: proper help without harm

Each of us at least once in our lives has witnessed someone nearby suddenly start coughing, grabbing their throat, unable to speak or breathe - all these can be signs that a person is choking. At such moments, the main thing is not to panic, but also not to take actions that can harm. The most common mistake is to start vigorously hitting a person on the back. In most cases, this not only does not help, but can also worsen the situation.

You can choke on a liquid, food or a small object that accidentally gets into the respiratory tract. This can happen while talking at the table, hastily eating or laughing with your mouth full. When a foreign body blocks the respiratory tract, there is a risk of asphyxiation - that is, suffocation. If help is not provided in time, a person can lose consciousness, and later his life.

When a foreign object is partially blocking the airway, the person can usually still cough or talk. In this case, the best strategy is to encourage them to continue coughing. Coughing is a natural reflex of the body, which often eliminates the obstruction in the airway on its own. If you start hitting the back at this point, there is a risk that the object will slide deeper and completely block the airway.

However, hitting the back is advisable only if the person cannot cough, talk or breathe, and it is clearly visible that the airway is completely blocked. In such a situation, you need to perform five blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand, followed by five thrusts in the abdomen (the so-called Heimlich maneuver). These actions alternate until the object comes out or until medical help arrives.

It is also very important not to forget about your own safety and the correct technique for providing assistance. If the person has lost consciousness, you need to carefully lay them on the floor and immediately call an ambulance. If necessary, you should start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

In any case, the best help is knowledge and calmness. If you regularly eat with children or the elderly, take a first aid course - it can save a life. And remember: do not rush to pat on the back. First - assess the situation.