Choking First Aid

Choking First Aid

Choking First Aid – Introduction

This section provides clear and practical information on Choking First Aid for people in Canada. It focuses on simple steps you can take safely at home to help someone who is choking. This guidance is meant for first aid and prevention only, not as a substitute for full medical training or professional care.

Choking happens when an object blocks the airway, making it hard or impossible to breathe. It can be life-threatening and requires quick action. Knowing what to do can save a life, but it is important to act carefully and avoid causing harm.

In this guide, you will learn:

• What signs show someone is choking
• Safe first aid steps you can perform at home
• What actions to avoid to prevent making the situation worse
• When to call 911 or go to the emergency department or urgent care

Remember, if the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough, or if their skin turns blue or they lose consciousness, call 911 immediately. Do not delay emergency care in these situations.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Choking First Aid – Key facts

Choking First Aid is essential knowledge that can save lives. Knowing what to do quickly and safely helps prevent serious injury or death.

• Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, making it hard or impossible to breathe.
• If someone can cough, speak, or breathe, encourage them to keep coughing to clear the airway.
• If the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough, call 911 immediately or your local emergency number.
• Do not perform blind finger sweeps, as this can push the object deeper and cause more harm.
• For adults and children over one year, back blows and abdominal thrusts can help dislodge the object safely at home.
• Never delay calling emergency services if the person becomes unconscious or their condition worsens rapidly.
• Prevention includes cutting food into small pieces, chewing thoroughly, and supervising young children while eating.

Choking First Aid – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Knowing how to spot symptoms of choking is key to providing effective Choking First Aid. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and recognising danger signs helps you act quickly and safely.

Mild symptoms

• Coughing or gagging while eating or drinking
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking clearly
• Wheezing or noisy breathing
• Feeling like something is stuck in the throat

If these mild symptoms appear, encourage the person to cough forcefully to try to clear the airway. Stay with them and watch closely. Do not try to remove the object yourself if it is not easily accessible.

Moderate symptoms

• Inability to speak or cry out
• Weak or ineffective coughing
• Laboured or noisy breathing
• Skin turning pale or slightly blue, especially around lips or fingertips

These signs mean the airway is partially blocked and the person needs immediate help. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. While waiting for help, encourage coughing if possible and be ready to assist if the person becomes unable to breathe.

Severe symptoms and red flags

• Complete inability to breathe or speak
• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden collapse or extreme distress
• Blue or grey skin colour (cyanosis)

These are life-threatening signs. Call 911 immediately. If you are trained and it is safe, provide appropriate first aid until emergency responders arrive. Do not delay calling for help.

Choking First Aid – Immediate first aid steps

If someone is choking, act quickly but calmly. The goal is to help clear the airway while waiting for emergency services if needed.

Recognize choking

• Look for signs like difficulty breathing, coughing, or inability to speak.
• If the person cannot cough or breathe, they need immediate help.

Safe actions to take at home

• Encourage the person to cough forcefully if they can.
• If coughing does not clear the blockage and the person cannot breathe, call 911 immediately.
• If trained and confident, you may give up to five back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
• Do not perform any actions that cause pain or discomfort beyond gentle back blows.

What to avoid

• Do not try to remove the object by blindly sweeping the mouth with fingers unless you see it clearly.
• Avoid giving food, drink, or medication during choking.
• Never delay calling 911 if the person cannot breathe or loses consciousness.

Remember, Choking First Aid focuses on helping the person breathe while waiting for professional help. If symptoms worsen or the person becomes unconscious, call 911 without delay.

Choking First Aid – What NOT to do

When providing choking first aid, certain actions can make the situation worse. Avoid these common mistakes to keep the person safe until professional help arrives.

Do NOT try to remove the object blindly

Never reach into the person’s throat with your fingers unless you can clearly see the object. Blind finger sweeps can push the blockage deeper, making breathing more difficult.

Avoid giving food or drink

Do not offer water, food, or any liquids to someone who is choking. This can cause further obstruction or lead to choking on liquids.

Do NOT slap the back excessively or forcefully

While back blows can help dislodge an object, avoid hitting the person too hard or repeatedly. Excessive force may cause injury or worsen the blockage.

Do NOT delay calling for emergency help

If the person cannot breathe, speak, cough, or loses consciousness, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not wait to see if the situation improves on its own.

Other unsafe actions to avoid

• Do not perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre) on infants under one year old.
• Do not attempt complicated procedures that require training or equipment.
• Avoid panicking or leaving the person alone during a choking emergency.

Following these guidelines helps ensure safe and effective choking first aid. Always prioritise calling emergency services if the person’s condition worsens or does not improve quickly.

Choking First Aid – When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or seek urgent care is crucial for effective Choking First Aid. Acting quickly can save a life, but it is also important to choose the right level of care for less severe situations.

Call 911 immediately if:

• The person cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively.
• They lose consciousness or become unresponsive.
• They show signs of severe distress, such as turning blue or having difficulty breathing.
• The obstruction does not clear after basic first aid attempts.

Go to the emergency department if:

• The person has partial airway blockage but still breathes with difficulty.
• They experience persistent coughing, wheezing, or chest pain after choking.
• There is any concern about injury to the airway or throat.

Visit a walk-in clinic or family doctor when:

• The choking episode was mild and resolved quickly without ongoing symptoms.
• The person feels fine but wants a check-up to ensure no complications.
• They have minor throat soreness or irritation after the incident.

Always prioritize safety by calling 911 for life-threatening choking emergencies. For less urgent cases, timely medical assessment helps prevent complications. Remember, Choking First Aid focuses on prompt action and knowing When to seek professional help.

Choking First Aid – Ongoing care and follow-up

After a choking incident, it is important to monitor the person closely. Even if they seem fine, some symptoms may appear later. Keep an eye on their breathing, voice, and swallowing ability.

What you can do at home

• Encourage the person to rest and avoid talking or eating until they feel comfortable.
• Offer small sips of water if swallowing is not painful or difficult.
• Watch for coughing, wheezing, or a hoarse voice, which may indicate irritation or swelling.
• Keep the person calm and seated upright to help breathing.

What to avoid

• Do not give any food or drink if the person has trouble swallowing or is choking again.
• Avoid forcing the person to clear their throat or cough excessively.
• Do not delay seeking medical help if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

When to seek medical care

Book a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider if the person experiences any of the following after choking:

• Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Voice changes lasting more than 24 hours
• Difficulty swallowing or drooling

If the person develops severe breathing difficulty, loses consciousness, or shows signs of airway obstruction again, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Proper ongoing care and follow-up help prevent complications and ensure a full recovery after choking. Always prioritise safety and seek urgent care when needed.

Choking First Aid – Prevention tips

Preventing choking is key to keeping yourself and others safe at home, work, school, and in the community. Simple habits and safety measures can reduce the risk significantly.

Safe eating habits

• Chew food slowly and thoroughly before swallowing.
• Avoid talking or laughing with food in your mouth.
• Cut food into small, manageable pieces, especially for children and older adults.
• Supervise young children while they eat and discourage running or playing with food in their mouths.

Use of safety equipment

• Keep small objects, such as coins, buttons, and toys with small parts, out of reach of young children.
• Use age-appropriate toys that meet Canadian safety standards.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to maintain a safe environment, as emergencies can increase choking risks.

Environmental and behavioural changes

• Encourage calm, seated eating environments to reduce distractions.
• Educate family members, coworkers, and caregivers about choking risks and first aid basics.
• Be mindful of medications or medical conditions that may affect swallowing.

Remember, if someone shows signs of severe choking, such as inability to breathe, speak, or cough, call 911 immediately. Early action can save lives. Practising these prevention tips helps reduce the chance of choking emergencies and supports overall safety.

Choking First Aid – FAQs

What should I do if someone is choking?

If a person is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, encourage them to cough if possible. If they cannot clear the blockage, you may perform back blows and abdominal thrusts carefully to try to dislodge the object. Always stop if the person becomes unconscious and be ready to provide further assistance as instructed by emergency responders.

Can I give water to someone who is choking?

Do not give water or any other fluids to a person who is choking. Liquids can make the blockage worse or cause choking to become more severe. Focus on helping them cough or perform safe first aid techniques until emergency help arrives.

When should I go to urgent care or the emergency department after choking?

Seek urgent medical care if the person has difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain, or if the choking episode caused any injury. Even if the blockage clears, a healthcare professional should evaluate the person to ensure no damage or complications occurred.

How can I prevent choking at home?

• Cut food into small, manageable pieces.
• Avoid talking or laughing while eating.
• Keep small objects and toys away from young children.
• Supervise children during meals and playtime.

Is it safe to try first aid on a choking infant or child?

Yes, but use age-appropriate techniques. For infants and young children, back blows and chest thrusts are recommended instead of abdominal thrusts. Always call 911 if the child cannot breathe or becomes unconscious. Do not delay seeking emergency help.

Choking First Aid – Summary

Choking First Aid is essential knowledge that can save lives. If someone is choking but can still cough or speak, encourage them to keep coughing to clear the airway. Do not interfere aggressively or try to remove the object with your fingers unless you see it clearly and it is easy to reach. If the person cannot breathe, speak, or is losing consciousness, call 911 immediately. Prompt action is critical.

At home, you can help by encouraging coughing and monitoring the person closely. Avoid giving food or drink until the choking is resolved. Do not perform any procedures that require special training or equipment.

Remember these key points:

• If the person is coughing forcefully, let them try to clear the airway on their own.
• If breathing stops or the person becomes unconscious, call 911 without delay.
• Do not delay emergency care by attempting unsafe or untrained interventions.

Always seek medical help after a choking incident, even if the person seems fine. Some airway injuries or complications may not be obvious right away. When in doubt, it is safer to get a professional assessment at an emergency department or urgent care centre.

• Health Canada – Choking First Aid
• Mayo Clinic – First Aid for Choking
• World Health Organization – First Aid
• Canadian Red Cross – Choking First Aid

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.