Dinner-Time Choking
WWYD Wednesday
Dinner is going normally until someone suddenly grabs their throat. They cannot speak or cough, but they are still conscious.
Someone yells, “Start CPR!” Someone else says, “They’re choking!” What would you do first?
- A. Start chest compressions
- B. Give 5 back blows, then 5 abdominal thrusts
- C. Give them water
- D. Wait and see if it passes
You may only have seconds to decide. Know the emergency. Know the response.
Fact Check Friday
CPR and choking response are different skills. If an adult or child can cough forcefully, encourage coughing and watch closely.
For severe choking in a responsive adult or child who cannot cough, speak, or breathe normally, call 911 or direct someone to call. Give 5 back blows, then 5 abdominal thrusts if the obstruction remains; repeat until it clears or the person becomes unresponsive.
Use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts for someone who is pregnant or when you cannot reach around their abdomen. If they become unresponsive, lower them to a firm, flat surface and begin CPR with compressions according to your training and dispatcher guidance.
Hands-on training helps you recognize when the response must change.