back slaps

Choking Adult

17th May 2014

The information below is for choking in adults and children over one year old. If the airway is only partly blocked, the person will usually be able to speak, cry, cough or breathe. In situations like this, a person will usually be able to clear the blockage themselves. If choking is mild: Encourage the person to continue coughing to try to clear the blockage. Remove any obvious obstruction from the mouth using your first two fingers and thumb. If the obstruction is severe and the person is struggling to breathe, give up to five back blows (between the shoulder blades), using the heel of your hand. Carefully check the mouth and, if possible, remove any obstruction after every blow. If this does not clear the [More…]

Choking in Babies

14th April 2014

Choking in Babies Under 12 months old A baby who is choking will be distressed and may be unable to cry, cough or breathe. Lie the baby face down along your forearm or thigh, with their head low. Support their head. Stop after each slap to check if the blockage has cleared. Important: do not use abdominal thrusts with babies under one year old. Stop after each thrust to check if the blockage has cleared. Dial 999 (or 112) for an ambulance immediately. Do not leave the baby. Take him or her with you to the phone Continue with the cycles of back slaps and chest thrusts until help arrives Complications Once the baby’s airway is cleared, some of the material that caused the blockage [More…]