How to Remove a Foreign Object From a Choking Victim

We all have at one time or another experienced choking or have seen another person choking on food, fluid or in young toddlers, foreign objects they have swallowed. Choking occurs due to the obstruction of the breathing airways from the object, which causes difficulty in breathing. This article will give some tips on how to remove a foreign object from an adult or child over age one who is conscious and choking.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Encourage the victim to cough forcefully to help dislodge the obstructing object. If the person is conscious and able to talk or cough, then do not slap them on the back or perform the Heimlich maneuver until you notice signs of breathing difficulty or inability to cough. In this particular situation when the victim is conscious and able to speak, it is more effective to allow the victim to remove the object first before any intervention takes place.

2. The Heimlich maneuver or abdominal thrusts should be performed immediatley on a victim who is unconscious, experiencing difficulty in breathing or the cough reflex is weak. Perform six forceful thrusts to the middle area of the abdomen (see Resources below for my article: "How To Perform Rescue Maneuvers on Choking Victims").

3. Perform chest thrusts to remove foreign objects from choking victims. Chest trusts should be performed on an obese or pregnant victim (see my article: "How to Perform Chest Thrusts").

4. Repeat the rescue maneuvers several times until the object is dislodged from the victim. If the victim has become unconscious and is not breathing, immediately get someone to call EMS while performing emergency CPR. Attempt to remove the object yourself manually. Immediately open the victim's airways by tilting the head gently backwards and the chin slightly upwards, then open the mouth. Check the mouth and grasp the tongue and jaw and lift the jaw. Using the index finger of the other hand slide it down the inside of the cheek and deep into the mouth. Try to feel for the object and carefully remove it with your finger. Be careful not to push it deeper into the airway.

Tips & Warnings

• Signs to look for in choking victims are: difficulty breathing, panic, flushing red face which turns blue quickly, grasping at the throat, difficulty in speaking, unconsciousness.
• Learn CPR and take first aid lessons.
• Always attend to the victim first, then call EMS if you are alone in an emergency situation, otherwise always call EMS immediately in life-threatening situations.
• This article is not a subsitute for seeking medical advice or attention from your own medical doctor or healthcare professional.

Resources

• Jewell TV
• JewellProductions
• Do Rescue Maneuvers for Choking Victims

[pianoman]

on 2/3/2009 Really good article. I remember when my oldest daughter was very young, she got a potato chip stuck in her throat. I held her upside down and the chip popped right out. Can't really do that with grownups!