Obstruction of the upper airway usually causes choking, a life-threatening emergency requiring fast action by a CPR-certified individual. While choking can be mild, sometimes it is severe, and professional care needs to be administered. That’s where Quick CPR comes in to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to save the victim. Our individualized CPR certification programs cover all bases to ensure you confidently address emergencies. Understanding what choking is and its symptoms help identify symptoms and recommend first-aid care.
The most common cause of choking is an object getting stuck in the upper airway because of improper chewing. In addition, the risk of choking is elevated when the person drinks alcohol, has an illness, or takes drugs. We personalized our CPR classes in Smyrna to suit your occupation, making you more aware of your surrounding during emergencies.
Children also experience choking because of chewing food incorrectly or attempting to eat large pieces. It would help if you also looked for small objects children put in their mouths, which eventually get lodged in the throat. Enrolling in CPR classes to learn the different symptoms of choking and the proper emergency care to provide for conscious and unconscious victims is advisable.
Many casualties who succumb to choking can be saved if the symptoms are detected early, aid should be provided by someone who has completed a CPR certification course. Common choking symptoms include trouble breathing, difficulty speaking, face turning a grey-blue color, squeaky sounds, and distress signs like grasping the neck.
While there are many signs of choking, you may need the proper training to handle an emergency. Our CPR certification programs instills confidence, knowledge and skill to administer life-saving procedures before things get out of hand.
As mentioned, choking is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate attention. If the victim can’t cough or speak, begin the Heimlich Maneuver comprising chest thrusts to clear the throat. This first aid procedure requires the first responder to carefully administer abdominal thrusts combined with blow techniques to ease the victim’s airway. We mainly recommended this method for conscious victims to give them a fighting chance.
The Heimlich Maneuver entails standing behind the adult victim and bringing your arms around their abdomen. If the victim is a child, kneel so that you are the same size before putting your arms around the abdomen. Ensure you make a supportive fist with one hand and the other hand reaches around the victim to provide support.
Bend the victim at the waist until the upper body is parallel to the ground before performing five upwards chest thrusts, followed by five blows between the shoulder blades. Alternate the chest thrusts and blows until the person speaks or loses consciousness. For more information on dealing with choking victims, contact us at Quick CPR, and enroll for a CPR certification training program. We provide top-notch services at competitive rates.