What Are the 5 Steps if Someone is Choking?

A Lifesaving Guide Everyone Should Know

Imagine this: You’re at a dinner party, and suddenly, someone starts choking. Their face turns red, and they’re gasping for air. What would you do? In a choking emergency, every second counts, and knowing the right steps can mean the difference between life and death. According to the National Safety Council, choking is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury deaths. So, are you prepared to step in and save a life?

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the five crucial steps to help someone who is choking. These are skills that everyone should know because choking can happen anywhere and to anyone. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to act quickly and effectively, possibly becoming a lifesaver.

1. Recognize the Signs of Choking

The first and most important step in handling a choking emergency is to recognize the signs that someone is choking. The faster you identify the problem, the quicker you can act.

Common Signs of Choking

• Inability to speak: When someone is choking, they will be unable to talk or even cough properly because their airway is obstructed.
• Clutching the throat: This universal gesture is often one of the most obvious signs that someone is struggling to breathe.
• Red or bluish skin: Lack of oxygen causes the skin to turn blue or purple, especially around the face and lips.
• Panic and distressed behavior: The person will likely be panicking, flailing their arms, or moving erratically.
• Wheezing or no sound at all: A choking person might produce a wheezing sound, or there might be complete silence if the airway is fully blocked.

Being able to spot these signs is crucial because, without immediate help, the person could lose consciousness within minutes.

2. Ask, “Are You Choking?” (Gain Consent)

Once you’ve recognized the signs of choking, approach the person and ask, “Are you choking?” If they are conscious and able to nod, you can take further action. This question is not just a formality; it helps you confirm that the person is choking and not experiencing another type of medical emergency like an asthma attack or heart issue.

Why Asking Matters

Gaining consent is essential, even in an emergency. If the person is responsive and able to give consent (through nodding or another sign), you can proceed with helping them. If they are unable to respond but are choking, you can proceed under implied consent, which allows for life-saving measures to be taken in emergencies.

3. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts)

The Heimlich maneuver is one of the most effective techniques for helping someone who is choking. This technique uses abdominal thrusts to expel the object blocking the airway.

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

1. Position yourself: Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
2. Make a fist: Place the thumb side of your fist just above the belly button.
3. Grab your fist: Use your other hand to grasp your fist.
4. Perform thrusts: Quickly thrust inward and upward, as though you’re trying to lift the person off the ground.
5. Repeat: Continue performing the thrusts until the object is dislodged, or the person loses consciousness.

Modifications for Special Situations

• For pregnant or obese individuals: Place your hands higher, around the base of the breastbone, and perform chest thrusts rather than abdominal thrusts.
• For children and infants: Use gentle but firm back blows and chest thrusts. If you’re not sure how to do this, consider taking a CPR course for more detailed instruction.

The Heimlich maneuver is highly effective, but it must be done correctly. If you’re ever in doubt, attending a class at CPR Memphis can give you the hands-on training you need to feel confident.

4. Call 911 (Always Involve Professional Help)

Even if you successfully dislodge the object, it’s important to call 911 as soon as possible. Choking is a medical emergency, and even after the object is removed, the person may still need medical attention. For example, throat injuries can occur, or the person may have suffered oxygen deprivation during the choking episode.

Why You Should Call 911

• Professional medical evaluation: The person may require further medical examination to ensure there are no lingering injuries or complications.
• Backup in case of unconsciousness: If the Heimlich maneuver doesn’t work and the person loses consciousness, emergency responders will be needed immediately.

When you call 911, be sure to clearly explain the situation, the steps you’ve taken, and the person’s current condition. While waiting for help, continue with the next steps if necessary.

5. Administer CPR if the Person Becomes Unconscious

If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, it’s time to initiate CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). The goal of CPR is to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until emergency medical services arrive.

How to Perform CPR on an Unconscious Choking Victim

1. Lay the person flat: Place the person carefully on their back on a flat surface.
2. Check for breathing: Tilt their head back and check for breathing. If they’re not breathing, you need to begin CPR.
3. Chest compressions: Place the heel of your hand in the center of the chest, place your other hand on top, and interlace your fingers. Perform 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
4. Rescue breaths: After compressions, give two rescue breaths by sealing your mouth over theirs, pinching their nose, and blowing air into their lungs. Make sure their chest rises with each breath.
5. Repeat: Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and two breaths until professional help arrives or the person regains consciousness.

CPR Certification and Why It’s Crucial

Performing CPR under pressure is a challenging task, and the best way to be prepared is to undergo professional training. A course at CPR Memphis, which offers CPR certification in Memphis, will provide you with the hands-on experience you need to perform CPR confidently and effectively. Plus, being certified adds an extra layer of credibility and peace of mind, knowing you have the skills to save a life.

Why You Need to Be Prepared for a Choking Emergency

Choking emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and often when you least expect it. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or simply a bystander at a restaurant, knowing these five critical steps could make the difference in a life-or-death situation. Not only will you feel empowered to act, but you’ll also be providing a vital service to your community.

Imagine the peace of mind that comes with being trained and certified to handle these emergencies. CPR Memphis is an American Heart Association training site offering stress-free, hands-on courses in BLS for Healthcare Providers, ACLS, PALS, and CPR/First Aid. Whether you’re looking for initial certification or recertification, their courses are tailored to your needs.

Take Action Now – Learn How to Save a Life!

Don’t wait until you’re faced with a choking emergency to learn these lifesaving techniques. Every second counts, and having the skills to step in could save someone’s life. Whether you want to be prepared for emergencies at home or in the workplace, now is the time to take action.

Enroll in a CPR certification in Memphis course with CPR Memphis today. Their hands-on training ensures you’ll know exactly what to do when someone is choking, and you’ll gain the confidence to act swiftly and effectively. Life doesn’t come with a manual, but with CPR training, you can be the difference between life and death.