If someone is choking, quick action is crucial. Here are the 5 steps to take:
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Encourage Coughing: The first and most important thing is to encourage the person to cough forcefully. A strong cough can often dislodge the object on its own.
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Back Blows: If coughing doesn't work, deliver five firm back blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
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Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver): If back blows are unsuccessful, perform five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver). Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, make a fist and place the thumb side against their abdomen, just above the navel and below the ribcage. Grasp your fist with your other hand and give a quick, upward thrust.
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Check the Mouth: After each series of back blows and abdominal thrusts, check the person's mouth for the dislodged object. If you see it, carefully remove it.
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Call for Emergency Help & Repeat: If the person is still choking after performing these steps, call emergency services (999 or 112 in the UK) immediately and continue alternating between five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until help arrives or the object is dislodged.
It's vital to remember that these steps are for conscious choking victims. If the person becomes unconscious, lower them carefully to the ground and begin CPR, checking for the object in the airway with each chest compression. Training in first aid, including CPR and choking relief techniques, is highly recommended.
