Choking

Poor old Ringo the Sand Mullet, remember them, and Nathes wedding ring, I wonder what happened. Watching someone choke can be a terrifying ordeal, choking can happen really quickly and sometimes in the most simple of circumstances.As with everything first-aid, staying calm is the key. Ring triple zero (000), sooner rather than later.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Clutching the throat, Coughing, wheezing, gagging, Difficulty in breathing, speaking or swallowing. Making a whistling or ‘crowing’ noise, or no sound at all

Blue lips, face, earlobes, fingernails

WHAT TO DO

Encourage the patient to relax. Ask the patient to cough to remove the object.

If coughing does not remove the blockage, bend the patient well forward and give up to 5 sharp blows on the back between the shoulder blades with the heel of one hand.

Check if the blockage has been removed after each blow.

If the blockage has not cleared after 5 back blows, give up to 5 chest thrusts.

Give chest thrusts by placing one hand in the middle of the patient’s back for support and the heel of the other on the lower half of the sternum. Thrusts should be slower and sharper than CPR compressions.

Check if the blockage has been removed after each thrust.

If the blockage has not cleared after 5 thrusts, continue alternating 5 back blows with 5 chest thrusts until medical aid arrives. If the patient loses consciousness, start CPR and call triple zero (000). If the patient becomes blue or limp, call triple zero (000). Actually, if you think someone is choking and may need urgent medical help, call triple zero (000).

For the factsheet, visit, https://stjohnnsw.com.au/guides-choking

If you are thinking of a completing a first-aid course for yourself or your workplace, we offer CPR and first aid courses on the 2^nd Tuesday of the month, courses can be booked through https://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/training/.

Our next skill drill will be 28 May, in the shed on Grassy Road, for a 6:30 start. If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer ring James on 51802 or email norfolk.island@stohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au