How Do You Give Choking Victims First Aid?
Every year over 3 thousand people die due to choking. Food normally travels down the esophagus into the stomach. Occasionally it can go down the wrong way and go into the trachea. Choking occurs when the food or object becomes stuck in the trachea, blocks the airway and prevents a person from breathing. If the food is not dislodged, a person can become unconscious. Choking can be a life threatening situation. Step 1 Determine if the person choking can breathe. Ask the victim if he is choking. If he can speak or is coughing forcefully his airway is not completely obstructed and he can breathe. Encourage the person to continue to cough and stand by in case his airway becomes completely blocked and he needs more help. Step 2 Spot signs the victim’s airway is completely blocked. Be aware a person with an completely obstructed airway will not be able to speak. She may grasp her throat, look panicky, have labored breathing and may turn blue. Step 3 Tell the choking victim you are going to he
