Online First Aid Course

Our CPR/AED courses include Adult, Child and Infant techniques. Additionally, our CPR certification course includes training on the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The CPR/AED certification is valid for 2 years.

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Course Chapter:
First Aid Course
 

Chapter 5 : Choking Emergencies

 

Defined:

A choking emergency (considered to be a medical emergency) is when an obstruction (object or food) blocks the airway and prevents air from getting to the lungs. The person is not able to breathe normally or cough. This section covers adult and child choking emergencies.

Causes:

  • Consumption of alcohol / drugs
  • Hard objects (i.e., marbles, coins) are more common hazards amongst children
  • Not chewing food properly
  • Poor fitting dental work
  • Talking or laughing while eating

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Gasping
  • Holding the neck with one or both hands; using the universal choking sign
  • Inability to talk
  • Panic
  • Passing out
  • Turning blue
  • Shortness of breath or troubled breathing

First Aid Actions / Treatment:

  1. If a person is choking, ask “Are you choking?” If the person nods or is unable to breathe or respond, tell the person that you are trained in CPR and that you are going to help.
  2. Stand or kneel behind the person.
  3. Make a fist with one hand and place it on the person’s abdomen just above the belly button.
  4. Grab your fist with the other hand and give quick, upward abdominal thrusts.
  5. Continue abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged and the person can breathe or cough forcefully, OR person becomes unconscious.
  6. For pregnant women or someone too large for you, give chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.
  7. If an adult or child becomes unconscious, follow the steps to perform adult / child CPR.
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Select Chapter:

Course: First Aid Course

Chapter 5 : Choking Emergencies

 

Defined:

A choking emergency (considered to be a medical emergency) is when an obstruction (object or food) blocks the airway and prevents air from getting to the lungs. The person is not able to breathe normally or cough. This section covers adult and child choking emergencies.

Causes:

  • Consumption of alcohol / drugs
  • Hard objects (i.e., marbles, coins) are more common hazards amongst children
  • Not chewing food properly
  • Poor fitting dental work
  • Talking or laughing while eating

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Gasping
  • Holding the neck with one or both hands; using the universal choking sign
  • Inability to talk
  • Panic
  • Passing out
  • Turning blue
  • Shortness of breath or troubled breathing

First Aid Actions / Treatment:

  1. If a person is choking, ask “Are you choking?” If the person nods or is unable to breathe or respond, tell the person that you are trained in CPR and that you are going to help.
  2. Stand or kneel behind the person.
  3. Make a fist with one hand and place it on the person’s abdomen just above the belly button.
  4. Grab your fist with the other hand and give quick, upward abdominal thrusts.
  5. Continue abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged and the person can breathe or cough forcefully, OR person becomes unconscious.
  6. For pregnant women or someone too large for you, give chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.
  7. If an adult or child becomes unconscious, follow the steps to perform adult / child CPR.
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