First Aid Training - Choking - Adult & Child

FirstAidDVD
29 Jul 201103:19
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script educates on the critical nature of choking, highlighting its common causes and symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of prompt action, detailing a step-by-step guide for assisting a choking individual, including encouraging coughing, administering back blows, and performing abdominal thrusts. The script underscores the need to call emergency services if the obstruction persists after three cycles of treatment or if the person becomes unresponsive, also providing specific guidance for infants.

Takeaways
  • 🚨 Choking is a critical situation where the airway is suddenly blocked, preventing normal breathing.
  • 🧒 In small children, choking is often caused by small foreign objects, while in adults, it's commonly due to food.
  • 😰 If the airway blockage is mild, the person may be able to clear it by coughing.
  • 🚨 It's essential to take airway blockage seriously, as lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage within minutes.
  • 🆘 Recognize signs of choking: throat grasping, anxiety, difficulty speaking and breathing, persistent cough, and pale or blue skin.
  • 📢 Initial response should be to calm and reassure the choking person and encourage them to cough.
  • 👊 If coughing doesn't work, administer five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades to dislodge the blockage.
  • 🔄 If back blows fail, perform five abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to force the obstruction out.
  • 🔁 Repeat cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts up to three times if the obstruction isn't cleared.
  • 📞 If the blockage persists after three cycles, call emergency services (999) for help.
  • 🛌 If the person becomes unresponsive and unconscious, start basic life support and call emergency services immediately.
  • 👶 For a choking baby, hold them head-downwards and alternate between back blows and chest thrusts, then call emergency services if the object doesn't clear.
Q & A

  • What is the primary cause of choking in small children compared to adults?

    -In small children, choking is primarily caused by small foreign objects, whereas in adults, it is most commonly due to food.

  • Why is it crucial to take airway blockage seriously?

    -Airway blockage should be taken very seriously because within a short time, the brain can be starved of oxygen, which can lead to brain damage.

  • What are some of the recognition signs and symptoms of choking?

    -Signs and symptoms of choking include grasping of the throat, appearing anxious and distressed, difficulty in speaking and breathing, persistent cough, pale or grey-blue skin developing, and potentially becoming unconscious.

  • What should be your first action if you suspect someone is choking?

    -Your first action should be to calm and reassure the casualty and encourage them to cough to try and clear the obstruction.

  • How many times should you attempt back blows in the initial treatment of choking?

    -You should attempt sharp back blows between the shoulder blades five times as part of the initial treatment.

  • What is the correct position for giving abdominal thrusts in the case of choking?

    -To give abdominal thrusts, stand behind the casualty with your arms around their waist. Place your clenched fist just above the person’s navel and cup the fist with your other hand, then pull sharply inwards and upwards.

  • What should you do if the initial attempts of back blows and abdominal thrusts are unsuccessful?

    -If the initial attempts are unsuccessful, you should repeat the cycle of five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is coughed up or the person starts to cough or breathe.

  • When should you call emergency services in the case of choking?

    -You should call emergency services (999) if after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts the obstruction has not cleared.

  • What is the recommended position for a choking baby during first aid?

    -For a choking baby, the recommended position is similar to a recovery position, with the baby's head pointing downwards. This can help facilitate the removal of the obstruction.

  • How many back blows and chest thrusts should you attempt on a baby before calling emergency services?

    -You should attempt five back blows and five chest thrusts on a baby. If these are unsuccessful, repeat the cycle, and call emergency services if the obstruction is not cleared after three cycles.

  • What additional action should be taken if the choking casualty becomes unresponsive and unconscious?

    -If the choking casualty becomes unresponsive and unconscious, you should support the casualty to the floor and commence basic life support before calling emergency services.

Outlines
00:00
🚨 Choking: A Life-Threatening Situation

Choking is a critical condition where an individual's airway is suddenly obstructed, preventing normal breathing. This can be caused by foreign objects in children or food in adults. Even mild blockages require immediate attention as oxygen deprivation can lead to brain damage. Recognizing signs include throat grasping, anxiety, difficulty speaking and breathing, persistent cough, and pale skin. Treatment involves encouraging the person to cough, followed by back blows and abdominal thrusts if necessary. If these attempts fail after three cycles or the person becomes unresponsive, call emergency services. For babies, the procedure is similar but with a head-down position, alternating between back blows and chest thrusts.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡choking
Choking is a critical and potentially fatal condition that occurs when an object or foreign body blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing. In the context of the video, choking is the central theme, with the emphasis on recognizing signs of choking and the steps to take in order to clear the airway and prevent brain damage or death. The script outlines the differences in causes of choking between children and adults, highlighting the importance of prompt and effective first aid measures.
💡airway blockage
Airway blockage refers to the obstruction of the respiratory tract, which is necessary for the flow of air to and from the lungs. In the video, the airway blockage is the primary issue that leads to choking, and the severity of the situation depends on the extent of the blockage. The script emphasizes the importance of clearing the blockage quickly to prevent oxygen deprivation and potential brain damage.
💡coughing
Coughing is a natural reflex action that helps to clear the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign objects. In the video, coughing is mentioned as the body's initial response to a mild airway blockage, and it is the first line of defense against choking. The script advises allowing the person to cough if they are able to do so effectively, as this may resolve the situation without further intervention.
💡brain damage
Brain damage refers to any harm or injury to the brain that can result in long-term or permanent changes in normal brain function. In the context of the video, brain damage is a potential consequence of choking if the airway blockage is not cleared in time, as the brain requires a constant supply of oxygen to function properly. The script underscores the urgency of treating choking to prevent such severe outcomes.
💡recognition signs
Recognition signs are observable symptoms or indicators that help identify a specific medical condition or emergency, such as choking. In the video, these signs are crucial for determining that someone is choking and needs assistance. The script lists several signs, including grasping at the throat, difficulty in speaking and breathing, and changes in skin color, which are all indicative of an airway blockage.
💡treatment
Treatment in the context of the video refers to the first aid procedures and steps that should be taken to address a choking incident. The script outlines a clear sequence of actions, starting with encouraging the casualty to cough, to providing back blows and abdominal thrusts, and finally calling emergency services if the obstruction is not cleared. The treatment is designed to remove the blockage and restore normal breathing as quickly as possible.
💡back blows
Back blows are a first aid technique used to dislodge an object blocking the airway in a choking individual. In the video, this method is described as the second step after encouraging the casualty to cough, and it involves standing behind the person and delivering sharp blows between their shoulder blades. This forceful action aims to create pressure that can push the obstruction out, allowing the person to breathe again.
💡abdominal thrusts
Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, is a first aid procedure used to treat choking by applying sudden, forceful pressure on the abdomen to expel the airway obstruction. In the video, this technique is described as a critical part of the treatment process, to be performed after back blows if they do not dislodge the obstruction. The script provides a step-by-step guide on how to correctly execute abdominal thrusts to maximize their effectiveness.
💡emergency services
Emergency services are organizations that provide immediate assistance and care in situations of urgent need, such as medical emergencies, fires, or accidents. In the video, calling the emergency services is the recommended action if the choking individual does not improve after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts, or if they become unresponsive and unconscious. The script emphasizes the importance of prompt contact with these services to ensure professional medical help is provided.
💡unconsciousness
Unconsciousness is a state where a person is unresponsive and unable to be awakened, often due to a lack of oxygen or severe injury. In the context of the video, the progression to unconsciousness highlights the severity of the choking situation and the need for immediate life-saving measures. The script provides guidance on what to do if the casualty becomes unconscious, including laying them on the floor and beginning basic life support.
💡basic life support
Basic life support, or BLS, refers to a set of emergency medical procedures that are performed to sustain life in cases of cardiac arrest or severe injury. In the video, BLS is mentioned as a critical step to take if the choking casualty becomes unconscious, indicating the need for further life-saving measures beyond the initial treatment for choking. The script suggests that the responder should be prepared to provide BLS, which may include chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Highlights

Choking is a life-threatening situation that occurs when the airway is suddenly blocked.

In small children, choking is usually caused by small foreign objects, while in adults, it is most commonly due to food.

Mild airway blockages may be cleared by the casualty's own coughing.

It is crucial to take airway blockages seriously, as brain damage can occur within minutes of oxygen deprivation.

Signs of choking include grasping at the throat, anxiety, difficulty speaking and breathing, and persistent cough.

Severe cases of choking can lead to pale, grey-blue skin and loss of consciousness.

The first action when dealing with a choking casualty is to calm and reassure them, and encourage coughing.

If coughing is ineffective, standing behind the casualty and giving five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades is recommended.

After back blows, check the mouth and remove any visible obstruction.

If back blows are unsuccessful, proceed with five abdominal thrusts, using a specific technique.

Repeat the cycle of back blows and abdominal thrusts, and call emergency services if the obstruction isn't cleared after three cycles.

For an unresponsive and unconscious casualty, basic life support should be initiated and emergency services called immediately.

When dealing with a choking baby, hold them in a head-downward position and start with five back blows.

If back blows do not clear the airway in a baby, perform five chest thrusts.

Repeat the cycle of back blows and chest thrusts for a baby, and call emergency services if the obstruction persists after three cycles.

The importance of making movements sharp and firm during the treatment process is emphasized.

In summary, encourage the casualty to cough, remain calm, and if necessary, call 999 after three unsuccessful cycles of treatment.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
First AidChoking ResponseAirway BlockageInfant SafetyAdult ChokingLife-Saving TechniquesHealth EmergencyBasic Life SupportPrevent Brain DamageEmergency Services