Understand Choking: Universal Sign Explained & First Aid

Questions: What Is the Universal Sign for Choking?

Answer:
The universal sign for choking is clutching the throat with one or both hands. This gesture indicates that they are unable to breathe due to an obstructed airway.

Choking can be extremely dangerous, especially for children and the elderly. There are two types of choking: partial and complete, each with different signs and symptoms. This full guide clearly explains both types, outlining the signs and symptoms as well as demonstrating how to perform correct and effective first aid to save a life in a choking emergency.

What is Partial Choking?

Partial choking occurs when a foreign object partially blocks the airway, but some air is still able to pass into the lungs. Although partial choking can be less life-threatening than complete choking, it still requires a prompt and effective response to ensure the blockage is cleared and to prevent the situation from worsening.

Signs and Symptoms of Partial Choking

• Ability to Speak or Make Sounds: The person might be able to speak, cry, or make vocal sounds, though these could be weak or strained.

• Effective Coughing: The person can cough forcefully, which could help dislodge the object.

• Wheezing or Gurgling Sounds: These sounds may occur as air squeezes past the blockage.

• Difficulty Breathing: The choking person can still breathe or gasp between coughs. They may struggle, but their airway is not completely blocked, allowing some air to pass.

Handling Partial Choking: A Step-by-Step First Aid Guide

Step 1 Confirm Choking:

• Ask, "Are you choking? Can you speak?"

Step 2 Encourage Coughing:

• If the choking person is coughing forcefully and can speak, do not intervene. A strong cough can often dislodge the object. Encourage them to continue coughing.

Step 3 Monitor the Situation:

• Stay with the person and keep an eye on their condition. Be prepared to intervene if their coughing becomes less effective or if their symptoms worsen, potentially leading to complete choking.

Step 4 Provide Immediate First Aid if Needed:

• If the person cannot cough forcefully, or their condition gets worse, immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver and call emergency services (EMS/9-1-1).

What is Complete Choking?

Complete choking occurs when a foreign object fully blocks the airway, preventing any air from reaching the lungs. This type of airway obstruction is a severe medical emergency because the individual is unable to speak, cough, or breathe at all. 

Immediate intervention is critical to restore airflow and prevent brain damage or death due to lack of oxygen. 

Signs and Symptoms of Complete Choking

• Inability to speak, breathe, or cough at all.
• Silent coughs or no sound; attempts to cough are ineffective.
• One or both hands grab at their throat, which is the universal sign for choking.
• High-pitched squeaking sounds when trying to breathe.
• Cyanosis (bluish skin color), also around the lips and nails, due to lack of oxygen.
• High level of panic, shock, confusion, and wide eyes.
• Loss of consciousness.

Managing Complete Choking: Essential First Aid

If you are alone, start administering first aid to the choking victim immediately. Then call EMS/9-1-1. Or Shout for help to draw the attention of bystanders, but do not delay first aid while waiting for emergency services.

If others are present, instruct someone to call EMS/9-1-1 and ask for an AED while you continue providing first aid to the choking victim.

For Infant Choking

Administer a combination of back blows and chest thrusts to dislodge the object.

If the infant becomes unresponsive, start CPR immediately, applying chest compressions and rescue breaths.

For Child Choking

Use a combination of back blows and Heimlich maneuvers (abdominal thrusts).

If the child becomes unconscious, proceed with CPR techniques immediately.

For Adult Choking

Use a combination of back blows and Heimlich maneuvers (abdominal thrusts).

If the choking person becomes unconscious, proceed with CPR techniques immediately.

For Yourself

If you are alone and choking, Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Then perform a self-Heimlich maneuver right away. Placing a fist slightly above the navel, grasping it with the other hand, and then thrusting inward and upward against a hard surface.

For Pregnant Woman Choking

The standard Heimlich maneuver is not recommended for pregnant women primarily due to the potential risks it poses to the fetus.

For pregnant women, the chest thrust technique is a safer alternative that effectively helps clear the airway without the risks associated with abdominal pressure. Here’s how to perform the chest thrust on a pregnant woman.

For Large Choking Victim

If a choking victim is too large for you to perform abdominal thrusts by wrapping your arms around their waist, use chest thrusts instead by encircling their chest with your arms.

Conclusion

In summary, recognizing the universal sign for choking and knowing how to respond to a choking emergency can save lives. 

For partial choking, encourage coughing to help dislodge the obstruction. In cases of complete choking, immediate first aid is crucial—apply back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). For pregnant individuals or those too large for abdominal thrusts, use chest thrusts instead.