Choking is the medical term used if the airway becomes blocked by a foreign object, most commonly food. The result of having a blocked airway is that the victim is unable to breathe. If not treated with emergency first aid measures, this will rapidly result in the victim becoming unconscious and potentially dying. Choking can occur in any age group, but is particularly prevalent in young children who may put small objects into their mouths, such as beads, toys and pen tops.

Choking is generally divided into two categories; mild and severe obstruction. A victim with a mild obstruction will be distressed and often coughing. They will find it difficult, but will be able to speak or cry. Generally, a victim with a mild obstruction will be able to clear the obstruction themselves, and will not require emergency first aid measures.

A victim with a severe obstruction will be very distressed. They will be unable to breathe, cough or talk. As the victim is unable to vocalize, they will not be able to call for assistance. If this is not quickly dealt with the victim will become unconscious due to lack of oxygen to the brain.

The following are recommended protocols for the emergency first aid for a victim choking, depending on the age of the victim. If at any stage the victim becomes unconscious, the correct management is to begin cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (C.P.R.), using the correct, age appropriate protocols.

1. Adult patients and children from the age of one year:

Firstly encourage the victim to lean forwards and to cough. This in itself may be enough to relieve the obstruction.

Secondly perform up to five back blows. Back blows are performed by standing to the side of the victim, supporting their front whilst encouraging them to lean forward. You should then use the heel of your hand to deliver a blow between the victims shoulder blades. This action is an attempt to dislodge the obstruction from the airway. Once the obstruction clears, stop and check the victims mouth.

If the victim is still choking after five back blows, proceed to perform up to five abdominal thrusts. These are performed by standing behind the victim. You need to clench your fists and place them over the upper abdomen, between the navel and the bottom of the breast bone. You should then pull inwards and upwards, firmly, to attempt to relieve the obstruction. Again, do this up to five times, stopping once the obstruction is removed.

If the above measures have not relieved

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