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Choking: Adult / Child

Backslaps
Backslaps

Abdominal Thrusts
Abdominal Thrusts
Photoframe View the 'Choking: Adult' Gallery
Photoframe View the 'Choking: Child' Gallery

Sequence

  1. Assess the severity of the situation.
  2. If mild, instruct the casualty to cough to dislodge the object. If unsuccessful, give back slaps and instruct to continue to cough.
  3. If severe or mild choking becomes severe, give the casualty 5 back slaps. If unsuccessful, give 5 abdominal thrusts.
  4. If the casualty becomes unconscious, begin CPR.
Stop this sequence as soon as the object is dislodged.

Abdominal Thrusts


WARNING! Abdominal Thrusts are VERY dangerous to a casualty who is not choking, or when performed incorrectly. DO NOT attempt abdominal thrusts if you have not been trained to perform them
  1. Stand behind the casualty and place your left arm around the left side of the casualty, and your right arm around the right side.
  2. Place your palms together and interlock your fingers.
  3. Place the top of your hands under the casualty's ribs
  4. Lift your hands up and in
Citation: Handley, A.J. (2006). Life Support: Basic Skills to Save Lives. Broom: Royal Life Saving Society (UK).