Why YSK:
Despite choking being an emergency, until recently there has been limited high-quality evidence to guide bystanders on the most effective way to help. Techniques like abdominal thrusts (formerly known as the Heimlich maneuver), back blows and chest compressions or thrusts have existed since the mid-1900s but, until recently, recommendations were largely based on case reports rather than rigorous scientific data. This evidence gap is dangerous.
Bystander response is the primary driver of a choking person’s outcome, so ensuring people know the safest and most effective way to care for a choking person can save lives.
Please see the article for the full piece, it’s not long.
Article authors:
- Cody Dunne - Emergency Medicine Physician and PhD Candidate, University of Calgary
- Andrew McRae - Associate Professor, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary
- Khara Sauro - Associate professor, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary
If you need more motivation to open the article, here is an interesting fact:
New research suggests back blows cleared choking obstructions in 72 per cent of cases, superior to both abdominal thrusts (59 per cent) and chest thrusts (27 per cent).
It’s something I’ve thought about a bunch and the strategy I’ve come up with is:
If your breath is blocked, hold your breath at first and stay calm. Trying to breathe in could wedge it farther in. And trying to breathe out will likely move it, but gravity might just drop it back where it was only with less air in your lungs, which you need to help dislodge the obstruction. Panicking will make you more likely to waste your chance at getting it without needing to fall on something and potentially break ribs (or fail and die). You’ll probably have to suppress your cough reflex. I’ve never done this before and have no idea how much conscious control one would have in that moment and I’m also someone who trained myself to be able to suppress coughs (to avoid embarrasing bong hits lol).
Lean forward, the farther the better, to the point where loose food in your throat will just fall out your mouth. Then cough, if you make it also a growl, you can add more force, as you don’t want to half-ass this. Your air might still be limited.
You should be able to feel if you’re making any progress. If you are, keep at it, if not, switch to the “fall on something to knock the wind out of you” strategy, still keeping your mouth angled down and add a cough as it impacts.
If that fails, make a big ruckus. I’ve told my daughter that if she starts choking and can’t speak to get my attention, knock dishes onto the floor to get my attention. If you’re completely alone in your home, throw a pot out your window before running out your front door. Try to be efficient with your time and energy. Dial 911 and hope they send someone and don’t assume a prank call or a kid when no one responds.