Choking in the café

Question 1

He's clutching his throat. Is this mild or severe choking?

Accepted Answer

Severe — he can't speak, can't cough effectively, and is going silent or wheezy

Answer

Mild — he can still cough loudly and make some noise

Answer

You can't tell without a stethoscope

Answer

It's only severe if he's already unconscious

Question 2

You decide it's severe. He can't speak. What's your very first action?

Accepted Answer

Five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades, leaning him forward

Answer

Five abdominal thrusts straight away

Answer

A finger sweep to fish out the obstruction

Answer

Lay him flat and start CPR

Question 3

Back blows didn't work. How do you give an abdominal thrust to an adult?

Accepted Answer

Stand behind, fist thumb-side in just above the navel, cover with your other hand, pull sharply inwards and upwards

Answer

Stand in front and push on the breastbone

Answer

Squeeze the ribs from the sides as hard as you can

Answer

Lift them off the floor by the waist and shake

Question 4

You've done one cycle of back blows and thrusts and the obstruction isn't clearing. When do you call 999?

Accepted Answer

Now — call 999 (or have someone else call) as soon as back blows fail, and keep treating while help is on the way

Answer

Only if he goes unconscious

Answer

Wait 5 minutes to see if it clears on its own

Answer

Phone 111 first to decide

Question 5

The obstruction clears and he's breathing again. He says he feels fine. What now?

Accepted Answer

Encourage him to be checked by a clinician, especially if you gave abdominal thrusts or back blows were forceful

Answer

Send him home with a glass of water

Answer

Give him more abdominal thrusts just in case

Answer

Tell him to lie flat for an hour

Choking in the café — free online first aid refresher | Brity®