Remedy for suffocation - scheme of action, differences between suffocation and suffocation

Choking can lead to a complete blockage of the airways, for example when a small object is swallowed by a child. It is worth knowing that a quick response and proper first aid can reduce the risk of hypoxia, which can lead to brain damage and death.

Suffocation and suffocation

Don’t confuse suffocation with suffocation. In case of suffocation, a cough reflex appears - the cough becomes effective, then the infant, child or adult tries to cough up, for example, food. The face of a person who has suffocated may be very red, but they do not have breathing problems. Choking can lead to suffocation if we begin to provide first aid too quickly - the cough reflex in this case is a natural defensive reaction of the body that should not be inhibited.

Choking is quite common in infants and young children, for example, when eating and drinking drinks. If an infant, child, or adult coughs effectively, all you have to do is observe - in most cases, coughing allows the obstruction to be removed from the airway without third party intervention. Asphyxiation causes partial airway obstruction - a solid body does not block the airway - air in and out of the lungs is possible, although this may be difficult, the person who is suffocated can speak.

Symptoms of suffocation are different from symptoms of suffocation. Choking occurs due to blockage of the airways by a foreign body. In this case, the infant, child, or adult is silent, turns pale, and has difficulty breathing. A person who is choking cannot speak.

Lack of response to suffocation and a closed airway can lead to loss of consciousness. If first aid is ineffective, an ambulance must be called. In case of loss of consciousness, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation. By calling the emergency number 112, the dispatcher will instruct us on how to act before the ambulance arrives.

Choking - First Aid - Adult and Older Child

If the cough is ineffective (may be accompanied by wheezing) or is absent altogether, the victim cannot catch his breath and turns pale, then suffocation can be suspected.

Before administering first aid, check for visible foreign objects in the victim’s mouth. Remove them if possible. If the victim uses a removable denture, be sure to remove it before starting to provide assistance.

If the victim is not coughing and is conscious, then:

• lean forward

• perform 5 strokes in the interscapular region.

After each blow, check to see if the victim has coughed up the foreign body and if the airway is blocked.

If after 5 blows to the interscapular region the condition of the victim has not improved, apply the so-called Heimlich maneuverThat is:

1. stand behind the wounded

2. wrap your arms around the body of the victim at the level of the epigastrium,

3. tilt the victim forward

4. the hand resting on the sternum of the victim, clench into a fist and clasp it with the other hand,

5. vigorously pull the clenched fist inward and upward, pressing it into the body of the victim.

You can alternate between 5 back blows and 5 stomach thrusts until the foreign body is removed.

If the casualty is unconscious, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately and call an ambulance.

Choking - first aid for infants

For infants under 1 year of age, first aid for choking is slightly different.

If the infant is conscious, coughs ineffectively, or does not cough, then:

• put the baby head down on your forearm,

• grab the child’s jaw with thumb and forefinger - do not put your hand on the child’s neck,

• perform 5 strokes in the interscapular region.

If blows to the back of the shoulder blades are ineffective, then:

• turn the baby on its back

• lay the child head down on your free forearm and wrap your hand around the back of his head,

• make 5 clicks with your index and middle fingers on the lower half of the sternum.

Alternate 5 back blows and 5 lower sternum compressions until the foreign body is out of the airway.

If a choking infant loses consciousness, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately and call an ambulance.