Try to quickly identify the cause of the choking. Have someone contact emergency services immediately. If food or object obstruction is suspected, visually check their airway, if they are choking on an object or food and it is visible, try to manually remove it with your fingers. If it is not visible but food obstruction is still suspected, try the Heimlich maneuver. If there is evidence of an allergic reaction, hives, swelling of the neck and/face, and anaphylaxis is suspected then methylprednisolone i.v. and/or epinephrine. I like to also give a non-sedating antihistamine. Transport to hospital if no improvement. Do not attempt a cricothyrotomy in the field unless ptx will die without one and you know what you are doing.
For mild choking; the person is usually able to speak, cough and breathe partially • Encourage them to cough • Give back blows For severe choking; the person is usually unable to speak, cough and breathe. They feel weak and may fall unconscious. • Lean the person forward. • Stand behind them, slightly to the side. • Give up to 5 back blows with the heel of your hand between their shoulder blades. • The choking should stop. If not, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts. For abdominal thrusts; • Stand behind the choking person. • Bend them forward. • Place your arms around the waist of person. • Clench one hand and place it exactly above their belly button. • Put the other hand over the already positioned fist. • With your hands, pull upwards and inwards. • Keep repeating for 5 times. • The choking should stop now. If not, call help immediately.