Choking and CPR

If Someone Is Choking

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Ask if they are choking:

• Say, "Are you choking? Can you speak?"

• If they can cough or talk, encourage them to keep coughing to try to dislodge the object.

• If they cannot breathe, cough, or speak, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Call for Help

• Dial 999 or 112 immediately and say:

  • "There is someone choking at [your location]. They are unable to breathe, and I need an ambulance."

• Example script:

  • "Hello, my name is [Your Name]. Someone is choking and cannot breathe. We are at [Your Address]. Please send help immediately."

Step 3: Perform Back Blows

1. Stand to the side and slightly behind the person. Support their chest with one hand.

2. Lean them forward so the object may come out of their mouth.

3. Use the heel of your hand to give up to 5 firm back blows between their shoulder blades.

4. Check if the obstruction is cleared after each blow.

Step 4: Perform Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Manoeuvre)

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.

2. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their belly button.

3. Grasp your fist with the other hand and pull sharply inward and upward.

4. Perform up to 5 abdominal thrusts. Check if the obstruction is cleared after each one.

If the object does not come out, alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until help arrives.

If Someone Requires CPR

Step 1: Check for Responsiveness

1. Gently shake the person and ask, "Are you okay? Can you hear me?"

2. If they do not respond, check if they are breathing normally (look for chest movement and listen for breath sounds).

Step 2: Call for Help

• Dial 999 or 112 immediately and say:

  • "There is someone unresponsive and not breathing at [your location]. I am starting CPR."

• Example script:

  • "Hello, my name is [Your Name]. Someone is unresponsive and not breathing. We are at [Your Address]. Please send an ambulance now."

Step 3: Begin CPR

Position your hands:

• Place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest (on the breastbone).

• Place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers.

Perform chest compressions:

• Push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.

• Compress the chest to a depth of about 5–6 cm (2 inches) in adults.

Rescue breaths (if trained):

• After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths:

  • Tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch their nose shut, and blow into their mouth for about 1 second each time.

  • Ensure the chest rises with each breath.

If you are not trained in rescue breaths, continue chest compressions until help arrives.

Step 4: Use a Defibrillator (AED) if Available

1. Turn on the AED and follow its voice instructions.

2. Attach the pads as directed.

3. Ensure no one is touching the person when the AED delivers a shock.

4. Resume CPR immediately after the shock.

Safety Tips

Protect yourself:

• Avoid putting your fingers into someone’s mouth to remove an object unless you can clearly see it.

• Use a barrier device for rescue breaths if available.

Stay calm:

• Breathe deeply to manage your anxiety, and focus on each step.

Wait for professional help:

• Keep performing CPR or assisting until emergency services arrive.

Additional Resources and Links

1. NHS First Aid Guide: First aid: choking and CPR

2. St John Ambulance First Aid Guide: Choking and CPR

3. British Red Cross First Aid App: Download the app

Self-Care After Assisting in an Emergency

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even in shock after helping someone in a critical situation. You may experience:

• Adrenaline rush or fatigue

• Feelings of guilt or worry about whether you did enough

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Take a moment to recognise your feelings and remind yourself that you did your best.

Talk About What Happened

Reach out to someone you trust:

• Share your experience with a friend, family member, or colleague.

Consider professional support:

• If the event was particularly distressing, talking to a counsellor or therapist can help process your emotions.

For free support in the UK:

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7).

• Mind: Visit Mind UK for mental health resources.

Practice Self-Care

• Rest: Your body and mind need recovery time. Allow yourself to rest after the physical and emotional effort.

• Hydrate and nourish yourself: Drink water and eat something comforting to help replenish your energy.

• Relaxation techniques:

  • Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle activities like reading or walking to calm your mind.

Educate Yourself

Reflect and learn: If you feel uncertain about your actions, consider taking a first aid or CPR course to build confidence for the future.

• Organisations offering courses in the UK:

  • St John Ambulance: First Aid Courses

  • Red Cross: First Aid Training

Follow Up on the Outcome

• If possible, check on the person you helped (if they are known to you). Knowing they are recovering can provide emotional relief.

• If you cannot follow up, remind yourself that you took crucial steps that gave them the best chance of survival.

Final Thoughts

Helping in an emergency, even if the outcome is uncertain, is an act of courage and kindness. Remind yourself:

• You stepped up when others might not have.

• Your actions provided essential aid and time for professional help to arrive.

For further self-care advice, visit NHS Mental Wellbeing or call NHS 111 for support.