Did you know that the standard choking procedure has changed this year in Canada? It’s a good idea to get caught up to speed so you can help someone in their time of need. With backyard BBQ’s in full swing we need to know how to best handle the situation.
The following are guidelines, and if you are unsure it’s best to take a standard first aid course (see below). These courses are quick and generally simple. You will learn valuable life saving techniques to help your loved ones.
CHOKING
When someone starts choking and they are coughing this means that they can breath, which is great! Encourage them to continue to cough, lean forward slightly, and remain calm. Usually the event passes and the object slides down their throat. Have them drink some water and take a few deep breathes. Easy.
Now, if your friend is choking on some food and suddenly stops coughing while grabbing at their throat, you need to move fast. Now that they are not coughing, their airway is blocked. NEW THIS YEAR: do the Heimlich maneuver five (5) times, then lean them forward and really whack on their upper back. Hit them hard and with an upward thrust. Do this five (5) times also. Repeat the Heimlich and the back blows until the object either shoots out their mouth (woo hoo!) or slides down their throat. Even if it’s your friend, ask them if they need help, and reassure them the entire time. 
What if you are eating at home, alone? What if you start choking and no one is around. Two things to consider: do you have a land line and do you live in a high rise building?
When you start choking, and begin to get worried, call 911 while you can still manage the phone. Even if you can’t say anything, the EMS can track your address. Now, here is where the consideration comes in. If you have a land line it doesn’t matter if you live in a house or in a building since the EMS can trace your call. If you only have a mobile phone and live in a building (like me) your address can be tracked but not your unit number.
Once you call 911 get into the hall way. Emergency teams will go down each hall in the building until they find you. By being in the hallway you reduce the time it takes for the EMS to find you (especially if you go unconscious in the mean time).
Stay safe and alert at all times. By knowing how to handle a choking situation you may save a good friend’s life or your own!
Jen Mark BSc., CAT(C), CSCS
www.dynamicliving.me
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Places to find First Aid Courses
Canadian Red Cross
St. John’s Ambulance
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