For as long as I can remember, I have held a fear of choking, either in someone else or myself. After having children this fear became worse, and it was only recently when I went on a basic first aid course that I discovered what to do in the event of someone choking and needing 1st aid assistance. I never bought my children hard candy as the fear of them running around and swallowing the damn things made me a nervous wreck. Basic first aid for choking is so simple and easy to learn that I felt there must me others out there who have the same fears as myself, especially when it comes to their families.

I found out that the worst thing a child could get stuck in their throat was not a hard boiled sweat, but an innocent grape or cherry tomato. If someone is choking on a hard object is is much easier to dislodge, but a soft squidgy object is much harder and can lead to death.

A victim of choking will turn blue very quickly, and may be gagging as if they are trying to bring something up. They may be grasping their throat and indicating that they cannot breath. If they are able to tell you that they are choking the situation is a little less serious, as they have a tiny opening to breath, or else they wouldn't be able to speak at all if it were fully blocked. Normally in these cases a good firm thump on the back will dislodge the offending item.

Choking occurs when a foreign body has lodged itself at the back of the throat, which then in turn blocks the entrance to the windpipe.

• Try to encourage the casualty to cough, as this sometimes dislodges the foreign body.
• Ask the casualty, " Are you choking?" If they are able to respond encourage them to keep coughing and no nothing else at this stage.
• If the casualties attempts at coughing are weak and they are unable to breath, or they sound wheezy you will proceed to give 5 blows to the back.
• You casualty will probably be leaning forward at this point so put your arm across their chest to give support. Stand to the side of them, but just slightly behind.
• Between the shoulder blades, give 5 sharp blows to the back with the heel of your hand. Check every blow to see if the object has been dislodged.
• If you find there is stil anl obstruction, you will now need to give 5 abdominal thrusts, as these will force the air out of the lungs by a sudden inward and upwards movement.
• Put both arms around the upper area of abdomen just below the rib cage.
• Lean the casualty forwards with the weight of your body, clench your hands into a fist, and place between the navel and bottom of the breast bone.
• Pull sharply inwards and upwards in a solid movement and repeat up to five times.
• If the foreign body is still lodged in the throat continually give five back blows, and five abdominal thrusts until the airway is clear.
• Your casualty may become unconscious if the item is still lodged, so assist them onto the ground and call 999, or 112 and start CPR.
  

It is well advised that having choked on something you may still need to seek medical attention, especially if you have a cough, difficulty in swallowing, and a feeling that something is still in your throat. If you have received abdominal thrust then medical attention must be sought as this type of basic first aid can cause internal injuries. Basic first aid for choking is something everyone should be aware of, as you could be the person who saves someones life.