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CHOKING SOS!

Immediate Steps to Take for Choking Emergencies

Encourage Coughing

If the person is coughing, encourage them to keep doing so. Coughing is the body's way of clearing the airway naturally.

Perform the Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts)

For adults and children over 1 year old

  1. Stand behind the person.

  2. Place your arms around their waist.

  3. Make a fist with one hand, and place it just above their navel.

  4. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust.

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Repeat until the object is expelled or the person can breathe again.

For Babies (Under 1 Year Old)

  1. Lay the baby face down on your forearm, supporting their head.

  2. Give up to five gentle back slaps with the heel of your hand.

  3. If the object doesn’t come out, turn the baby over and give five chest thrusts.

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Repeat as necessary and seek help if the object is not removed.

Call Emergency Services

If the person is still choking and unable to breathe, call emergency services immediately. Continue to give thrusts or back blows until help arrives.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

112

999

117

119

110

17

911

191

100

15

10 111

NA

Seek Medical Attention

After any choking incident, it's essential for the person to get checked by a healthcare professional, even if they seem okay.

Remember:

Quick and calm action can save lives. We hope these steps help you stay prepared for choking emergencies.

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