Choking

Choking is in the PEM syllabus, and is a really easy thing to learn. Unfortunately, medics are often notoriously bad at basic first aid!

Resus Council Guidelines
Page 26
Paediatric Algorithm
Adult Algorithm
- Remember - 5 back blows first (the terminology is important to emphasize the force needed).
- Then 5 abdominal thrusts
- If the patient becomes unconscious, you should start chest compressions, even if they have a carotid pulse.

These excellent videos show why it is important to know how to deal with choking:

St John Ambulance Popcorn Video
St John Ambulance Helpless Video
St John Ambulance - Abigail

First Aid Advice:
St John written advice
St John video advice
Red Cross video advice
Excellent divisional summary from St John Ambulance


Choking Presentation

There is a good journal article here (Pediatrics 2013;132;275; originally published online July 29, 2013), listing what children commonly choke on. You won't be surprised to learn that sweets are a common culprit!