Choking - child

A choking child needs first aid to prevent them losing consciousness.First, encourage the child to dislodge the obstruction by coughing. If this does not clear it, apply the following techniques in sequence until the child is able to breathe freely again.First stage - back blowsBend child forwards and give up to five blows between shoulder blades with heel of your handCheck mouth for removable obstructionSecond stage - abdominal thrustsStand or kneel behind child, bend them forwards and put your arms around their upper abdomenPlace your fist against lower part of child's breastboneGrasping fist with your other hand, pull sharply upwards and inwards, trying with each thrust to clear the obstructionCheck mouth for obstructionRepeat up to five times, if necessaryThird stageIf the obstruction still hasn't cleared, continue a cycle of five back blows and five abdominal thrusts up to three times. Further actionsIf the child is still in difficulties, call for emergency help. If the child loses consciousness, begin resuscitation. See babies choking if the child is less than a year old.Choking - adultsChoking can result in the loss of consciousness but is often not as serious as this.What is it?A severe obstruction is when a person is unable to speak, cry, cough or breathe. A mild obstruction is when a person finds it difficult to breath, but is able to speak, cry, cough or breathe. They are able to clear the obstruction without help.First aid aimsRelieve the obstructionArrange for medical help if necessaryActionsIf the obstruction seems to be mild, get the casualty to continue coughing. If the obstruction is severe, follow this patternFirst stage - back blowsGive up to five blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your handCheck the mouth quickly after each one and remove any obvious obstructionSecond stage - abdominal thrustsIf obstruction is still present, give up to five abdominal thrustsPlace a clenched fist above the casualty's navel, grasp your fist with your other hand and and pull inwards and upwardsCheck the mouth quickly after each oneThird stageIf obstruction does not clear after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts, dial 999Continue until help arrives and resuscitate if necessaryIf casualty loses consciousnessBegin resuscitation and continue until help arrivesPanic attackA panic attack is distressing for the person experiencing it and difficult to respond to, but it isn't harmful. What is it?A panic attack is a sudden rush of overwhelming fear that often occurs without warning or any obvious reason.SymptomsHyperventilation and fast breathing result in lack of carbon dioxide in blood PalpitationsNervous behaviourDifficulty swallowing or breathingTremblingFirst aid aimsCalm the casualtyEncourage them to regain control and seek medical adviceActionsTake casualty to a quiet placeBe reassuring but firmRemain with casualty until panic attack is overAdvise casualty to see their GP.