Choking
This page will help you prepare and act appropriately to provide aid in cases of choking.
When Does Choking Occur?
Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat, resulting in an obstruction in the airway.
What are the Symptoms of Choking?
- The signal used to indicate choking is placing the hands around the throat. If the person does not make this gesture, pay attention to these indicators:
- Inability to speak.
- Difficulty breathing or audible breathing.
- Whistling sounds when trying to breathe.
- Weak or strong coughing.
- Change in skin, lips, and nail color to blue or a dark color.
- Naturally red skin may turn pale or blue.
- Loss of consciousness.
How to Deal with a Person Who is Choking?
- If the person can breathe forcefully, they should continue coughing.
- However, if the person is choking and unable to speak, cough, or breath forcefully, the following steps should be taken:
- 1. Stand behind the person.
- 2. As the rescuer, place one foot slightly in front of the other for better balance.
- 3. Wrap your arms around the person’s abdomen.
- 4. Lean the person slightly forward.
- 5. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the person’s navel.
- 6. Grasp the fist with your other hand and press firmly but carefully into the abdomen with a quick upward thrust.
- 7. Perform 6 to 10 abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged.
- If the person has lost consciousness, first call emergency services, then perform CPR with chest compressions.
Emergency Numbers in the Gulf Countries:
Sultanate of Oman: 9999
Saudi Arabia: 997
Kuwait: 112
Qatar: 999
UAE: 998
Bahrain: 999
Yemen: 195
