Awareness
Choking can make it difficult to breathe and, in extreme cases, can even lead to death.
Choking on food, medication, or a foreign object can happen unexpectedly and may quickly become a medical emergency. Children and older adults are especially at risk. Knowing what to do if you are choking while alone could save your life.
Signs you are choking
Choking episodes are often sudden, and the main signs to recognise are coughing, being unable to speak, and struggling to breathe.
What to do if you’re alone and choking
The body’s first response is coughing if you’re choking on something such as food. If you are choking and can still cough, keep coughing. A strong cough may help dislodge the obstruction from your throat. Secondly, if you can, perform the Heimlich manoeuvre on yourself.
How to do the Heimlich manoeuvre on yourself:
- Place a fist slightly above your navel.
- Grasp your fist with the other hand.
- Bend over a hard surface. Such as a countertop or a chair.
- Shove your fist inward and upward.
- Use strong, quick thrusts, like you’re trying to get the air out of your lungs. Keep thrusting until the object is dislodged.
Avoid putting your fingers into your throat to remove the obstruction, as this could cause it to become lodged even deeper.