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Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — An adult who is clutching their throat, cannot speak or cough effectively, and is struggling to breathe because something is blocking their airway.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Clutching throat with both hands (universal choking sign).
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cannot speak, cough, or breathe — or only silent weak coughs.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Face turning red, then blue. Panic in their eyes.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If they CAN cough forcefully and speak — encourage coughing. Do not hit their back yet.
Scene hazards: Standing on unstable surface, Crowded panic
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Ask: "Are you choking? Can you speak?" — if they cannot answer, treat as severe choking.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell someone to call 112, or call yourself if alone after starting help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stand slightly behind and to the side. Support their chest with one hand and lean them forward.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Back blows: Give up to 5 firm slaps between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If unsuccessful — abdominal thrusts: Stand behind them. Make a fist above the navel, below the ribcage. Pull inward and upward sharply up to 5 times.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object flies out, they can breathe, or they collapse.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If they collapse — lower them carefully, call 112, and start CPR.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shout for someone to call 112 while you help. Say: "Adult choking — not breathing properly."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If alone and the person collapses — call 112 on speaker and begin CPR.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Even after the object is out, they need medical check — airway swelling or leftover pieces can still be dangerous.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Always get medical evaluation after successful choking rescue — hidden injury or swelling can occur.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If they become unresponsive — this is cardiac arrest until proven otherwise. CPR immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give back blows if they are coughing forcefully — coughing may clear it on its own.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT finger-sweep blindly in the mouth — you may push the object deeper.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give water or try to make them swallow anything.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT stop after one or two attempts if they still cannot breathe.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You should always start with the Heimlich maneuver
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Current guidance starts with back blows for adults, then abdominal thrusts if back blows fail.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wrong sequence or skipping back blows may reduce effectiveness.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Food, gum, or a small object is stuck in the throat or windpipe, blocking air from reaching the lungs.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Complete airway blockage can cause unconsciousness within minutes. Act fast.