Choking
What is choking?
Choking is defined as a foreign object that is stuck in the throat or windpipe that causes a blockage or muscular spasm in the airway. If the blockage of the airway is mild, the casualty should be able to clear it, if it is severe they will be silent and unable to speak and will eventually become unresponsive.
How to identify choking;
- Witnessed episode
- Coughing
- Struggling to breathe/ speak
- Clutching at throat
- Change in colour, blue/ red
- Recent history of playing with or eating small objects
Why are children prone to choking?
Each day around 40 under-5s end up in hospital after choking or swallowing something dangerous. The Resuscitation Council UK describes how the majority of choking events in children occur during play or while eating, when a carer is usually present.
Activity; Read the information wall below to find out why children are more prone to choking than adults.