Updated 22/07/2024
There's more to know about choking! So our short paragraph is now an article. We hope it helps
Here in Brisbane, we're known for our laid-back attitude and love of good food. But let's face it, sometimes our enthusiasm for a delicious snag at the barbie can lead to a bit of a sticky situation. And we're not just talking about the sauce on your shirt! Choking is a serious matter! So, let's dive into the world of choking first aid, Brisbane style – where we take our breathing as seriously as we take our coffee (which is very seriously indeed).
The Not-So-Fun Facts
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of saving lives, let's chew on some statistics that might make you sit up straighter at your next meal:
In 2021–22, there were 1,500 hospitalisations due to choking and suffocation in Australia. That's 5.6 per 100,000 population – more than the number of people who thought bin chickens (ibises) were actual chickens!
Sadly, in 2020–21, there were 1,200 deaths related to choking and suffocation. That's 4.6 per 100,000 population – a number we'd like to see go down faster than a cold XXXX on a hot summer day.
Choking on objects is the most common cause of death in this category. So maybe think twice before trying to swallow that souvenir koala whole!
Now that we've got the serious stuff out of the way, let's talk about how to keep your airways as clear as the view from Mount Coot-tha on a good day.
Effective vs. Ineffective Cough: Know the Difference
Before we jump into action, it's crucial to determine if the person's cough is effective or not. Here's how to tell:
Effective Cough (Mild Obstruction)
The person can speak, cry, or cough forcefully
They're able to take breaths between coughs
They're responsive and can answer questions
If you see these signs, it's like watching a Broncos player shake off a tackle – they're handling it! Encourage them to keep coughing, but stay alert.
Ineffective Cough (Severe Obstruction)
The person can't speak, cry, or cough forcefully
They're making wheezing sounds or no sound at all
They might be clutching their throat (the universal choking sign)
Their lips or skin may start turning blue
They appear panicked or lose consciousness
If you see these signs, it's time to step in faster than a State of Origin player sprinting for the try line!
First Aid for Choking: The Brisbane Way
1. Encourage a Good Cough
If someone's choking but has an effective cough, encourage them to keep at it. A strong cough is often the best way to dislodge an obstruction. It's like trying to get out of the Clem7 tunnel during peak hour – sometimes you just need to power through!
2. Back Blows: The Brisbane Pat on the Back
If coughing isn't doing the trick or the cough is ineffective, it's time for some back blows:
Stand to the side and slightly behind the person
Support their chest with one hand and lean them forward
Give up to five sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand
Check after each blow if the obstruction has cleared
Think of it as giving them a hearty pat on the back for surviving another Brisbane summer – just a bit more forceful.
3. Chest Thrusts: The Gabba Crowd Push
If back blows don't work, move on to chest thrusts:
Stand behind the person and put both arms around their upper abdomen
Lean the person forward slightly
Clench your fist and place it between the navel and bottom of the breastbone
Grasp this hand with your other hand and pull sharply inwards and upwards
Give up to five chest thrusts
Imagine you're trying to push your way to the front of the Gabba during a cricket match – firm but controlled!
4. Repeat and Call for Help
If the obstruction isn't cleared, keep alternating between five back blows and five chest thrusts. And for goodness sake, call 000! We know you Brisbanites are a resourceful bunch, but some things are best left to the professionals.
5. CPR for the Unconscious Choking Victim
If the person becomes unconscious and is not breathing normally, it's time to start CPR:
Carefully lower them to the ground
Call 000 immediately if you haven't already
Start CPR with chest compressions
Give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths
Continue this cycle until help arrives or the person starts breathing normally
Remember, performing CPR is like rowing on the Brisbane River – it requires rhythm, persistence, and strength. Keep at it until the professionals arrive!
Learn the Skills with First Aid Brisbane
At First Aid Brisbane, we believe in being prepared for anything – whether it's a flash flood or a rogue piece of pavlova. Our first aid courses will teach you these life-saving skills and more. You'll learn how to:
Recognize the signs of choking
Perform back blows and chest thrusts effectively
Deliver CPR like a pro
Handle various emergency situations with confidence
Because let's face it, in a city where a bin chicken might steal your lunch, you need to be ready for anything!
Remember, choking is no laughing matter (unlike this article). Quick action and the right techniques can make all the difference. So, sign up for a course today and be the hero Brisbane deserves – cape optional, skills essential!
Stay safe, Brisbane, and may your airways always be as clear as the Story Bridge on a Sunday morning!
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