CPR and Choking Emergencies

Choking can take a life in only minutes.  Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, which prevents a person from breathing effectively. Choking can take place anywhere and can be happen to adults, but is more common with children. The following scenarios are examples of how students can choke and in many cases need CPR.

Choking (scenario 1)

There is a two year old girl that is choking on a piece of food. She is sitting at the table in the classroom having a coughing fit and pointing to her throat. She is unable to speak.

Emergency procedure

·                     STAY CALM

·                     As the student if they are ok. If she is unable to respond start performing thrust.

·                     To perform a thrust stand behind the person choking, wrap your hands around their waist making a fist with one hand grab with the other hand. Quickly pull  inward and upward. Repeating in reps of 5 if needed.

·                     If the person is too small lean the child over and dove back blows followed by chest thrust.

·                     Continue until object is retrieved.

Choking requiring CPR (scenario 2)

A four year old is choking in the math center of the classroom. She has swallowed a lego and is having a coughing fit and pointing to her throat.

Emergency procedure

·        -                  Check to see if the student is breathing and responsive

·         -          If not breathing and/ or responsive call 911

·         -         While waiting give 5 blows with the heel of your hand between the child’s shoulders

-          If still not breathing start thrust. To do this stand behind the student wrap hands around their waist. 
-          Grab your fist with the other hand and quickly move inward and upward.

·         -         Continue until the object is retrieved.

Being prepared can save a life. During medical emergencies like choking, every second counts when trying to save a life. Having the proper training for emergencies like choking can keep a child from experiencing major medical issues like brain damage or even death. Teachers should have proper training like the Heimlich maneuver technique and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Reference

choking (cont). (n.d.). emedicine health. Retrieved March 25, 2012, from www.emedicinehealth.com/choking/page2_em.htm

First Aid & Emergencies. (n.d.). web md. Retrieved March 25, 2012, from firstaid.webmd.com/choking-treatmenthttp://