2. Choking
Life lost
Abigail thought that grown-ups would always be there to help.
But there were no adults who knew how to stop her choking to
death.
Read Abigail West's story
Life saved
Four-year-old Ellie Fulton’s life was saved when her father
applied simple first aid to stop her choking.
Read Ellie Fulton's story
How to be the difference for someone choking
COUGH IT OUT
Encourage them to
cough. If this doesn’t clear the obstruction, support their upper
body with one hand and help them lean forward
SLAP IT OUT
Give up to five sharp back blows between their shoulder
blades with the heel of your hand
SQUEEZE IT OUT
If the obstruction has not cleared, stand behind them and
put both arms around the upper part of the abdomen- Clench your fist and place it between the navel and the bottom
of their breastbone
- Grasp your fist firmly with your other hand
- Pull sharply inwards and upwards up to five times
- If this doesn’t clear the obstruction repeat backslaps and
abdominal thrusts up to three times
If
it still hasn’t cleared, call 999/112 for emergency help. Continue
until help arrives.