What is the difference in choking treatment between an adult and a child?
Choking treatment differs between adults and children due to anatomical and physiological differences. Here are the key differences in choking treatment for adults and children:
1. Back Blows:
- Adult: Stand behind the person, place one fist between the person's shoulder blades, and deliver five quick, forceful back blows with the heel of your hand.
- Child: For a child, place them face down on your forearm with their head lower than their body, and deliver five back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
2. Chest Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver):
- Adult: Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, place one fist between the navel and breastbone, and grasp that fist with your other hand. Deliver five quick, forceful inward and upward thrusts into the person's abdomen.
- Child: For a child, kneel behind them, place your hands on top of each other just below the child's breastbone, and deliver five quick, forceful inward and upward thrusts.
3. Finger Sweeps:
- Adult: If the object is visible and accessible in the mouth or throat, use your finger to sweep it out gently.
- Child: For a child younger than one year, use a gentle finger sweep to dislodge the object from their mouth or throat.
4. Call for Help:
- Adult: If the person remains unconscious or is unable to breathe, call for help immediately or have someone else do it while you continue providing first aid.
- Child: Call for help or have someone do it while you continue providing first aid to the child.
5. CPR:
- Adult: If the person becomes unresponsive and does not start breathing, begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) until emergency medical help arrives.
- Child: For a child, perform pediatric CPR, following the guidelines for infant or child CPR, depending on their age.
Important Note:
If the person or child is coughing vigorously, encourage them to continue coughing. This is often effective in expelling the foreign object. If coughing doesn't clear the obstruction, proceed with the recommended choking treatment.
Remember, differences in technique may exist based on specific guidelines from organizations like the American Red Cross or local medical authorities. It's crucial to receive proper training in first aid and choking treatment techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in emergency situations.