Everything can happen in a fraction of a second; a grain of grapes or a piece of food can be the cause of suffocation with consequences that could prove fatal. Thus, it is crucial to know the right actions to adopt if you choke while you are alone. A firefighter explains the good tip in a video posted on Newsner magazine.
According to figures released by the Office for National Statistics, 85% of people who die by suffocation do not chew food properly. For adults, this situation can easily be avoided by making sure to chew well before swallowing. Nevertheless, children are often too young to pay attention to what they put in their mouths. Thus, vigilance is the watchword for parents.
Causes of choking
Choking is a blockage of the upper airways by solid food, liquids or other objects. This emergency can start with a simple cough but in the most complex cases, foods can completely block the airways and cause death.
Everyone can choke at least once in life but some people are more likely to choke than others. Children under five, the elderly, people with esophageal disorders or neurological diseases are the most vulnerable to choking. Habits such as eating too fast, eating lying down or not chewing food properly may increase the risk of choking.
A person who chokes may have difficulty speaking to say that they have trouble breathing. She will start coughing and making noise. His lips and skin may turn blue due to lack of oxygen.
Some tips to prevent choking
When planning your daily meal menus and having people choking around the table:
- Avoid half-cooked vegetables, hot dogs, popcorn or any other solid food that is difficult to chew.
- Avoid distractions during meals.
- Invite family members to eat only at the table.
- Do not drink fluids while you eat.
- Do not drink alcohol while you eat.
- Do not talk while you eat.
- Do not let children run and play while eating food or sweets.
It is important to know that children can not master chewing until they are 4 years old. So make sure they chew the food well before swallowing it! In the smallest, suffocation can also be caused by objects such as coins or small balls. So try to keep small items out of reach of your children and buy them age-appropriate toys
What if I am choking?
When you stifle, you should know that the airways are completely blocked. Oxygen can not enter the lungs or reach the brain. The risk of brain death increases within 10 minutes of choking. Thus, it is essential to take the latter seriously; this state is also considered a medical emergency that requires prompt and appropriate action.
Jeff Rehmen is a firefighter who presents an effective technique if you choke and no one is at your side to help you. The idea is to put your knees and fists on the ground then collapse on the ground and blow as deeply as possible.
Watch the video and be sure to share it with your family and friends, so you can save lives!
