Choking is a common cause of death in both adults and small children. However, it is possible to save a choking individual through performing basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). As such, my demonstration speech features the steps one can follow to save an individual from choking to death.
Check for responsiveness
CPR should commence when the individual collapses or displays any sign of unresponsiveness. As such, the first step is to check for any abnormalities such s difficulty in breathing or loss of consciousness. This is done by tapping the person's shoulder, calling out his/her names as well as establishing whether there is a pulse. In case there is no response, ask somebody to call 911 for help. If you are alone, call 911 and then commence the CPR procedure.
In the image below, the woman has collapsed and the man is checking for a response.
Check for any foreign substance blocking the airway
Some cases of chocking are as a result of blockage of the airway by solids such as large pieces of food. Therefore, the second step of CPR involves checking the casualty’s mouth to ensure there is nothing blocking the airway. Lay the person on their back on a flat firm surface. Kneel beside him/her and open their mouth gently. Remove any object blocking the airway using the index finger only if you can rich the object. If you cannot reach it, leave the object until a professional arrives.
Give chest compressions.
After ensuring that there is no form of response start by performing chest compressions on the individual. Before you start on the compressions ensure the individual is lying on their back on a flat surface preferably on the ground. Kneel beside the person and begin the chest compressions. Compressions are done by placing one the heel of one hand on the chest and the other heel on top of the first hnd with fingers interlocking.
The hands should be interlocked as shown on this image.
With your arms straight and shoulders directly above the arms, compress the chest hard and first waiting for it to rise before you compress again. Give at least ten compressions and check for any breathing or coughing. If there are no changes, continue with compressing at the rate of 100 compressions per minute while checking for responsiveness after every 10 compressions.
This image shows how compressions are done
Rescue Breaths
The compressions are combined with rescue breaths to attain success within the shortest time possible. Rescue breaths are given after every 20 compressions. To give rescue breaths, ensure the casualty’s head is tilted upwards such that the chin is lifted up. Squeeze the individual’s nose firmly using two fingers. Place your mouth directly on the person’s mouth ensuring it is well sealed. Blow air into their mouth and check for any changes such as rising of the chest. Repeat the cycle of alternating compressions and rescue breaths until the individual responds or after help arrives.
During the save breaths ensure the mouth of the individual is completely sealed as shown in this image.
