Food in airway

Answer 1

If someone has food in their airway, it is a medical emergency and immediate action is needed to clear the blockage. Here are steps to take:

1. Encourage the person to cough forcefully to try and dislodge the food themselves.
2. If the person can speak or make noise, this indicates that their airway is partially open, and you should encourage them to continue coughing.
3. If the person is unable to speak or cough, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, and make a fist with one hand. Place your fist below the person's ribcage and above their belly button. Grasp your fist with your other hand and give quick upward thrusts until the object is dislodged.
4. If the person becomes unconscious, call emergency services immediately and start CPR if needed.

It is important to seek medical attention following a choking episode even if the obstruction has been cleared to ensure there is no further risk of complications.