We have heard and even experienced it sometimes, when choking or coughing someone hits you on the back or you do the same to the choking person.

When first aid courses began being taught to the public, the conventional response to a choking victim was to give them a “back blow” or “back slap”.
While at a course at the American Heart Association for First Aid and CPR yesterday, we learnt that as long as the person is coughing, let them cough it out before you attempt first aid. You can attempt first aid if they signal you to do so (when you see their hand on their throat), or stop breathing/pass out.

You should avoid drinking or eat anything to chase the food down, it could make matters worse. If you can reach in and remove blockage do so or else don’t force it.

In 2006, the American Red Cross reintroduced back blows as the initial response to choking. The approach is called, “five and five.” If five back blows are unsuccessful in clearing the airway, then five abdominal thrusts are used. The rescuer alternates between sets of back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object is cleared. However, the American Heart Association has not reintroduced back blows. They continue to recommend abdominal thrusts as the only response to conscious choking for children and adults.

Just in case you’re wondering what on earth these procedures look like, check out the video below and remember, don’t practice this on people when you’re not sure of what to do.

Read more

http://healthjourno.com/2017/01/03/slapping-back-really-help-choking-emergencies/