Adult Choking

Question 1

Indications

Answer 1

Coughing, Stridor, difficulty breathing, Cyanosis

Question 2

Check severity

Answer 2

If able to cough, encourage to cough
If patient is conscious and
unable to cough, manage as
severe FBAO.

Question 3

Apply back blow

Answer 3

Position patient standing or
sitting, leaning forwards.

Brace patient using one arm
wrapped around their chest or
leaning against chair/table.

Strike sharply inwards and
upwards with heel of hand
between scapulae.

Question 4

Reassess

Answer 4

Check after each back blow
manoeuvre to see if the
obstruction is removed.
If obstruction remains, repeat
and reassess up to five back
blows until FBAO clears.

Question 5

Continued therapy

Answer 5

Continue alternating five back
blows and five abdominal
thrusts while patient is
conscious, reassessing after
each individual manoeuvre.
If FBAO clears, treat
accordingly. Transport to
emergency facility.
If patient has lost
consciousness, commence CPR
and remove FBAO using manual
airway techniques.

Question 6

Report

Answer 6

Accurately document/hand
over any relevant information
regarding the clinical skill