CPR for an Unresponsive Adult Choking Victim: How It Differs
Choking is a common cause of cardiac arrest in adults. If an adult chokes and becomes unresponsive, immediate CPR is crucial. However, the steps to providing CPR for an unresponsive adult choking victim differ slightly from traditional CPR.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to perform CPR on an adult who is choking and unresponsive.
Step 1: Call for help
The first step in performing CPR on an adult who is choking and unresponsive is to call for help. You should immediately call emergency services and let them know that someone is choking and unresponsive.
Step 2: Assess the situation
Before starting CPR, it is important to assess the situation. Make sure that the area is safe and free from any hazards that could cause harm to you or the victim. Ensure that the victim is lying on their back and that their airway is open.
Step 3: Check for breathing
Next, check for breathing. Tilt the victim’s head back and listen for sounds of breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If the victim is not breathing, you should begin CPR immediately.
Step 4: Perform chest compressions
To perform CPR on an adult who is choking and unresponsive, you will need to perform chest compressions. To do this:
1. Kneel beside the victim and place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest.
2. Place your other hand on top of the first hand.
3. Press down on the chest with the heel of your hand, using your body weight to make the compressions deep and effective.
4. Perform 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Step 5: Perform rescue breaths
After the 30 chest compressions, open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Pinch the victim’s nose shut and give two breaths into their mouth, making sure that you see their chest rise and fall. If the breaths do not go in, re-tilt the head and try again. Continue with this sequence of 30 compressions followed by two breaths until emergency services arrive, or the victim begins to breathe on their own.
It is important to note that if the victim is choking but breathing, you should perform the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the object from their airway before starting CPR.
In conclusion, performing CPR on an adult who is choking and unresponsive requires care and precision. Remember to call for help, assess the situation, check for breathing, perform chest compressions, and rescue breaths. With these steps, you can help to save the life of someone who is choking and unresponsive.