RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT IN SPINAL CORD INJURY: BREATHING AND THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN SCI: RESPIRATORY TRACT COMPLICATIONS: CHOKING

Choking

     It is important that you inform people with whom you spend time how to help you if you should choke.

• If you begin choking, they should ask if you can speak.
• If you can speak, they should use assisted coughing.
• If you cannot speak, they should:
  • apply four back blows (sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the palm of their hand)
  • apply four manual thrusts (assisted cough)
  • repeat four back blows and four manual thrusts until they are effective.
  • Call Emergency Medical Services if the above procedure is not effective.

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