Explanation:

Choking

It occurs when a foreign object like a piece of food or small objects lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air.

Choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, give first aid as quickly as possible.

The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat. If the person doesn't give the signal, look for these indications:

• Inability to talk
• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Squeaky sounds when trying to breathe
• Cough, which may either be weak or forceful
• Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky
• Skin that is flushed then turns pale or bluish in colour
• Loss of consciousness

The American Red Cross recommends a "five-and-five" approach to delivering first aid for chocking:

Give 5 back blows:

1. Stand to the side and just behind a choking adult. For a child, kneel down behind.
2. Place one arm across the person's chest for support.
3. Bend the person over at the waist so that the upper body is parallel with the ground.
4. Deliver five separate back blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

Give 5 abdominal thrusts:

Perform five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich manoeuvre).
Alternate between 5 blows and 5 thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.