Choking in Pregnant, Seated, or Larger Victims: What to Look for & How to Help (for Nursing Students)

Choking can happen to anyone—regardless of age, size, or gender. But for this post, we'll focus on managing choking in special situations, such as with pregnant individuals, larger patients, or those who are seated. These scenarios will expand your knowledge and help you feel more confident in providing aid to a variety of patients.

Common Causes of Choking:

• Swallowing large pieces of food

• Eating while talking, walking, or playing

• Consuming food while under the influence of intoxicants or illicit substances

Signs of Choking:

• Inability to speak, cough, or breathe

• Change in facial color (bluish, red, or unusually pale)

• Panic-stricken look with wide eyes

• Clutching the throat or flailing hands

• High-pitched wheezing or whistling when attempting to breathe or cough

• Sudden attempt to rush to the restroom

Assisting Pregnant or Larger Individuals

For pregnant or larger patients, avoid abdominal thrusts. Instead, use chest thrusts:

1. Perform 5 firm back blows.

2. Then perform 5 chest thrusts:

   • Stand behind the patient and wrap your arms around their chest, positioning your hands under the armpits.

   • Make a fist, placing the thumb side in the center of the chest (just above the bosoms).

   • Place your other hand over your fist and pull back firmly 5 times.

3. Continue alternating between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the patient becomes unconscious.

4. If they lose consciousness, call 911 immediately and begin CPR (30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths). If you see the object, remove it carefully, but never perform a blind finger sweep.

Assisting a Seated Victim

For someone who is seated or in a wheelchair:

1. Lock the wheelchair wheels if necessary.

2. Kneel or crouch behind the victim.

3. Wrap your arms around their abdomen, making a fist (thumb side against the abdomen, just above the belly button).

4. Grip your fist with your other hand and pull in and up with a "J" motion 5 times.

5. If needed, move your fist to the center of the chest and perform 5 chest thrusts.

6. Continue alternating 5 abdominal thrusts and 5 chest thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious.

Key Takeaways

Emergencies can happen anytime, so having the right knowledge can save lives. Be prepared, protect yourself, and remember: Call 911 immediately if the person becomes unconscious.

"This material is for informational purposes only and is based on guidelines from the Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. Always consult with medical professionals or certified instructors for personalized guidance."

Save lives with the skills you learn today. Enroll in First Aid training at Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.