Aspiration/Choking

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Hey guys,

So I'm newly qualified and I'm trying to keep myself up to date and knowledgeable before I start my first job but I've come across a real blank spot.

What do you do if someone starts choking/aspirating?

Heres the scenario, someone takes a drink/vomits/something fluid related 'goes down the wrong way'. Its ridiculously hard to find clinical guidance on how to deal with this I've checked my Marsden Manual of Clinical Procedures, Oxford handbook of respiratory nursing and oxford handbook of emergency nursing. And none of them cover aspiration beyond saying what it is.

What I want to know is, what do i do if i witness someone choking?

1) If they are aware enough to cough i encourage this...

2) What if they are in a reduced state of consciousness?

My instinct is to sit them upright and (obviously) call for help. But I'd like to have some clinical literature to support this.

Im sure it seems like im panicking over nothing but this seems like such a basic thing and im a little horrified i dont know it!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

OK - deep breath. You're making this too complex.

Think back on your BLS training. This provides you with a standardized approach for dealing with anyone who is choking or unconscious. AHA guidelines are based upon evidence-based practice. Follow the steps.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Ask the victim if he/she is choking, choking person can't talk and follow the steps to do the maneuver and etc.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Turn the person on his or her side for aspiration. Protect the airway. Choking obviously do the Heimlich maneuver.

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