Choking is a preventable tragedy that takes the lives of one million people globally every year. It can occur when a person’s airway is blocked due to the inhalation of food, objects, or liquids.

Many choking incidents involve young children and the elderly. However, anyone can experience choking, even if they are in good health. Here are some safety tips to stay aware of to prevent choking and stay safe if it occurs.

Make sure to chew thoroughly

One of the most common causes of choking is when food is not chewed properly. Adults and children alike may be tempted to rush through mealtime, but it is important to take time to chew and swallow at a comfortable pace.

Avoid talking while eating or rushing to finish a meal quickly. Cutting food into smaller pieces may help make it easier to chew as well.

Avoid eating while lying down or walking

It’s best to sit up straight while eating, rather than lying down or walking around. This decreases the chance for food or liquid to enter into the airway, putting you at risk for choking.

Be cautious with certain foods

Some foods are more likely to cause choking than others. Small, round, or hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and hard candy should be avoided or eaten with caution. Sticky foods like peanut butter should also be avoided, or spread thinly on bread or crackers.

Never give very young children, like toddlers, foods that are easy to choke on.

Keep small objects out of reach

Young children are curious and like to explore their surroundings by putting things in their mouths, which can lead to choking. To avoid this, make sure to keep small objects, like coins, marbles, and other small toys, out of reach.

If you have young children, take extra care to ensure that they play with age-appropriate toys.

Learn the Heimlich Maneuver

Even with the utmost care, choking can still occur. Understanding how to properly perform the Heimlich Maneuver can help to dislodge an object from a person’s airway.

The American Red Cross provides first aid courses throughout the United States, which can teach you how to perform this life-saving technique.

Know when to call for help

If you or someone you know is choking and unable to breathe properly, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. Call the emergency services in your area as soon as possible to receive help from a professional.

Don’t panic

Choking can be a serious situation, but it’s important to remain calm. Panic can make the situation worse by increasing anxiety and tightening airways, making it harder to breathe.

If you’re choking, take a few deep breaths and then try to cough up the blockage on your own before seeking additional help.

Install a smoke alarm in your home

Smoke inhalation from a fire can cause choking and quickly become deadly, so it’s important to take measures to prevent fires from occurring.

Installing a smoke alarm in your home can alert you to a fire early on, when there is still time to evacuate safely. Test the alarm frequently to ensure that it is in good working condition.

Keep your home free of hazards

Many choking incidents occur at home, so it’s important to keep your house free of hazards. Watch for small objects or choking hazards that may be on the floor or within reach of children.

Slippery floors can also increase the risk of falls, resulting in choking incidents, so keep floors dry and hazards-free to prevent falls and airway obstruction from head trauma.

Conclusion

Choking affects one million people globally each year, and is a serious issue that requires attention. While some incidents may be unavoidable, taking preventative measures and practicing safety techniques can help to prevent choking and save lives.

Keep in mind, safe chewing and eating habits, Heimlich Maneuver techniques, and knowing when to seek medical attention are important skills for everyone to know. By taking steps to keep your home free of hazards and installing proper safety features, like smoke alarms, you can prevent not only deadly choking incidents and but also other disasters and accidents that could worsen the situation.