DFO Medical Clinic

What to Do If You or Someone Else Is Choking: A Life-Saving Guide

Choking can happen suddenly and turn into a life-threatening emergency within seconds. Whether it’s a piece of food, a small object, or liquid blocking the airway, knowing how to act quickly can save a life. Here’s a simple guide on what to do if you are choking or if you need to help someone else.

Choking occurs when something blocks the air passage to your lungs, preventing oxygen from getting in. This can quickly lead to difficulty breathing, coughing, and even unconsciousness if not addressed immediately.

If you feel something stuck in your throat and can’t breathe properly, act fast:

✔ Hit your chest against a hard surface – Lean forward and push your upper chest against a table, counter, or chair to help dislodge the object.

✔ Cough as hard as you can – A strong, forceful cough can help push out the obstruction.

✔ Seek help – If you’re unable to clear the blockage, signal to someone nearby or call emergency services immediately.

💡 Tip: If you can still breathe and cough, your airway isn’t fully blocked. Try to cough forcefully instead of panicking.

When you see someone grasping their throat, unable to speak, or gasping for air, take action immediately:

✔ Perform the Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts):

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
2. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their belly button (between the navel and the ribcage).
3. Grab your fist with the other hand and push forcefully inward and upward.
4. Repeat the thrusts until the object is expelled or the person can breathe again.

 If the person becomes unconscious, lower them gently to the ground and begin CPR while someone calls for emergency medical help.

Even if choking is resolved, seek medical care if:

✔ The person continues to have difficulty breathing or persistent coughing.

✔ There’s pain in the throat or chest after the incident.

✔ The choking episode involved a child, elderly person, or someone with a medical condition that could cause complications.

Choking can happen unexpectedly, but knowing how to respond calmly and effectively can make all the difference. Stay aware, act fast, and never hesitate to seek medical help if needed.

What to do if you or somebody else is bitten by a Snake: A Life-Saving Guide

Snake bites can be life-threatening, especially if the snake is venomous. Knowing the causes, effects, and immediate emergency treatment for snake bites is crucial in saving lives. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind snake bites, their impact on the human body, and the appropriate first aid response to minimize harm before professional medical assistance arrives.

Causes of Snake Bites

Snake bites occur for several reasons, often as a result of human interaction with snakes in their natural habitat. Some common causes include:

1. Accidental Encounters – People may step on or come too close to a snake, causing it to bite in self-defense.
2. Handling Snakes – Some individuals handle snakes for professional or personal reasons, increasing the risk of bites.
3. Disturbing a Snake’s Habitat – Activities such as farming, hiking, or construction work can disturb snakes and provoke defensive attacks.
4. Unintentional Provocation – Actions like poking a snake with a stick or trying to remove it from an area can lead to bites.

Effects of Snake Bites

The effects of a snake bite vary depending on the species of the snake and the amount of venom injected. Common effects include:

1. Mild to Severe Pain – Most snake bites cause localized pain and swelling.
2. Swelling and Bruising – Venomous bites may result in tissue damage, leading to swelling and discoloration.
3. Nausea and Vomiting – Some victims experience nausea, vomiting, and dizziness as systemic reactions to the venom.
4. Difficulty Breathing – Neurotoxic venom can cause respiratory distress, which may be life-threatening.
5. Paralysis and Organ Failure – In severe cases, venom can lead to paralysis, internal bleeding, kidney failure, or even death if left untreated.

Emergency Treatment for Snake Bites

If you get bitten by a snake, do the following:

1. Rinse the area of the bite under running clean water for about 2 minutes.
2. If the snake was caught and killed, take a picture of the dead snake.
3. Get to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible.
4. You will be observed, given a tetanus vaccine, and may be given polyvalent anti-venom.

What Not to Do After a Snake Bite

• Do not tie the limb above the bite.
• Do not apply salt or any chemical or concoction over the wound.
• Do not suck the wound.
• Do not make incisions around the wound.

Snake bites can be dangerous, but with the right knowledge and quick action, the risk of severe complications can be reduced. By understanding the causes and effects of snake bites and following proper emergency treatment steps, individuals can improve their chances of survival and recovery. Always seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible, as timely intervention is the key to saving lives.

Emergency Response for Severe Burns from Gas or Vehicle Explosions

Burn injuries from gas explosions, vehicle fires, or other flame-related accidents can be life-threatening. Knowing what to do immediately can reduce the severity of injuries, prevent complications, and save lives. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you or someone else experiences severe burns.

If Your Whole Body Catches Fire, DO THIS IMMEDIATELY:

✔ Drop to the ground – Avoid running, as movement fuels the flames with more oxygen.

✔ Cover your face with your hands – This protects your eyes, nose, and mouth from further injury.

✔ Roll on the ground – Roll over repeatedly on a bare surface (not a grassy or carpeted area) until the flames go out completely.

✔ Remove jewelry and tight clothing – Items like rings, necklaces, and watches retain heat and can worsen burns.

✔ Call for emergency help – Seek medical assistance immediately.

✔ Cool the burn with clean water – Have clean water poured gently and continuously over the burned areas to reduce heat damage.

✔ Wear loose, clean clothing – If possible, cover the burns with sterile, non-stick fabric to prevent infection while heading to the hospital.

Get to a hospital IMMEDIATELY! Burns can continue damaging deeper layers of the skin even after the flames have gone out. Early medical intervention can save lives.

If Only a Part of Your Body Is Burned

✔ Place the burned area under running, cool water for at least 10-15 minutes to stop further heat damage.

✔ Cover with a clean, non-stick cloth and get medical help as soon as possible.

What NOT to Do 

Do not pour salt, eggs, pap, or any home remedies on the burns – These do not help and can worsen infections.
Do not break blisters – Blisters form as a protective layer to prevent infections. Popping them can cause serious complications.
Do not leave the burn exposed – Cover it with a clean, non-adhesive dressing to protect it while seeking medical help.