Choking is either the blockage of the throat or a muscular spasm in the throat caused by a foreign object stuck at the back of the throat. Choking can lead to asphyxia.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty in speaking
• Difficulty in breathing
• Restlessness
• Grasping of the neck

The aim of treatment is to restore normal breathing

• The First aid management of choking include:
• Establish if the patient is really choking by asking questions
• Encourage the patient to cough
• Bend the patient forward and give five hard blow at the back, between shoulders blade.
• If back blow fail, give up to five abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver.
• Check the mouth
• Continue with above step, until the obstruction is cleared.
• If the casualty falls into unconsciousness. Carry out treatment for unconsciousness.
• Continue the first aid procedure until medical help arrives.