ENT Emergencies: The Management of Choking

Choking results from the acute obstruction of the upper airways by food or other objects. For both the patient and the bystanders it can be an extremely distressing event. Obstructions can partially or completely occlude the airway. Choking most commonly affects young children and the elderly and often occurs in locations devoid of medical facilities, such as restaurants or schools. Emergency medical teams may not arrive in time to save a choking victim's life. Therefore, successful management relies on prompt and effective first aid administered at the scene to expel the object. Collectively, these factors make this an important topic for GPs.