Why rapid intervention is required for a choking episode

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When someone is choking,  air (oxygen) is unable to get to the lungs! Often times,  the culprit is food. Yes food getting into the wrong pipe.

Foods and other objects can partially block the trachea (mild choking) or completely block the trachea (severe choking)

In adults choking is commonly caused by foods. In infants and children,  it could be foods (especially nuts, popcorn, pieces of sausages etc.), parts of toys, or small toys,  beads, buttons,  button batteries, pebbles etc.

Choking is said to be amongst the leading cause of accidental deaths,  ranks around number 4.

So imagine not getting air for a period 😱, death is almost certain.  The brain loves oxygen, it keeps it going
No oxygen for 0-4 mins= brain damage may not occur 
No oxygen for 4-6 mins=possibility of brain damage 
No oxygen for 6-10 mins=brain damage is likely to occur 
No oxygen for over 10 mins=brain death would almost definitely occur

So time is of the essence during a choking episode. Tick tock......
Thank God for first aid interventions

Photo credit in poster @www.adam.com

#Choking 
#FirstAid
#TheFABS 
#TheFirstAidBoxShop 
#BeFABulouS

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