Foreign Object When Swallowed - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Overview

• Most objects swallowed will be eliminated naturally
• Sharp objects/objects like battery are dangerous
• Sharp objects should be removed 
• Can happen to all ages
• Common in children of 1-3 years

Causes

• Certain food like popcorn
• Coins
• Small toys
• Small objects like buttons, beads

Symptoms

• Coughing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Wheezing

Treatment

• If breathing is difficult, do Heimlich maneuver
• Seek medical help as quickly as possible

On someone else

• Stand behind the person
• Wrap your arms around victim's waist
• Tilt the person a little forward
• Make a fist with one hand
• Place it just above the navel
• Hold the fist with the other hand
• Give a hard upward thrust into the abdomen
• Repeat if required

On Oneself

• Make fist with one hand
• Place fist above navel
• Hold it with other hand
• Bend over a hard surface like a chair
• Give hard upward thrust
• Repeat if required

Prevention

• Do not give potentially dangerous food to children
• Give small pieces of food to children
• Avoid laughing / talking when eating