Heart surgeon shares emergency steps for choking while alone at home

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Jeremy London shared a vital safety protocol on Monday outlining the critical emergency steps to take if you find yourself choking home alone. The medical professional, who possesses 25 years of experience in cardiovascular surgery, detailed the life-saving procedure to help individuals buy valuable time and clear their airways when no one else is around to assist.

An Instagram video published by London explained that victims must act as their own rescuers during a solitary choking event. He emphasised that while he hopes people never face this frightening scenario, having a few basic tactics prepared could save a life.

HT Lifestyle reported that London recommended following these specific emergency steps to resolve the airway blockage:

Step 1: Contact Emergency Services

First, individuals must call 911—or their local emergency number—immediately if they are physically able to do so. Most modern smartphones allow for hands-free or one-tap emergency calling. Even if the victim is entirely unable to speak, keeping the telephone line open allows emergency dispatchers to trace the location and send help to the address.

Step 2: Cough Forcefully

Next, the victim should attempt to cough as hard and as forcefully as possible. London pointed out that a vigorous cough moves significantly more air through the respiratory tract than any other self-help technique. Individuals should continue coughing hard for as long as they are able to sustain the effort to dislodge the obstruction.

Step 3: Administer Abdominal Thrusts

If coughing fails, the victim must perform self-administered abdominal thrusts. This is done by making a fist, placing it just above the navel and well below the breastbone, grasping it with the other hand, and driving inward and upward with sharp, fast thrusts. If the arms lack sufficient strength, the victim can position their upper abdomen over the edge of a chair, counter, or railing and drop their body weight onto it to force the object out.

Note: This article is based on user-generated content from social media, and the claims have not been independently verified. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should consult a doctor with any questions about a medical condition.