First Aid Course

First Aid is the primary medical care given to an ill or injured person until the paramedics arrive and take charge. The First Aid course we provide is easy to follow with video instructions. Join now for earning CE credit hours and a printable wallet card after passing the test.

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Chapters	CE Credits	Validity	Cost	Duration	ECC	Exam Attempts	Wallet Card
13	2.0	2 Years	$14.95	1-2 Hrs	Compliant	Unlimited	Download/Print/Mail

Chapters13
CE Credits2.0
Validity2 Years
Cost$14.95
Duration1-2 Hrs
ECCCompliant
Exam AttemptsUnlimited
Wallet CardDownload/Print/Mail

Chapter 5: Choking Emergencies

A choking emergency happens when something blocks the airway, making it hard or impossible to breathe. This is a serious situation that requires quick action.

What Causes Choking?

Choking can happen when a foreign object—such as food or a small item—blocks the airway. Common causes include:

Eating too quickly or not chewing food well
Talking or laughing while eating
Alcohol or drug use
Ill-fitting dental appliances
Small objects (such as coins or marbles), especially in children

Signs of Choking

A person who is choking may:

Be unable to speak
Have difficulty breathing or wheeze
Cough weakly or gag
Appear panicked
Clutch their throat (the universal choking sign)
Turn blue around the lips or fingertips
Lose consciousness

First Aid for Choking

Ask, “Are you choking?”
If the person cannot speak, breathe, or cough forcefully, tell them you are going to help.
Stand behind the person.
Make a fist and place it just above the belly button.
Grasp your fist with your other hand and give quick, upward abdominal thrusts.
Continue thrusts until the object is expelled or the person can breathe or cough forcefully.

Special Situations

For pregnant individuals or someone too large to reach around, perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.

If the Person Becomes Unconscious

Lower them to the ground safely.
Begin CPR immediately.