**Choking Adult (7732)
Government figures show that in 2021, 633 people died from choking before reaching hospital in England, Scotland and Wales.
85 per cent of choking deaths are caused by food and the failure of people to chew properly before swallowing
(Data collected by the Office for National Statistics)
Common choking hazards include:
- Putting too much food in your mouth at one time including handfuls of food such as nuts, popcorn etc.
- Large chunks of meat that are difficult to chew
- Foods with small diameters that fit easily into the windpipe (and can create a plug) such as hot dogs and grapes
- Large bites of dry and chewy foods such as peanut butter and bagels
How do I know if someone is choking?
- If you think someone is choking, say "Are you choking?"
If choking is mild, they will be able to cough and to say "yes" to your question. - If choking is severe, they will be unable to speak, breathe or cough.
- They need your help urgently - they will become unconscious if left untreated.