Choking Response: Back Blows and Simulated Abdominal Thrusts
A trio workshop where students learn to recognize choking and apply the response sequence: encourage coughing, five back blows between the shoulder blades, and five simulated abdominal thrusts. Students practice a fast, safe response to an airway obstruction.
How to play
- Demo (4 min): partial obstruction (can cough and talk: just encourage coughing) versus complete (can't talk, hands to the throat).
- Trios of victim, rescuer, and observer with a step card; the victim leans forward hugging a rolled-up mat.
- Back blows (4 min): standing to the side, the rescuer supports the chest and mimes five blows with the heel of the hand between the shoulder blades, slowly and with no force.
- Simulated thrusts (6 min): from behind, fist just above the belly button, mime the in-and-up motion without squeezing; sets of 5 and 5, rotating roles every 2 minutes.
- Scenarios (6 min): the teacher reads situations (coughing, passing out, pregnant victim) and each trio acts out the response, including the 911 call.
Rules
- Safety: never give real blows or thrusts; only show the position and motion.
- If the victim is coughing forcefully, don't hit.
- If the victim becomes unresponsive: call 911 and start CPR.
- Ask permission before touching a partner.
Variations
Easier
Practice only the back blows on a rolled-up mat leaning against the wall.
Standard
Full sequence of five back blows and five simulated thrusts with role rotation.
Harder
Add special cases such as choking alone or a pregnant victim and explain how the technique changes.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: observer role or seated practice on the rolled-up mat.
- Shy students or those uncomfortable with touch: practice on the mat instead of a partner.
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: picture cards and a demo before each block.
Learning goals
- Recognize the signs of partial and complete airway obstruction.
- Perform back blows and abdominal thrusts in the correct order.
- Decide when to call 911 and start CPR.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 9
- cards: 9
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is placing the fist too high, on the breastbone; correct it trio by trio and remind students that nobody squeezes for real.
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