Mark’s first aid story: “I was proud I could help after completing a first aid training course.”

Mark was at a golf dinner when he noticed that a fellow diner was choking.

Mark said, “They stood up, were struggling to breathe and clutching at their chest. They could not speak or cough and another person at the table was struggling to help them.’’

As soon as Mark realised what was happening, he knew that he would need to use his first aid skills to help.

Mark added, “There were several other people sitting at the table, so I asked them what was happening. I bent the person forwards and hit them firmly on their back with the heel of my hand five times. However, this didn’t work, so I placed my hands around their waist and pulled inwards and upwards above their belly button five times.’’

After the object was dislodged, the person was able to breathe again, and Mark spent some time reassuring them.

Mark said, “After I reassured the person, they seemed relaxed and pleased that they were ok. I was quite proud that I could help and pleased that I had completed a first aid training course. I had recently completed a first aid at work requalification course, which meant that the first aid skills were fresh in my mind.’’

Mark caught up with the person the next day to check in with how they were feeling.

Mark added, “I spoke to the person the following day to see how they were feeling.’’

When asked if he would recommend a first aid course, Mark said, “Definitely I have long said that first aid should be part of the national curriculum, which it is.’’

Following years of campaigning by the British Red Cross and other organisations, the government have now added first aid to the curriculum for schools in England and Wales.

How to help someone choking

Someone who is choking may be clutching at their chest or neck and won’t be able to speak, breathe or cough. Follow the steps below to help:

1. If an adult or child over one year old is choking, encourage them to cough.
2. Bend them forwards and give up to five back blows to try and dislodge the blockage. Hit them firmly between the shoulder blades.
3. If they are still choking give up to five abdominal thrusts; hold the person around their waist and pull inwards and upwards above their belly button. Do not give abdominal thrusts to a baby under a year old.
4. If they are still choking call 999.
5. Repeat the steps above, until they can breathe again or until help arrives.

Mark's story is a strong reminder of the importance of learning first aid. At the British Red Cross, we offer a wide range of first aid training courses to help you to have the skills and confidence to act in a first aid emergency like this.

If you're responsible for first aid in your organisation or you want to refresh your existing first aid skills, book a first aid course with us today.

*Always seek urgent medical advice, such as through the non-emergency helpline or by attending hospital, if you have given abdominal thrusts to an adult or child.