How long does it take to die from choking. Choking Hazards: Understanding the Dangers and Recognizing the Signs

09.10.202208.06.2023 by alexxlab

How long does it take to die from choking. What are the most common choking hazards. How can you recognize if someone is choking. What happens to the body during a choking incident. Why is strangulation so dangerous. What are the long-term effects of choking or strangulation.

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Common Choking Hazards and Their Risks

Choking is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation that can occur when an object or piece of food becomes lodged in the throat, blocking the airway. Understanding common choking hazards and their risks is crucial for prevention and quick response.

Hot dogs are one of the most frequently choked-on foods in the United States. Their dense texture and shape make them particularly dangerous, as they don’t easily break apart when swallowed. Other high-risk items include:

Solid candies
Fish bones
Small toys (especially for children)
Grapes and cherry tomatoes
Nuts and seeds
Popcorn kernels

These items pose a risk due to their size, shape, or texture, which can make them difficult to swallow or dislodge if they become stuck in the airway.

Why do certain foods pose a greater choking risk?

Foods that are more likely to cause choking often share certain characteristics:

Size: Items that are just the right size to block the airway
Shape: Round or cylindrical objects that can completely seal the throat
Texture: Foods that are sticky, hard, or don’t easily break apart
Slipperiness: Objects that can slide down the throat before being properly chewed

The Silent Nature of Choking Incidents

Contrary to popular belief, choking is often a silent ordeal. Many people assume that a choking victim will make loud, distressed noises, but this is rarely the case. The obstruction in the airway prevents the larynx from vibrating, making it nearly impossible for the person to produce sound.

Rachel Anne Warren, recounting her experience of choking on a grilled cheese sandwich, described it as a “quiet ordeal” that feels fast rather than slow. This silent nature of choking can make it difficult for others to recognize when someone is in distress.

How can you identify a choking person if they can’t make noise?

While a choking person may not be able to speak or cough effectively, there are other signs to watch for:

Universal choking sign: Hands clutched at the throat
Panicked, wide-eyed expression
Inability to speak or breathe
Skin, lips, or nails turning blue or gray
Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)

The Body’s Response to Choking

When food or an object becomes lodged in the trachea, the body’s response can seem counterintuitive. A reflex known as the “drowning reflex” is triggered, causing the trachea to clench shut. While this reaction is beneficial in drowning situations to prevent water intake, it can exacerbate a choking incident by tightening the windpipe around the obstruction.

What happens to the body during a choking episode?

During a choking incident, several physiological responses occur:

The trachea constricts around the obstruction
The body enters a state of panic as oxygen levels decrease
The throat may begin to swell, further complicating the situation
Pain may be experienced as the person attempts to cough or dislodge the object
In prolonged cases, the lack of oxygen can lead to unconsciousness and potential brain damage

Recognizing and Responding to Choking Incidents

Due to the silent nature of choking, it’s crucial to be able to recognize the signs quickly. Many choking victims report that those around them often don’t realize they’re in distress until the situation becomes critical.

Richard Madeley, a choking survivor, recounted his experience: “I rose and braced my hands against the edge of the table, instinctively thumping it hard, arms rigid, to try to dislodge the beef. I did this several times, but only succeeded in making people turn and stare at me in irritation.” It wasn’t until he began turning blue that others realized the severity of the situation.

What should you do if you suspect someone is choking?

If you believe someone is choking, take the following steps:

Ask the person if they are choking
Encourage them to cough if they can
Perform the Heimlich maneuver if the person cannot cough or breathe
Call emergency services if the obstruction isn’t quickly dislodged
Begin CPR if the person loses consciousness

The Aftermath of Choking Incidents

Even after a choking incident is resolved, there can be lingering effects. The throat may be in searing pain due to swelling and irritation caused by the obstruction and attempts to dislodge it. Swallowing may be painful for several days following the incident.

Some individuals report a persistent sensation of something being stuck in their throat, which is often due to severe scratching of the esophagus. In more serious cases, there may be damage to the throat tissues that requires medical attention.

What are the potential long-term effects of a choking incident?

While many people recover fully from choking incidents, there can be long-term consequences:

Psychological trauma and anxiety around eating
Damage to the throat or esophagus requiring medical treatment
Increased risk of aspiration pneumonia
In severe cases, brain damage due to oxygen deprivation

The Dangers of Strangulation

While not the same as choking on food or objects, strangulation is another form of airway obstruction that poses severe risks. Strangulation can cause unconsciousness in less than 10 seconds and death in under five minutes, making it an extremely dangerous form of assault.

According to the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, nearly 80% of strangulation victims are strangled manually (with hands). Almost all cases (97%) involve blunt force trauma in addition to the strangulation itself.

What are the immediate and long-term effects of strangulation?

Strangulation can have severe immediate and long-lasting consequences:

Immediate effects: Loss of consciousness, brain damage, death
Psychological injuries: PTSD, depression, anxiety, memory problems
Neurological injuries: Facial drooping, weakness, loss of sensation, paralysis
Delayed fatality: Death can occur days or weeks after the incident due to carotid artery dissection or blood clots

Recognizing Signs of Strangulation

Identifying strangulation can be challenging, as visible signs are not always present. However, there are several symptoms to watch for:

Voice changes
Neck pain or difficulty swallowing
Breathing problems
Ear pain
Vomiting blood
Vision changes
Tongue swelling
Bloodshot eyes
Lightheadedness
In pregnant victims, miscarriage

It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if strangulation is suspected, even if there are no visible signs of injury. The internal damage caused by strangulation can be severe and may not be immediately apparent.

How can medical professionals assess strangulation injuries?

Medical professionals use various methods to assess strangulation injuries:

Physical examination of the neck and throat
Neurological assessment
Imaging studies (CT scan, MRI) to check for internal injuries
Documentation of visible injuries through photography
Assessment of psychological state and referral to mental health services if needed

Early and thorough medical evaluation is crucial for proper treatment and documentation, especially in cases of assault.

Prevention and Education: Key to Reducing Choking and Strangulation Incidents

Preventing choking and strangulation incidents requires a combination of awareness, education, and practical measures. By understanding the risks and implementing preventive strategies, we can significantly reduce the occurrence of these dangerous situations.

How can we prevent choking incidents?

Several steps can be taken to minimize choking risks:

Cut food into small, manageable pieces, especially for children and the elderly
Encourage thorough chewing and discourage eating while distracted
Supervise young children during meals and playtime
Keep small objects out of reach of children
Learn proper first aid techniques, including the Heimlich maneuver
Stay up-to-date on age-appropriate foods and toys

What can be done to prevent strangulation incidents?

Preventing strangulation, particularly in cases of assault, involves broader societal efforts:

Education about the dangers of strangulation in relationships
Improved law enforcement training on recognizing and responding to strangulation cases
Support for domestic violence prevention programs
Increased public awareness about the signs and symptoms of strangulation
Promotion of safety planning for individuals at risk

By implementing these preventive measures and increasing awareness, we can work towards reducing the incidence of both choking and strangulation, potentially saving lives and preventing long-term health consequences.

The Importance of Quick Action and Proper Training

When it comes to choking and strangulation incidents, time is of the essence. The quick recognition of symptoms and immediate action can mean the difference between life and death. This underscores the importance of proper training in first aid and emergency response techniques.

Why is quick action crucial in choking incidents?

In a choking situation, every second counts. Here’s why rapid response is vital:

Brain damage can begin within 4-6 minutes of oxygen deprivation
Quick action increases the chances of successfully dislodging the obstruction
Immediate response can prevent the situation from escalating to unconsciousness
Prompt medical attention can address any potential complications

What role does proper training play in emergency response?

Proper training is crucial for effective emergency response:

It helps individuals recognize the signs of choking or strangulation quickly
Training provides the skills needed to perform life-saving techniques correctly
It builds confidence, reducing hesitation in emergency situations
Regular training keeps skills sharp and up-to-date with current best practices
It can help prevent panic and promote clear thinking during emergencies

Organizations such as the Red Cross and local health departments often offer first aid and CPR training courses. These courses can provide invaluable skills that may one day save a life.

The Role of Technology in Prevention and Response

As technology continues to advance, new tools and applications are being developed to aid in the prevention and response to choking and strangulation incidents. These innovations have the potential to significantly improve outcomes and save lives.

How is technology being used to prevent choking incidents?

Several technological advancements are helping to prevent choking:

Smart utensils that can detect if food is being eaten too quickly
Apps that provide real-time guidance on age-appropriate foods
Virtual reality training programs for first aid and emergency response
Wearable devices that can detect choking and alert caregivers
Advanced food processing techniques to create safer textures for at-risk individuals

What technological solutions are available for responding to choking or strangulation?

Technology is also improving response capabilities:

Smartphone apps that provide step-by-step guidance for performing the Heimlich maneuver
GPS-enabled emergency alert systems for quick location of incidents
Advanced imaging techniques for better assessment of internal injuries
Telemedicine platforms allowing for remote expert consultation in emergency situations
Data analytics for identifying trends and improving prevention strategies

While these technological advancements are promising, they should be seen as supplements to, rather than replacements for, proper training and quick human response.

Legal and Social Implications of Choking and Strangulation

Choking and strangulation incidents, particularly when intentional, have significant legal and social implications. Understanding these aspects is crucial for addressing the broader societal impact of these dangerous acts.

What are the legal consequences of intentional choking or strangulation?

The legal system treats intentional choking and strangulation very seriously:

Many jurisdictions classify strangulation as a felony offense
Penalties can include significant prison time and fines
In domestic violence cases, strangulation is often considered an indicator of escalating violence
Some areas have specific laws addressing strangulation in intimate partner violence
Evidence of strangulation can play a crucial role in protective orders and custody decisions

How do choking and strangulation incidents impact society?

The societal impact of these incidents is far-reaching:

Increased awareness has led to changes in domestic violence laws and policies
There’s a growing recognition of the need for specialized training for medical and law enforcement professionals
Support services for survivors of strangulation have expanded
Public health initiatives have been launched to educate about the dangers of choking and strangulation
Research into long-term effects has influenced medical practices and legal proceedings

By understanding these legal and social implications, we can work towards creating a safer society with better support systems for victims and more effective prevention strategies.

What It’s Like To Choke To Death

Swallowing Too Much At Once Can Cause A Blockage

The human throat is designed to easily swallow food and liquid. Even if some food or liquid goes down the trachea instead of the esophagus, it can usually be coughed up. There are cases where nerve damage and preexisting medical conditions make choking more common, but for the average person, the body is designed to prevent airways from getting blocked. So, in order to choke on an object, it typically has to be large or have a specific texture.

One of the most choked-on foods in the US is the hot dog. Hot dogs are typically dense and don’t dissolve or break apart when swallowed, causing them to be a potential choking hazard. Solid candies, fish bones, and even toys can be dangerous for children.

Most People Are Unable To Make Any Noise While Choking

While some might imagine choking to be a noisy, violent ordeal, a choking person often makes no noise. Rachel Anne Warren, a writer for Vice, wrote about her frightening first experience choking on a grilled cheese sandwich: “Choking is a quiet ordeal, but it doesn’t feel slow,” Warren explained. “It’s pretty fast, in fact – that is, the dying part is always ready for you when you’re in the middle of it.”

By blocking airways, choking more or less prevents a person from making any sort of distress noise because the larynx can’t vibrate.

The Trachea Begins To Clench Shut

When food gets stuck in the trachea, the body has a reaction that may seem counter-productive, even though it’s trying to save itself. That reaction is called the drowning reflex. When the body senses something coming down the trachea, it reacts as if it’s drowning and closes up to prevent the intake of water.

While this is helpful for drowning, it proves dangerous when choking. The windpipe will then tighten around whatever is obstructing it, making it impossible to breathe.

A Choking Victim May Instinctively Grab Their Throat

Many people instinctively grab their throat when choking. While it’s unhelpful in dislodging food, it can be a way to alert others. In fact, clutching one’s throat is often seen as the universal sign for choking.

Individuals who are choking may also make other hand gestures to get attention, since they are unable to verbally ask for help.

Other People May Not Notice That Someone Is Choking

Choking victims have reported that the people around them often don’t realize that they’re in distress. Some individuals who begin choking feel embarrassed and may try to cough up the blockage on their own.

As choking victim Richard Madeley recounted, “I rose and braced my hands against the edge of the table, instinctively thumping it hard, arms rigid, to try to dislodge the beef. I did this several times, but only succeeded in making people turn and stare at me in irritation.” Madeley went on to say that it wasn’t until he started turning blue in the face that anyone realized something was wrong.

The Throat May Be In Searing Pain

As a person chokes, their throat may begin swelling up around the blockage. Furthermore, attempting to cough up the lodged food can lead to throat pain. Even if a choking person is able to cough up the blockage, it has usually scratched the throat to a degree that swallowing will be painful for several days.

Some people also report feeling as though they still have something caught in their throat due to severe scratching.

Strangulation Can Leave Long-Lasting Injuries

The power of controlling a victim’s next breath makes strangulation a
frequent tactic for abusers. It can take less than 10 seconds for a person to lose consciousness as a result of strangulation, and death can occur in just under five minutes.

According to the
Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, nearly four in five victims of strangulation are strangled manually (with hands). And almost all, or 97 percent of strangulation attempts, also involve blunt force trauma.

The injury from being strangled cuts deeper, however, to include psychological injury (PTSD, depression, suicidal ideation, memory problems, nightmares, anxiety, severe stress reaction, amnesia and psychosis), neurological injury (facial or eyelid droop, left or right side weakness, loss of sensation, loss of memory and paralysis) and even delayed fatality.

What You Can and Can’t See

For those in the survivor’s support circle, spotting strangulation is not easy. Neck lesions are not always present. But, other recognizable symptoms of strangulation can include changes in one’s voice, neck pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, ear pain, vomiting blood, vision change, tongue swelling, bloodshot eyes, lightheadedness or, in the case of pregnant victims, miscarriage.

During a strangulation assault, the pressure applied to the neck impedes oxygen by preventing blood flow to and from the brain. The trachea can also be restricted, making breathing difficult or impossible. The combination can quickly cause asphyxia and unconsciousness.

While victims of strangulation may never lose consciousness and many regain it after losing it, that doesn’t mean that damage has not been done. Even the temporary lack of oxygen can cause brain damage and other life-threatening injuries.

Nearly three in four survivors in a study by the
Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence did not seek medical attention after being strangled, perhaps out of fear of exposing the abuse or not realizing that without proper medical care, strangulation can lead to death days or even weeks after the attack.

Strangulation as a Homicide Predictor

While strangulation can occur at any time, some
evidence indicates that it may tend to occur later in an abusive relationship. Also, survivors who show signs of strangulation most likely represent a higher risk for major morbidity or mortality.

“Most abusers do not strangle to kill. They strangle to show they
can kill,” says Gael Strack and Casey Gwinn in the American Bar Association’s Criminal Justice. However, it is important to realize, “When a victim is strangled, she is on the edge of homicide.”

In fact, a study published in the
Journal of Emergency Medicine found that women who survive strangulation by their partner are seven times more likely to be the victim of an attempted homicide, and eight times more likely to be a victim of homicide.

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How to Survive Strangulation

Law enforcement officers are trained on how to save themselves should an assailant try to choke or strangle them. These tips can be applied to survivors of domestic violence as well. If you’re being strangled:

Try to stay calm.

Protect your airway. If possible, try something called the “turtle shell technique” where you tuck your chin down and raise your shoulders up to help support your neck.

Once released, try to escape from your abuser and call 911 before a second strangulation attempt is made.

As a last resort, you can try collapsing and going limp, giving the impression your abuser succeeded, in order to hopefully release their grip.

Always seek medical attention after a strangulation attempt, even if you feel like you haven’t suffered any lasting effects. There may be internal injuries that aren’t visible.

Get help & support for suicide

If you’re in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, find help in your area with Find a helpline.

If you believe that someone else is in danger of suicide and you have their contact information, contact your local law enforcement for immediate help. You can also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information above.

Learn more about personal crisis information with Google Search.

Google’s crisis information comes from high-quality websites, partnerships, medical professionals, and search results.

Important: Partnerships vary by country and region.

Korea Suicide Prevention Center

Country	Hotline organization	Website	Phone number
Argentina	Centro de Asistencia al Suicida	www.asistenciaalsuicida.org	(011) 5275-1135
Australia	Lifeline Australia	www.lifeline.org	13 11 14
Austria	Telefon Seelsorge Osterreich	www. telefonseelsorge.at	142
Belgium	Center de Prevention du Suicide	www.preventionsuicide.be	0800 32 123
Belgium	CHS Helpline	www.chsbelgium.org	02 648 40 14
Belgium	Zelfmoord 1813	www.zelfmoord1813.be	1813
Brazil	Centro de Valorização da Vida	www.cvv.org	188
Canada	Crisis Services Canada	crisisservicescanada.ca	833-456-4566
Chile	Ministry of Health of Chile	www.hospitaldigital.gob	6003607777
China	Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center	www. crisis.org	800-810-1117
Costa Rica	Colegio de Profesionales en Psicologia de Costa Rica	psicologiacr.com/aqui-estoy	2272-3774
France	SOS Amitié	www.sos-amitie.org	09 72 39 40 50
Germany	Telefon Seelsorge Deutschland	www.telefonseelsorge.de	0800 1110111
Hong Kong	Suicide Prevention Services	www.sps.org	2382 0000
India	iCall Helpline	icallhelpline.org	9152987821
Ireland	Samaritans Ireland	www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help	116 123
Israel	[Eran] ער”ן	www. eran.org	1201
Italy	Samaritans Onlus	www.samaritansonlus.org	06 77208977
Japan	Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology	www.mext.go.jp	81-0120-0-78310
Japan	Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan	www.mhlw.go	0570-064-556
Malaysia	Befrienders KL	www.befrienders.org	03-76272929
Netherlands	113Online	www.113.nl	0800-0113
New Zealand	Lifeline Aotearoa Incorporated	www.lifeline.org	0800 543 354
Norway	Mental Helse	mentalhelse. no	116 123
Pakistan	Umang Pakistan	www.umang.com.pk/	0311-7786264
Peru	Linea 113 Salud	www.gob.pe/555-recibir-informacion-y-orientacion-en-salud	113
Philippines	Department of Health – Republic of the Philippines	doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline	0966-351-4518
Portugal	SOS Voz Amiga	www.sosvozamiga.org	213 544 545 963 524 660 912 802 669
Russia	Fund to Support Children in Difficult Life Situations	www.ya-parent.ru	8-800-2000-122
Singapore	Samaritans of Singapore	www. sos.org	1-767
South Africa	South African Depression and Anxiety Group	www.sadag.org	0800 567 567
South Korea	중앙자살예방센터	www.spckorea.or	1393
Spain	Telefono de la Esperanza	www.telefonodelaesperanza.org	717 003 717
Switzerland	Die Dargebotene Hand	www.143.ch	143
Taiwan	国际生命线台湾总会 [International Lifeline Taiwan Association]	www.life1995.org	1995
Ukraine	Lifeline Ukraine	lifelineukraine.com	7333
United Kingdom	Samaritans	www. samaritans.org/how-we-can-help	116 123
United States	988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline	988lifeline.org	988

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Information on the unified all-Russian children’s helpline

0440 8-800-2000-122 .

When calling this number in any locality of the Russian Federation from fixed or mobile phones, children in difficult life situations, adolescents and their parents, other citizens can receive emergency psychological assistance, which is provided by specialists of services already operating in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation that provide services for telephone counseling and connected to a single all-Russian number of children’s helpline.

Confidentiality and free of charge are the two main principles of the children’s helpline. This means that every child and parent can anonymously and free of charge receive psychological assistance and the secrecy of his call to the helpline is guaranteed.

Working hours of the children’s helpline in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation

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