Resuscitation from a Choke

Instructors should be CPR certified. Even without chokes, Taekwondo is a strenuous physical activity that carries some risks for which the instructor should be prepared.

Immediately release the victim and lay him or her flat so that blood may flow naturally back to the brain. Placing the victim on his or her side, with the head resting on the arm, will prevent vomit aspiration and facilitate breathing. Monitor the victim closely to make sure the airway is open and the victim is breathing. The victim will generally regain consciousness spontaneously and be unharmed. If the athlete does not regain consciousness in 20 to 30 seconds and remains unresponsive to your efforts to revive him or her, medical assistance should be sought immediately.

Try to awaken the patient with vocal or physical stimuli such as tapping, triceps pinch, or shouting. Check for breathing by putting your face close to the patient's mouth and looking at the chest, listening for air exchange, and feeling for a breath. Keep the airway open and initiate rescue breathing if there is no breathing. If a pulse is absent, commence chest compressions.

There are many old methods of traditional resuscitation that can also assist the victim in recovery; however, if the outcome is less than desirable, these interventions may not be defensible in courts. Although CPR is commonly recognized as the appropriate response to a medical emergency, the traditional forms of resuscitation may be useful in special circumstances.