View Full Version : Choking
In the past 6 months I've had a couple scares involving choking on food. In one case my airway was completely blocked and I needed the heimlich. In the other, I was able to get it out myself, good thing too because I was alone at the time. Either way, both were immediate reminders of my own mortality and have stuck with me a little closer than I'd like.
I never had anything like this happen before, and now have a fear of being alone in the woods or worse, being with my 7yo son and having it happen.
Has anyone else had this experience out in the woods? What did you or would you do?
Rockhound
01-07-2009, 10:04
suggestion. chew your food.
thanks, to think it took me 37 years to unlearn that.
Alligator
01-07-2009, 10:10
In first aid class we were told that you can do the heimlich when alone by falling onto a chairback. I would expect that the results are not as good. In the woods, I'm not sure what would be effective, perhaps a rock, stump, or maybe even jamming 2 trekking poles into the ground and pushing into the handles. Maybe one of the wilderness first aid books has a suitable option to alleviate your concern.
In both cases I inhaled sharply as I was chewing because I sneezed. I had sinus work done that leaves me relatively desensitized to the tingle that warns you of an upcoming sneeze.
In the past 6 months I've had a couple scares involving choking on food. In one case my airway was completely blocked and I needed the heimlich. In the other, I was able to get it out myself, good thing too because I was alone at the time. Either way, both were immediate reminders of my own mortality and have stuck with me a little closer than I'd like.
I never had anything like this happen before, and now have a fear of being alone in the woods or worse, being with my 7yo son and having it happen.
Has anyone else had this experience out in the woods? What did you or would you do?
Never experienced it myself, but have been around several people who were choking. Have used the heimlich once. The heimlich is a last resort and is not normally needed. Take a look at the following:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choking
Note that it is possible to perform it on yourself if you really have to.
Live the Journey
01-07-2009, 10:28
you may have already done this, but I'd suggest talking to your Dr. or whomever did the work on your sinuses...since both of these started with sneezes (that you can't feel) and this has twice posed a potentially life-threatening issue, you may want to chat with someone about this because that doesn't seem normal.
Otherwise, information is key...make sure that you and your family are all well versed in what to do if someone is choking...including what to do if your alone.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2056135_perform-heimlich-maneuver-yourself.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2084833_teach-children-perform-heimlich.html
Find a partner to hike with. Lots of folks are fearful of hiking alone, and would welcome someone to hike with - and don't hike because they don't know anyone that the can hike with. You might be able to form some great friendships.
Not sure how many folks live "Beyond the Sun", but if you have access to Craigslist, that might be a good place to start looking. ;)
Better yet - join your local hiking clubs. There are 100s of them all across the USA.
Self Heimlich was described to me as "doing a belly smacker" on the ground, with your balled fists(two fists deep) in your solar plexus.
Medical pro could explain it to you.
garlic08
01-07-2009, 10:41
I'd always heard before that most choking happens around other people, usually associated with talking and laughing while eating. Come to think of it, most long distance hikers will eventually get to that point when alone, too. Your medical condition explains the solo choking. Sounds pretty scary. Sounds like you might need to come up with a new way of chewing or something. Good luck dealing with it.
you may have already done this, but I'd suggest talking to your Dr. or whomever did the work on your sinuses...since both of these started with sneezes (that you can't feel) and this has twice posed a potentially life-threatening issue, you may want to chat with someone about this because that doesn't seem normal.
Otherwise, information is key...make sure that you and your family are all well versed in what to do if someone is choking...including what to do if your alone.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2056135_perform-heimlich-maneuver-yourself.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2084833_teach-children-perform-heimlich.html
Find a partner to hike with. Lots of folks are fearful of hiking alone, and would welcome someone to hike with - and don't hike because they don't know anyone that the can hike with. You might be able to form some great friendships.
Not sure how many folks live "Beyond the Sun", but if you have access to Craigslist, that might be a good place to start looking. ;)
Thanks guys, that's the best info I've seen on the subject. I didn't realize that you could work to clear the obstruction yourself.
Mowgli, there's more people here beyond the sun than there are in either Detroit or the Library of Congress.
:banana
In the past 6 months I've had a couple scares involving choking on food......What would you do?
suggestion. chew your food.
thanks, to think it took me 37 years to unlearn that.
Maybe re-learning it would be a wise decision. :banana
Your medical condition explains the solo choking. Sounds pretty scary.
Scary is the word, especially as a breadwinner, but on a lighter note;
It also explains some embarrassing times when I've been caught off guard and sneezed all over my pants or shirt or whatever because I didn't have time to get my hand up. I can usually turn away from people in time, but not always get my mouth covered.
Sometimes it's nasty and embarrassing.:o
Maybe re-learning it would be a wise decision. :banana
Yes, you're right. It's something I should concentrate on until I can do it more safely unconsciously. The work I had was for sleep apnea and freed up my airway. It's called the UP3 surgery, uvulophal...something. They broke my septum to straighten it, and removed my soft palate with my uvula and my tonsils. It worked well, and I no longer stop breathing hundreds time a night. There were a few side effects, know what your uvula and soft palate do? They stop liquids from going up your nose when you swallow. Soda and beer were out of the question until I relearned swallowing, they'd bubble up out my nose. Funny, but uncomfortable. So I've relearned to swallow, perhaps it is time to relearn to chew more safely for me.
Thanks guys, that's the best info I've seen on the subject. I didn't realize that you could work to clear the obstruction yourself.
Mowgli, there's more people here beyond the sun than there are in either Detroit or the Library of Congress.
:banana
While it hasn't risen to a phobia, I have had this concern from time to time, and had near obstructions. Primarily because I eat like a garvone. :o
Good luck.
Go see a Doctor ASAP!
I had this occur rwice last year, once while sleeping. I have had sinus and other nasal and uvula removal to help with sleep apnea. My doctor suggested that I had a trachea (or voice box) spasm. I am a former EMT and taught CPR/First Aid for 13 years. It is very scary when it happens to you and it does seem like you are chocking. I went to my ENT physician and he calmed my fears and gave me a prescription. This may or may not be your same problem but it is better to be on the safe side. Good Luck!
Blissful
01-07-2009, 23:06
Agree, see a DR.
As Mudhead said, in first aid I was taught to do a belly smaker a full force on the ground if I choking alone. Ditto seeing a doc. Not being able to swallow can be a symptom of other problems. Unfortunately, Parkinsons disease.
Wise Old Owl
01-08-2009, 00:41
Yes, you're right. It's something I should concentrate on until I can do it more safely unconsciously. The work I had was for sleep apnea and freed up my airway. It's called the UP3 surgery, uvulophal...something. They broke my septum to straighten it, and removed my soft palate with my uvula and my tonsils. It worked well, and I no longer stop breathing hundreds time a night. There were a few side effects, know what your uvula and soft palate do? They stop liquids from going up your nose when you swallow. Soda and beer were out of the question until I relearned swallowing, they'd bubble up out my nose. Funny, but uncomfortable. So I've relearned to swallow, perhaps it is time to relearn to chew more safely for me.
Crap! (I was totally not getting the thread for several posts)
Hi Tom,
I had that operation and never had a choking incident, I have accidently inhaled food. your first post did not really explain the problem. As I read the posts I was somewhat agreeing with Mowgli, search out a hiking partner in your local area perhaps among the various clubs. Regardless of the issues, I still think that's best - a little camaraderie!
And as above - go back and see your specialist!
And sorry, don't go back to beer - its the crucible of the problem.
Plodderman
01-08-2009, 08:00
As we age the esophagus can shrink some. This causes what you are describing and it can be scary but the only treatment I know involves seeing a doctor and having it enlarged.
I have experienced it some myself but have not sought medical treatment but if I need the heimlich I and turn blue I probably would see a doctor.
Frankly, I think there is little risk of chocking on they typical backpacker/thru-hiker food. Should not be an issue.
Blissful
01-08-2009, 11:50
Frankly, I think there is little risk of chocking on they typical backpacker/thru-hiker food. Should not be an issue.
Well..unless it's jerky, granola bars, bagels, tortilla wraps with PB, cheddar cheese, etc. :)
If you have a situation with choking, get it checked. You don't want your trip sidelined by aspiration pneumonia.
Alligator
01-08-2009, 11:55
Snickers:sun.
Snickers:sun.
This is not a laughing matter. :p
Alligator
01-08-2009, 12:04
This is not a laughing matter. :pI was going to say King Size Snickers, but there's all this tension from the latest hike naked thread and I didn't want anyone to misinterpret what I meant about choking on a King Size Snickers bar.
I should have just said a Mounds:datz.
This is not a laughing matter. :pI dunno, it kinda depends on how far they send the item they were choking urling through the air when they get the Heimlich. Anything more then 5 feet officially qualifies as funny.
Wise Old Owl
01-11-2009, 22:36
As much as I try to make light of stuff, I think this is out of place.