COURSE TITLE:

CITIZENSHIP AND HUMAN KINETICS

COURSE CODE:

GST 111

STATUS:

LECTURERS:

Mr. Bewaji O.B & Mr. Kolapo O.I

 INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS & RECREATION

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical activity and exercise are often used interchangeably; however, these terms
are not synonymous. Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced
by the contraction of skeletal muscles that results in an increase in caloric
requirements over resting energy expenditure. Exercise, on the other hand, is a
type of physical activity consisting of planned, structured, and repetitive bodily
movement done to improve and/or maintain one or more components of physical
fitness. Physical activity includes movement activity of daily living including:
work-job-related activities and activities performed around the home.

RECREATION

There is some consensus on the definition of recreation. Recreation is an activity

that people engage in during their free time, that people enjoy, and that people
recognize as having socially redeeming values. Unlike leisure, recreation has a
connotation of being morally acceptable not just to the individual but also to
society as a whole, and thus we program for those activities within that context.
While recreation activities can take many forms, they must contribute to society in
a way that society deems acceptable. This means that activities deemed socially
acceptable for recreation can change over time.

Examples of recreational activities are endless and include sports, music, games,
travel, reading, arts and crafts, and dance. The specific activity performed is less
important than the reason for performing the activity, which is the outcome. For
most, the overarching desired outcome is recreation or restoration. Participants
hope that their recreation pursuits can help them to balance their lives and refresh
themselves from their work as well as other mandated activities such as
housecleaning, child rearing, and so on.

People also see recreation as a social instrument because of its contribution to

society. That is, professionals have long used recreation programs and services to
produce socially desirable outcomes, such as the wise use of free time, physical
fitness, and positive youth development. The organized development of recreation
programs to meet a variety of physical, psychological, and social needs has led to
recreation playing a role as a social instrument for well-being and, in some cases,
change. This role has been the impetus for the development of many recreation
providers from municipalities to nonprofits such as the YMCA, YWCA, Boy
Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of
America. There are also for-profit agencies, such as fitness centers and spas,
designed to provide positive outcomes.

SPORTS
Sport is defined as a human activity involving physical exertion and skill as the
primary focus of the activity, with elements of competition where rules and
patterns of behaviour governing the activity exist formally through organisations
and is generally recognised as a sport.
We have a huge list of sports which includes some that you may not consider a
sport. In order to justify what makes the list, we have to base the inclusion on a
clear definition of what makes a sport.

An activity can be considered a sport if it involves ...

 The sport proposed should include an element of competition.

 A primary goal of victory;

 The sport should not rely on any element of "luck" specifically integrated
into the sport. Victory should be determined by the relative physical ability
of the competitors, although strategy and chance may also play a role.

 The sport should not be judged to pose an undue risk to the health and safety
of its athletes or participants.

 The sport proposed should in no way be harmful to any living creature.

 The sport should not rely on equipment that is provided by a single supplier.

 Rules of play that allow a winner to be determined;

Benefits of physical activity, recreation and sports
1. Improves fitness and health
2. Improves sleep quality reduces feeling of anxiety
3. Improves bone health
4. Reduces risk of fall
5. Reduces risk of weight gain
6. Reduces risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer disease and depression
7. Reduces blood pressure
8. Lowers risk of eight cancers (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, kidney,
lung, stomach. Esophagus)
9. Lowers risk of heart diseases, stroke and type 2 diabetes
10.Helps people live independently longer
11.Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels

REFERNCES
American College of Sports Medicine’s guidelines for exercise testing and
prescription-11th-edition, LCCN 2020029780
Amy Hurd & Denise Anderson (2010): The Park and Recreation Professional’s
Handbook. Human Kinetics.
Caspersen CJ, Powell KE, Christenson GM. Physical activity, exercise, and
physical fitness: definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public
Health Rep. 1985;100(2):126–31.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition | 2018 U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services. P. 32
Wood, Robert. "Complete Guide to Fitness Testing" Topend Sports, Apr. 2015,
www.topendsports.com/testing
 HEALTH & NURTITION
HEALTH
World Health Organization defined health as follows “Health is a state of complete
physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity”.
According to Naidoo & Wills “Health is said to have to do with the wellbeing of
an individual; he's wholeness, soundness, or completeness”. The enjoyment of the
highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every
human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or
social condition.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health is simply our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Mental health is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses
of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their
community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our
individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape
the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to
personal, community and socio-economic development.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), mental health is
effectively functioning in productive daily activities such as work or school,
cultivating and maintaining healthy relationships, and showcasing an ability to be
resilient to change and cope with challenges.
Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex
continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next, with
varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and
clinical outcomes.

SOCIAL HEALTH
Social health can be defined as our ability to interact and form meaningful
relationships with others. It also relates to how comfortably we can adapt in social
situations. Social relationships have an impact on our mental health, physical
health and mortality risk.
Social health is a term that refers to the ways in which people create healthy and
positive interpersonal relationships with one another. Having good social health
helps people improve their emotional wellbeing and feel supported in their daily
lives. The social health definition is a broad one; there are many different elements
of social health that come together to create a coherent picture of positive
relationships. Elements of social health include:

 Treating people with kindness

 Communicating clearly
 Developing meaningful relationships
  Acting appropriately in relationships
 Establishing and respecting personal boundaries

Social health is the dimension of well-being that comes from connection and
community. Whereas physical health is about our bodies and mental health is about
our minds, social health is about our relationships.

Social wellness involves building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships

as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you. Conscious actions
are important in learning how to balance your social life with your academic and
professional lives. Social wellness also includes balancing the unique needs of
romantic relationships with other parts of your life.

DISEASE
Disease is an Ubiquitous. This is pathological condition of body parts or tissues
characterized by an identifiable group of signs and symptoms and interrupts the
normal functions. It is also a condition in which body function is impaired,
departure from a state of health, an alteration of human body interrupting the
performance of vital function. Ecologically, disease is the maladjustment of the
body to the environment.

NUTRITION
At the most basic level, nutrition is about eating a regular, balanced diet. Good
nutrition helps fuel your body. The foods you eat supply the nutrients your body
needs to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and
immune system. Proper nutrition also helps protect you from illness and disease,
such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Nutrition is much more than what you eat. It's the science behind food and its
impact on health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines nutrition as the intake of food,
considered in relation to the body's dietary needs. Healthy children learn better.
People with adequate nutrition are more productive and can create opportunities to
gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger.
There are two major classes of nutrients in food: macronutrients and
micronutrients. Macronutrients are carbohydrates, protein, and fat. They supply
energy (in the form of calories) and serve as the building blocks for muscles and
tissues.
In comparison, micronutrients are individual vitamins and minerals. They are
divided into four categories: water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins,
microminerals, and trace minerals.
Malnutrition, in every form, presents significant threats to human health. Today the
world faces a double burden of malnutrition that includes both undernutrition and
overweight, especially in low- and middle-income countries. There are multiple
forms of malnutrition, including undernutrition (wasting or stunting), inadequate
vitamins or minerals, overweight, obesity, and resulting diet-related
noncommunicable diseases.

BMI & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

“BMI” stands for “body mass index” The BMI was developed in 1832 by a
Belgian mathematician named Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet. He developed
the BMI scale to quickly estimate the degree of overweight and obesity in a given
population to help governments decide where to allocate health and financial
resources

Interestingly, it is stated that BMI was not useful in studying single individuals but
rather in giving a snapshot of a population’s overall health. Nevertheless, it’s
widely used to measure individuals’ health

The BMI scale is based on a mathematical formula that determines whether a

person is of a “healthy” weight by dividing their weight in kilograms by their
height in meters squared

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m2)

Alternatively, BMI can be calculated by dividing weight in pounds by height in

inches squared and multiplying by 703:
  BMI = (weight (lbs) / height (in2)) x 703

Once BMI is calculated, it’s then compared to the BMI scale to determine whether
you fall within the “normal” weight range

BMI range Classification Risk of poor health

less than 18.5 Underweight high

18.5–24.9 Normal weight low

25.0–29.9 Overweight low to moderate

30.0–34.9 Obese class I (moderately obese) high

35.0–39.9 Obese class II (severely obese) very high

40 or greater Obese class III (extremely obese) very high

According to this calculation, a healthcare professional may suggest health and

lifestyle changes if you don’t fall within the “normal” weight category.

Some countries have adopted this BMI scale to better represent the size and stature
of their populations. For example, Asian men and women have been shown to be at
a higher risk of heart disease at a lower BMI, compared with non-Asians
Though this can give the healthcare professional a snapshot of a person’s health
based on a person’s weight, it doesn’t consider other factors, such as age, sex, race,
genetics, fat mass, muscle mass, and bone density.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Weight management is all about either losing or gaining weight to reach a healthy
goal weight, or to maintain a healthy weight. Most people want to lose or add a
couple of pounds here or there and weight management is the process of getting rid
or add up those extra pounds.

Having a healthy approach to weight management often includes overall lifestyle

changes. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight includes healthy
eating, physical activity, optimal sleep, and stress reduction. Several other
factors may also affect weight gain.

Healthy eating features a variety of healthy foods. Fad diets may promise fast
results, but such diets limit your nutritional intake, can be unhealthy, and tend to
fail in the long run.

How much physical activity you need depends partly on whether you are trying to
maintain your weight or lose weight. Walking is often a good way to add more
physical activity to your lifestyle.

Managing your weight contributes to good health now and as you age. In contrast,
people who have obesity, compared to those with a healthy weight, are at increased
risk for many serious diseases and health conditions.

Energy / caloric Balance

Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than your body uses.
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight will help you prevent and control many
diseases and conditions. The key is “Finding a Balance” in your lifestyle that
includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.
 The Caloric Balance Equation

When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight for a lifetime, the bottom line is
calories count! Weight management is all about balance—balancing the number
of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses or “burns off.”

 A calorie is defined as a unit of energy supplied by food. A calorie is a

calorie regardless of its source. Whether you’re eating carbohydrates, fats,
sugars, or proteins, all of them contain calories.
 Caloric balance is like a scale. To remain in balance and maintain your body
weight, the calories consumed (from foods) must be balanced by the
calories used (in normal body functions, daily activities, and exercise).

Your caloric balance status is…

If you are…

Maintaining “in balance.” You are eating roughly the same number of calories that your
your weight body is using. Your weight will remain stable.

“in caloric excess.” You are eating more calories than your body is using.
Gaining weight
You will store these extra calories as fat and you’ll gain weight.

“in caloric deficit.” You are eating fewer calories than you are using. Your
Losing weight body is pulling from its fat storage cells for energy, so your weight
is decreasing.
DRUG-USE, MISUSE & ABUSE, LIFESTYLE DRUGS

This topic is a discussion and clarification of various concepts relevant to drug abuse.
Although we attempt clarification of many terms and concepts, it is important to note
that there are different substantive distinctions and “fuzzy” boundaries between the
concepts which will be a key component of human kinetics education. For example,
distinctions between drug misuse and abuse, and terms such as street
drugs or hard or soft drugs are somewhat ambiguous and perhaps dependent on
sociocultural contexts. Take note that drug and substance are used synonymously.

Drug
A drug is a substance that can be taken into the human body and, once taken, alters some
processes within the body can alter a person’s mood or cognition. Substances can
range from caffeine and alcohol to cocaine and heroin.
Drug Use:
Drugs (prescribed) can be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease.
Some drugs are used to kill bacteria and help the body recover from infections. Some
drugs assist in terminating headaches. Some drugs cross the blood–brain barrier and
affect neurotransmitter function. Drug/Substance use is as simple as it sounds: using
drugs and alcohol. This would include any kind of alcohol, marijuana, heroin,
prescription opiates, or cocaine.

Drug Misuse
The term misuse often refers to prescription drugs. It means taking a medication in a
manner or dose other than prescribed; taking someone else’s prescription, even if for a
legitimate medical complaint; or taking a medication to feel euphoria (National Institute
on Drug Abuse, 2020).

Substance misuse is used to show the difference between healthy substance use such as
drinking in moderation and unhealthy use such as drinking in excess or “binge”
drinking.

Substance abuse
means having a severe Substance Use Disorder, or being unable to stop using a
substance or substances no matter how bad the consequences, the word "abuse" implies
that the person has choice and control over their behavior (Burda, 2020).
 The main difference between a person misusing drugs and a person abusing drugs is the
intent behind their usage. Someone may use drugs as they are not intended to achieve a
goal – staying awake longer, numbing pain, etc, whereas someone who abuses drugs is
looking to elicit certain feelings and fulfill a craving for substance.

Lifestyle drugs
The term lifestyle drug is used to describe medicines that are used to cure ‘lifestyle
illness’ which are actually the diseases that arise through these called ‘lifestyle choices’
and these are drugs of choice which are believed to improve life, function, and
appearance. These drugs treat none threatening and non-painful conditions like baldness,
impotence, wrinkles or acne which a person perceives as either non-medical problem at
all or minor medical problem relative to others. Even though some of these lifestyle
drugs could be helpful for us to improve our health perhaps as preventive measures, they
are not considered curative or life-saving in the same senses as other prescription drugs
are. Anyone can become dependent on and addicted to a drug. The desire to use a drug
before drug dependence (addiction) sets in is both seductive and indiscriminate of its
users. Most people do not realize that drug use causes at least three major simultaneous
changes:

i. The social and psychological basis of the attraction to a particular drug can be explained
as feeling rewarded or satisfied because social pressures can appear to have become
postponed, momentarily rectified, or neutralized and defined as nonproblematic.
ii. The non-medical use of most drugs alters body chemistry largely by interfering with its
proper (homeostatic) functioning. Drugs enhance, slow down, accelerate, or distort the
reception and transmission of reality.
iii. The desire may satisfy an inborn or genetically programmed need or desire.

REFERNCES

American College of Preventive Medicine. Lifestyle Medicine—Evidence Review.

2016.

Ford ES, Bergmann MM, Kröger J, et al. Healthy living is the best revenge: findings
from the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam
study. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(15):1355–1362.

Mozaffarian D, Wilson PW, Kannel WB. Beyond established and novel risk factors:
lifestyle risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Circulation. 2008;117(23):3031–3038.
Naidoo, J., & Wills, J. (2009) Foundations for health promotion. 3rd ed. Edinburgh:
Baillière Tindall/Elsevier, pp.3-15
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, June.) Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research
Report. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-
drugs/overview

Otto, M. W., et all (2006). Exercise interventions for mental health: A quantitative and
qualitative review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 13(2),

Sussman S, Ames SL. Concept of Drugs, Drug Use, Misuse, and Abuse. In: Drug Abuse:
Concepts, Prevention, and Cessation. Cambridge Studies on Child and Adolescent
Health. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2008: 3-17.
Doi:10.1017/CBO9780511500039.002
World Health Organization. Promoting mental health: concepts, emerging evidence,
practice (Summary Report) Geneva: World Health Organization; 2004.

World Health Organization (1948). Summary Reports on Proceedings Minutes and Final
Acts of the International Health Conference held in New York from 19 June to 22 July
1946.
 FIRST AID & EMERGENCY GUIDE
First aid refers to the emergency or immediate care you should provide when a
person is injured or ill until full medical treatment is available. The decision to act
appropriately with first aid can mean the difference between life and death. The
first step in any emergency is the recognition of the problem and providing help.
SCENE SAFETY
Assessing the safety of the surroundings is critical when approaching any scene.
You do not want to become another person who is injured or ill so look for any
potential dangers. Remove the person from any dangers, such as presence of water
at the scene. Be especially alert to avoid danger from automobile traffic.
HANDWASHING AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR
Handwashing is essential in the prevention of disease and illness. Wash your
hands after each episode of care and after taking off gloves. When a sink is not
available, use hand sanitizers. (Most hand sanitizers are alcohol based and are a
substitute for handwashing when needed.)
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)
CPR is a vital and essential skill that can save someone’s life. The two key
elements of CPR are pressing on the chest, also called compressions, and providing
breaths. Any child past puberty is treated with adult CPR. Young children and
infants require special considerations for CPR.
ADULT CPR: CPR is comprised of chest compressions, airway management, and
rescue breathing. To deliver high-quality CPR, you must begin high-quality chest
compressions quickly, as these are considered the most important factor in giving
the person a chance to recover. Compressing the chest circulates blood to the brain
and the heart. High-quality chest compressions are delivered at a rate between 100
to 120 beats per minute and at a depth between 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm).
Children CPR: Children have breathing difficulties more often than they have
actual heart problems. Therefore, it is important to begin CPR quickly and perform
five sets of CPR for one rescuer or ten sets of CPR for two rescuers before going to
get additional help. One set of CPR for one rescuer consists of 30 compressions
and two breaths, and one set of CPR for two rescuers consists of 15 compressions
and two breaths.

FIRST AID BOX (KIT)

Consider purchasing a commercially available first aid kit or making your own.
Having one available around the house, in your car, and at your place of work is
essential.
Common items found in a first aid kit are:
 Bandages, roller bandages, and tape
 Sterile Gauze
 Antiseptic wipes and swabs
 Absorbent compresses
 Antibiotic cream
 Burn ointment
 Mask for breathing [rescue breathing/Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR)]
 Chemical cold pack
 Eye shield and eyewash
 First aid reference guide

Emergencies and Guide

Being able to identify, assess and treat common emergencies is crucial for
providing appropriate care and preventing further complications. Here is how to
understand and respond to certain situations
1. Heat-Related Illnesses:
Types: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache,
elevated heart rate.
Signs of Heatstroke: Hot, dry skin; confusion; rapid heart rate; nausea; vomiting;
loss of consciousness.
Response: Move the person to a cooler place.
Have them drink water or a sports drink.
Apply cool, wet cloths to their skin and fan them.
If they don’t improve or show signs of heatstroke, call emergency
services immediately.
2. Hypothermia:
Signs: Shivering, numbness, confusion, slurred speech, weak pulse,
unconsciousness.
Response: Move the person to a warm place and remove wet clothing.
Wrap them in warm blankets or clothing.
Provide warm beverages if they are conscious and able to swallow.
Seek medical help if necessary.
3. FAINTING
Fainting is a common reaction to a variety of conditions.
Causes: Individuals may faint at the sight of blood or during periods of intense
emotional stress. More serious conditions, such as an abnormal or erratic heart
rhythm, can also cause fainting. Also, severely dehydrated persons may faint when
standing up suddenly. The body’s reaction to the decreased blood flow to the brain
causes the person to pass out.
Response: By lying down, blood flow to the brain is improved. When caring for a
fainting person, do the following:
1. Ensure safety of the scene.
2. Help the person lie down.
3. Elevate their legs if possible.
4. If there is no rapid improvement or the person becomes unresponsive, Call for
medical help.
A person can also faint while seated in a chair. In this case, help them to the floor.
Be aware of the potential for injury if the person has fallen. If the person does not
quickly regain consciousness, immediately call for medical emergency. Keep in
mind that fainting can be caused by a wide range of problems, some of which can
be life-threatening. If you are unsure of the cause of fainting, Call for medical help
4. ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Signs: Itchy rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse,
confusion.
Response: If the person has an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and knows how
to use it, help them administer it.
Call emergency services immediately for severe reactions.
Assist the person into a comfortable position and offer reassurance.
If they become unresponsive and aren’t breathing, start CPR.
5. STROKE
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, is a medical emergency caused by a
blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain.
symptoms can include the following: Slurred or unintelligible speech, Facial
droop, Numbness, Weakness on one side of the body, Difficulty walking or
maintaining balance, Loss of vision, Severe headache, Loss of consciousness
Response: Stroke is a neurological emergency, so time is critical. If you suspect a
person is having a stroke, do the following:
1. Immediately Call for medical help.
2. Help the person sit or lie down.
3. Retrieve an AED and first aid kit.
4. Record the time that neurologic symptoms were noted and the last time the
person was free of symptoms.
5. Be prepared to perform CPR if needed
6. SEIZURES
Seizures result in abnormal body motion due to an irregular electrical discharge in
the brain. Seizures can involve one or both sides of the body. Many seizures result
in rhythmic jerking motions, but some seizures may result in a blank stare type of
behavior.
Signs: A victim having a seizure may fall to the ground, bite their tongue, and lose
control of bowel and bladder. Seizures are often accompanied by a brief period of
unresponsiveness.
Causes: of seizures or seizure-like activity include epilepsy, low blood sugar, head
injury or trauma, heart disease, ingestion of a toxin, or heat-related illness.
Response: When caring for a victim experiencing a seizure, do the following:
1. Help them to the ground if needed.
2. Clear the area around them to prevent injury.
3. Place a small pillow or towel under their head.
4. Call for medical help
After the seizure is over, do the following:
1. Feel the victim’s pulse. (Keep in mind that heart problems can cause seizure-like
activity.)
2. Position the victim on their side to reduce the chance of choking on vomit.
(Victims may throw up after a seizure.)
3. Stay with them until help arrives. Do not attempt to restrain a victim having a
seizure.
Also, do not try to open their mouth or put anything between their teeth. A victim
experiencing an absence or staring-type seizure will have their eyes open but will
not respond to you. These episodes are generally brief and not associated with
jerky body motion or loss of consciousness. This type of event should be treated
like any other seizure and a medical evaluation is warranted
7. Bleeding
Nose bleeding can be quite dramatic and are often messy. Be sure to wear personal
protective equipment and eye protection when attending to nosebleeds. People with
nosebleeds often swallow a fair amount of blood, which may result in vomiting.
Therefore, you should prepare for the worst. After ensuring that the scene is safe
and protective equipment is on,
Response:
Press both sides of the nostrils just below the bony portion of the nose for a
minimum of 5 to 10 minutes.
Sit upright and lean your body and your head slightly forward. This will keep the
blood from running down your throat, which can cause vomiting.
(Do NOT lay flat or put your head between your legs.) If bleeding continues, try
holding pressure for an additional 10 minutes.
If bleeding continues after this, seek further medical care. If the victim has trouble
breathing or shows signs of severe distress, Call for medical help
8. CHOKING IN ADULTS
Choking is a preventable cause of death that occurs when food or another object
gets stuck in the throat. The airway gets blocked and immediate action is needed.
The person typically only has a few minutes before they pass out. The universal
sign of choking is holding the neck with one or both hands.
TYPES: Choking can be mild or severe
DEGREE OF RESPONSIVENESS RESCUERS ACTIONS
OBSTRUCTION
Mild Obstruction • Breathing but may also • Stay with the victim, try
be wheezing to keep them calm
• Coughing and making • Encourage them to
noise cough
• Call for medical help if
the person does not clear
the obstruction or seems
to be getting worse

Severe Obstruction • Clutching the neck • Use abdominal thrusts

(universal sign of to attempt to remove the
choking) obstruction
• Weak or no cough • Call for medical help
• Unable to make noise • Begin CPR if victim
 or talk; may make high- becomes unresponsive
pitched noise
• Little or no breathing
• Appears cyanotic (blue
around lips and
fingertips)

RELIEF OF CHOKING: Abdominal Thrusts for Adolescents and Adults

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist under the
ribcage
2. Put your fist above the person’s navel in the middle of the belly
3. With your other hand, hold the first fist and press forcefully into the abdomen
and up toward their chest
4. Continue performing thrusts until the obstruction is relieved or until the person
becomes unresponsive. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR.
Very large persons or pregnant women can be treated with chest thrusts. In this
case, do the following: Wrap both arms around the person. Pull your arms straight
back to deliver the chest thrusts

CHOKING IN CHILDREN
Choking can be mild or severe. If the child can make sounds and cough, the airway
is mildly blocked. Stand near them and encourage them to cough. Call for medical
help immediately if you are worried about their breathing. Severe signs of
blockage include the inability to breathe, coughing without making a sound,
inability to speak, or the universal choking sign. In any of these cases, immediate
action is required. The Table below will help determine whether the choking is
mild or severe.
DEGREE OF CHILD’S RESPONSE RESCUER’S ACTIONS
OBSTRUCTION
Mild Obstruction • Breathing but may also • Stay with the child and
be wheezing try to keep them calm
• Coughing and making
noise
 • Call for medical help if
the obstruction is not
cleared quickly
• Encourage them to
cough
Severe Obstruction • Weak or no cough • Act fast
• Clutching the neck • Follow the steps for
(universal sign of relief of choking for child
choking)
• Unable to make noise
or makes high-pitched
noise
• Little or no breathing
• Appears cyanotic (blue
around lips and
fingertips)

RELIEF OF CHOKING
Use abdominal thrusts learned in the adult section for children who are choking. To
relieve choking in a child, do the following:
1. Ask if they are choking.
2. Tell them you will help.
3. Stand behind them and wrap your arms around their body below the rib cage
4. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel.
5. Grab the fist with your other hand and deliver quick upward thrusts
6. Continue until the obstruction comes out and breathing is possible, coughing or
speaking is restored, or until the child stops responding.
If you can see a foreign object in the child’s mouth and can easily remove it, do so.
Avoid blindly sweeping the mouth with a finger as it may push the object deeper
into the airway. Watch and feel for breathing to begin. If the child does not respond
or begin breathing, begin CPR and continue to provide it until additional help
arrives. Large children may require chest thrusts if you cannot wrap your arms
fully around the waist. In this case, perform abdominal thrusts with your fist on the
breastbone. Any child who has had a severe choking event should see a doctor. If
the child stops responding, lay them down and yell for help. Check for breathing
and begin CPR. After 15 compressions, open the airway and look for a foreign
object. If visible, remove it and attempt to give a breath. Continue CPR until the
child recovers or more advanced help arrives.

8. General Response Guidelines to emergency:

 Stay with the person and keep them calm.
 Call the local emergency number if the situation is severe or worsening.
 Offer comfort and assistance while waiting for medical professionals to
arrive.
 If the person becomes unresponsive, initiate CPR if trained and continue
until help arrives.
 Understanding the signs and appropriate responses to these situations can
make a significant difference in providing effective aid and ensuring the
person’s well-being.
 Always prioritize safety and seek medical help when needed.

REFERENCES
Karl Disqur 2021. CPR AED & First Aid provider Handbook 2020-2025
guidelines and standards