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Keep
This year we enter the second Christmas immersed in the Covid-19 pandemic. A pandemic that has left us with serious consequences in terms of personal losses and also mental health. It has forced us to reduce our contacts and to live differently in all areas. Now, during the holidays, it is necessary to continue taking care of yourself to avoid contagion, but there are other possible dangers that should not be lost sight of. In an age when social gatherings and meals are more common than ever, it is essential to know the mechanisms for prevent or act upon choking.
In 2017, an article in the United Kingdom already pointed out that whole grapes might be dangerous food for choking, second only to treats and hot dogs.
Furthermore, in Spain it is the third leading cause of non-accidental death according to the National Institute of Statistics, following suicides and accidental falls. In this sense, the most vulnerable are the elderly and young children, who have more difficulty chewing.
Although you have to be very careful with food, you should not ignore other objects that can pose a risk in this area. Marbles, balloons, toys with small parts, pills …
In the same way, once the emergency occurs, the most important thing is to assess the situation of the affected person to try to stabilize and, very important, call the emergency services so that they come as soon as possible.
* Alejandro Blanco Aoiz, expert nurse in Emergencies and Emergencies of the General Council of Nursing.
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