PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CHOKING IN THE ELDERLY: HEALTH EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY

Abstract

Choking is one of the most frequent emergencies among the elderly and can lead to asphyxia and death if not recognized and treated promptly. Lack of knowledge on how to act in these situations remains a common problem. The objective of this study was to promote health education focused on the prevention and proper management of choking in the elderly. The methodology was based on an educational intervention through an extension activity, conducted at the Centro Municipal Bolívar de Abreu, in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim/ES, with direct engagement of elderly individuals and caregivers. The activity involved 21 elderly participants. Among the interviewees, 42.9% had previously witnessed a choking episode; 52.4% reported not knowing the correct way to act in a choking event, and 66.7% were unaware of the Heimlich maneuver. After the intervention, 71.4% felt more confident to perform the procedure in an emergency. The educational action demonstrated a positive impact on expanding knowledge about the management of foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), particularly regarding the importance of the Heimlich maneuver. It is evident that public space interventions are effective strategies for raising awareness, reinforcing the role of health professionals and students in disseminating accessible information about basic life support, thereby contributing to the prevention of choking-related mortality.