BY MWANAHABARI REPORTER
A harmless school eating competition turned tragic after one of the competitors, a Standard Eight student, chocked to death.
The competition had been organized at the Sikura Primary School, in Butula, Busia County.
According to witnesses, several students and teachers gathered at the school – for the much hyped competition.
The event attracted a number of competitors – among them 16-year-old Harison Oduor.
Oduor is said to have stuffed large chunks of bread inside his mouth – before attempting to swallow even as other students cheered.
Suddenly, Oduor stood up, his hands grabbing his neck.
Those present tried to help him in vain – before the young student collapsed and passed out.
He was subsequently rushed to Bulwani private hospital – but was unfortunately declared dead after several attempts to resuscitate him.
Doctors said that a lamp of bread had stuck inside his throat.
Teacher almost chocked on bread
In January 2020 – a teacher from Kipkelion, Kericho County, almost choked to death while taking part in a eating completion.
The teacher had intended to win a a new mobile phone in the competition. The teacher is said to have bit more bread than he could chew – and began choking on it – as others cheered.
It took the intervention of his colleagues to save him – by hitting the back of his neck forcing him to spit the load of bread.
The competition took a small break but went on after the organizers changed the rules of the game and included soda to help contestants wash down mikate.
What to do when you choke on food
Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, which prevents one from breathing. It can cause a simple coughing, or complete blockage of the airway which may lead to death. Choking is a true medical emergency that requires fast, appropriate action by anyone available.
Signs that an adult is chocking
- Coughing or gagging
- Hand signals and panic (sometimes pointing to the throat)
- Sudden inability to talk
- Clutching the throat
- Wheezing
- Passing out
- Turning blue
Signs that a child is chocking
- Difficulty breathing
- Weak cry,
- weak cough
What should you do to help
Ask the person if they are chocking and observe their reaction. If they answer you by talking, then it could be a partial airway obstruction. So, simply encourage them to cough until it clears. It is advisable that you don’t give the person anything to drink a liquids may take up space needed for the air passage.
If the person cannot talk, and only gestures, then it means they are experiencing complete airway obstruction – and therefore need emergency help.
- Call for help if you have an emergency number
- Lean the person forward and give 5 back blows with the heel of your hand.
- Give 5 quick, upward abdominal thrust
- Continue alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts until: The obstructing object is forced out, the person can breathe or cough forcefully.
- If the person becomes unconscious, then call for help if not already done.