Around 120 choking accidents every year
Suffocation is the second most common cause of death in Switzerland after falls, both in the home and during leisure time. Nearly 120 fatal choking accidents occur each year.
More than one million Swiss residents are injured in Switzerland each year during Non-occupational accidents. More than 37,000 are seriously injured, 1350 cases result in a disability pension and almost 2400 accidents are fatal. In total, 85 % of the fatal accidents occur in Accidents in the home environment and during leisure time.
The most common cause of death is a fall - with around 1680 victims per year. This is followed by choking accidents, with around 120 deaths per year. Six out of ten times, the accident happens while eating. In 70 % of these cases, the victim was 65 years old or older.
Choking accidents are rarely recognized immediately
Only one in ten choking accidents is recognized as such, although in around two-thirds of cases the person affected is not alone. To be able to help someone, it is indispensable to know choking signs: Is the person unable to breathe or speak? Does he or she grab the throat or make panicky movements? Does the skin turn blue? If this is the case, the emergency services must be alerted immediately and their instructions followed. To avoid the Risk of suffocation the BFU recommends eating quietly and in a seated position.
Among children, three fatal choking accidents are recorded each year. Children under the age of four are almost exclusively affected. Children can choke not only on food, but also on small parts such as button cell batteries, magnets or sharp objects. In addition, swallowing can cause serious internal injuries.
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