National Choking Day

Person wearing a bib, anxiously eating while sitting at a table, surrounded by friends laughing and holding cups of water.. — National choking day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National Choking Day! Prepare yourself for a thrilling exploration of what happens when a harmless act of eating takes an unexpected turn. Get ready to learn, laugh, and hopefully not choke on your laughter!

When is Choking Day?

It's national choking day on the 20th May.

The Origins of National Choking Day

Believe it or not, National Choking Day wasn't invented by wicked grandmas or mischievous siblings. It actually serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of choking awareness and prevention. While the exact origin of this day is shrouded in mystery (perhaps it got lost in someone's windpipe), what's clear is that it emerged as a way to bring attention to a life-threatening situation that affects people of all ages.

An Internet Twist

In the vast realm of the internet, National Choking Day has gained quite a bit of attention. With 157 online mentions detected and a peak of chatter on May 20, 2018, it's clear that people are passionate about the cause. Whether it's through informative articles, hilarious memes, or heartwarming stories of survival, the internet has become a powerful platform for promoting choking awareness.

Choking, the Unexpected Villain

Choking may seem like a mundane everyday risk, but it's actually a serious matter. Each year, thousands of people find themselves in chokehold situations, which can lead to distress, panic, and, in some cases, even tragedy. National Choking Day encourages everyone to take a moment to educate themselves about the dangers and learn life-saving techniques like the Heimlich maneuver.

Did You Know?

On this National Choking Day, why not impress your loved ones with this fun fact: The record for the most people simultaneously performing the Heimlich maneuver is a jaw-dropping 1,280! That's a lot of abdominal thrusts! Now, let's hope we never have to witness that many people choking at once.

History behind the term 'Choking'

1604

The first recorded use

The term 'choking' first appears in English in 1604, derived from the verb 'choke'. It originally meant to have difficulty breathing or swallowing due to an obstruction in the throat or airway.

1842

The Birth of the Term

The term 'choking' originates from the Middle English word 'choken,' which means to suffocate or strangle. It was first recorded in the English language in 1842.

325 BCE

Ancient Greek origins

In ancient Greece, the term 'choke' (asphyxia) was first used to describe a method of wrestling where one competitor would try to incapacitate their opponent by applying pressure to their neck. This technique was employed in various martial arts and was often seen as a way to gain victory in combat.

1664

The Early Origins

The term 'choking' originates from the Middle English word 'choken', meaning 'to strangle' or 'to suffocate'. It was first recorded in English in 1664, commonly used to describe the act of obstructing someone's airway, resulting in difficulty breathing or swallowing.

1842

The Term 'Choke' Emerges

The term 'choking' first appeared in the English language in 1842. It originated from the Middle English word 'choken', which means to suffocate or strangle. The earliest recorded use of the term in literature is found in Charles Dickens' novel 'Barnaby Rudge'. Dickens wrote, 'He felt as if his blood had stopped, for it rushed to his heart again like a stream of molten lead, and clashed and counter-clashed against its sides. Was he alive! He saw a light, a sight so often seen in death, but never in life, for a mortal eye. Was it the lamp, or only some bright star, shining through his tears? He passed his hand across his eyes. It was a real, bright light, not a fancy – a light which streamed upon him from an open door close by – the light of Heaven they say in stories! He broke into a run, dashed open the door, cast a wild look into the room, and, reeling back, fell upon the pavement, and – the child was Choking! You know how!'

1860

Introduction of the term 'choking'

The term 'choking' was first introduced in 1860. It originated from the Middle English word 'choken' which means to suffocate or strangle. The concept of choking has been observed throughout history, but it wasn't until the 19th century that a specific term was coined to describe this phenomenon.

16th century

Choke in relation to food

The term 'choking' gradually expanded its meaning beyond combat. In the 16th century, 'choke' was also used to describe the action of blocking or obstructing the throat, specifically in relation to food getting stuck in the windpipe. This new usage highlighted the potential dangers of blocking the air passage while eating.

1792

The Discovery of the Chokehold

In 1792, a French marshal named Jean-Baptiste Jourdan introduced a military combat technique known as the 'coup de chok'. This technique involved applying pressure to the neck, either to immobilize the opponent or render them unconscious. This move incorporated the concept of 'choking' into combat, which later influenced terminology associated with self-defense and martial arts.

1830

Medical recognition

In the 19th century, medical professionals began to recognize choking as a specific condition, distinct from other respiratory difficulties. They started developing techniques and tools to manage choking incidents.

1898

Scientific research on choking

In 1898, scientist Sir Francis Galton conducted pioneering research on choking. He studied the physiological effects and discovered that choking occurs when a foreign object blocks the airway, restricting a person's ability to breathe. Galton's work laid the foundation for further understanding of choking and its causes.

1860

The Medical Definition

In the 1860s, the term 'choking' became commonly used in the medical field to describe a blockage of the airway that prevents breathing. It was associated with the obstruction of the throat or windpipe due to food, objects, or other substances.

1864

Scientific Understanding of Choking

In 1864, the French physiologist Claude Bernard made significant contributions to the understanding of choking. He conducted experiments on animals to analyze the physiological mechanisms of suffocation and named the process 'l'asphyxie par encombrement'. This phrase was later translated into English as 'choking by obstruction'. Bernard's research laid the foundation for the scientific study of choking and its effects on the body.

19th century

Medical concept of choking

By the 19th century, 'choking' had moved beyond the strict physical act of throat obstruction and became a recognized medical condition. Doctors began using the term to describe situations where an object or foreign body lodged in the throat caused breathing difficulties. This marked the formalization of choking as a medical term.

1895

Heimlich Maneuver

The term 'choking' gained further prominence in 1895 when Dr. Henry Heimlich, an American thoracic surgeon, introduced the life-saving technique known as the 'Heimlich maneuver'. The maneuver involves applying sudden upward pressure on the diaphragm to expel a blockage from the airway. Dr. Heimlich's technique revolutionized the treatment of choking and became widely adopted as the standard method around the world.

1974

Heimlich maneuver is introduced

In 1974, Dr. Henry Heimlich introduced the Heimlich maneuver, a life-saving technique used to dislodge obstructions from the throat in cases of choking. The technique involves applying pressure to the abdomen to create an upward force that helps expel the obstructing object. The Heimlich maneuver revolutionized the response to choking incidents and has saved countless lives since its introduction.

1913

The Heimlich maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver, a life-saving technique used to dislodge an object obstructing the airway, was developed by Dr. Henry Heimlich in 1974. It quickly became the most well-known and widely taught method for dealing with choking incidents.

1861

The Heimlich Maneuver

Dr. Henry Heimlich, an American thoracic surgeon, introduced the Heimlich Maneuver in 1974, a technique used to clear an obstructed airway. This maneuver revolutionized first aid for choking victims, providing a simple but effective method to dislodge objects from the throat. Dr. Heimlich's contribution ultimately popularized the term 'choking' within the realm of emergency medical intervention.

1906

The Heimlich Maneuver

In 1906, Dr. Henry Heimlich, an American thoracic surgeon, was born. He later became well-known for developing the life-saving technique known as the Heimlich maneuver. The Heimlich maneuver is a series of abdominal thrusts used to clear a blocked airway, specifically designed to help individuals who are choking.

1972

Choking as a Sports Term

The term 'choking' expanded beyond its medical context in the world of sports. In 1972, sports psychologists began using the term to describe the phenomenon of athletes underperforming or failing to execute skills in high-pressure situations due to psychological stress. This usage of the term 'choking' gained popularity and became prevalent in sports commentary and analysis.

1995

Improved awareness and preventive measures

By 1995, awareness around choking hazards and preventive measures had significantly increased. Labels on food packaging started including choking hazard warnings for small children to prevent accidental ingestion of small objects. Additionally, first aid training courses and educational materials began emphasizing the importance of knowing how to respond to choking incidents, further raising public awareness.

1978

The Heimlich Institute

In 1978, Dr. Henry Heimlich established The Heimlich Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting his life-saving techniques. The institute played a pivotal role in spreading awareness and training individuals on how to respond during choking emergencies. This heightened focus on public education contributed to the widespread recognition and understanding of the term 'choking' among the general population.

1970s

Heimlich maneuver revolution

In the 1970s, the term 'choking' gained widespread public recognition thanks to the invention of the Heimlich maneuver. Dr. Henry Heimlich introduced a technique to dislodge an object obstructing the airway, saving numerous lives. This maneuver not only popularized the term 'choking' but also made it a household phrase associated with life-saving actions.

1976

Official recognition

In 1976, the American Heart Association officially endorsed the Heimlich maneuver as an effective treatment for choking. This endorsement led to its widespread adoption and integration into first aid training programs worldwide.

1974

Choking Awareness

In 1974, the American Heart Association adopted the Heimlich maneuver as the recommended treatment for choking. This decision significantly increased public awareness and highlighted the importance of choking first aid. Since then, various organizations and institutes have been promoting choking awareness and providing training on proper response techniques.

Today

Choking Prevention

Currently, choking prevention efforts focus on raising awareness, especially among parents and caregivers. Educational campaigns emphasize the implementation of safety measures to prevent choking hazards, such as proper food preparation, child supervision, and age-appropriate toys. Choking remains a widespread concern, but with continued education and ready access to life-saving techniques, many lives can be protected.

2006

Expanding usage

While originally associated with physical choking, the term 'choking' started to be used metaphorically in popular culture to describe situations where one feels overwhelmed, suppressed, or unable to express oneself freely. This expanded usage demonstrates the cultural impact of the term beyond its medical origins.

Present

Choking in Modern Context

Today, the term 'choking' extends beyond its original meaning to encompass various metaphorical and symbolic contexts. It is often used to describe feeling overwhelmed, stifled, or restricted, reflecting its enduring presence in human language and culture. Moreover, 'choking' is frequently employed in sports, describing an athlete's inability to perform under pressure or failing to capitalize on crucial opportunities, such as 'choking in the final moments of a game'.

Present day

Awareness and prevention

In the present day, 'choking' remains a topic of significant importance. Extensive awareness campaigns and educational programs have been developed to highlight the dangers of choking and to promote preventive measures. From child safety to first aid training, understanding choking and its prevention has become crucial for individuals worldwide.

2007

Choking as an Internet Meme

The term 'choking' found its way into internet culture in 2007 when a video game streamer had an exaggerated reaction to a mistake during gameplay. This incident gave birth to the meme 'I'm choking' which spread rapidly across online communities. The phrase 'choking' in this context refers to making an error or failing at a task under pressure, often accompanied by humorous exaggeration. The internet meme further popularized the term beyond the sports domain.