Restaurant Choking Emergency Protocol (SOP): When to Use the ArixMed Choking Rescue Device
A choking emergency in a restaurant is different from choking at home: the environment is noisy, people panic, and staff can lose precious seconds trying to “find someone who knows what to do.”
This SOP is built for speed, clarity, and coordinated action.
Important: In any suspected choking emergency, call your local emergency number and follow local first-aid guidance. This SOP supports coordination and preparedness.
A realistic restaurant choking scenario
Saturday night. A guest takes a bite of steak, laughs at a joke, and then suddenly goes quiet. They stand up quickly, hands at the throat, wide-eyed. A friend asks, “Are you okay?”—no answer. A server hesitates, then runs toward the kitchen to find a manager. Someone says “Heimlich!” but no one is sure who should do what. The room gets crowded.
This is exactly why restaurants need a restaurant choking emergency protocol—and why the team should know when to transition from standard maneuvers to a choking rescue device for restaurants like ArixMed.
Recognize choking quickly
Treat it as urgent when a guest has:
- Inability to speak or make sound
- Weak or silent cough
- Visible distress or hands to throat
- No air movement and rapid worsening
If you are unsure, activate the SOP and call emergency services.
The Restaurant Decision Tree
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Call emergency services immediately
Do not wait to "see if it passes."
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Start standard first-aid maneuvers per local guidance
For example (as appropriate by age and local guidance): back blows and/or abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).
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If standard maneuvers are unsuccessful OR cannot be performed—use ArixMed immediately
ArixMed Choking First Aid Device is intended to be used when standard first-aid maneuvers are unsuccessful or cannot be performed, including for vulnerable individuals (infants, seniors, wheelchair users).
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Continue following dispatcher instructions until EMS arrives
This decision tree is the heart of the SOP—and the reason you keep ArixMed on-site.
The 60-Second Restaurant Choking SOP (Print This)
Step 1 — Activate response (0–10 seconds)
- Call your local emergency number now.
- State the restaurant name, address, and closest entrance.
Step 2 — Assign roles (10–20 seconds)
Role A: Caller — stays on the phone with dispatch and follows instructions.
Role B: Responder (trained staff) — begins standard first-aid maneuvers per local guidance. If maneuvers are unsuccessful or not feasible, transitions to ArixMed.
Role C: Runner — retrieves the ArixMed Choking Rescue Device from its designated location.
Role D: Scene Lead (manager/lead server) — clears space, controls crowd, and keeps a path open for paramedics.
Step 3 — Use ArixMed when standard maneuvers fail or cannot be performed (20–60 seconds)
- Select the appropriate mask.
- Create a secure seal over the mouth and nose.
- Operate the device as instructed to generate suction.
- Continue to follow dispatcher instructions until EMS arrives.
Where to store ArixMed (so staff can grab it fast)
If it takes more than 30 seconds to retrieve, it’s stored wrong.
Recommended locations (choose at least one):
- Host stand (always staffed)
- Bar station (central and accessible)
- Manager station or server alley (fast staff access)
For large venues (multiple rooms or floors), consider one ArixMed per zone to eliminate distance delays.
Training plan that restaurants actually follow
Minimum cadence:
- Onboarding (new hires): SOP + where ArixMed is stored + who calls emergency services
- Monthly (3 minutes): pre-shift scenario—who is Caller/Runner/Responder
- Quarterly (10 minutes): timed drill (retrieve ArixMed under 30 seconds + role assignment)
2-minute drill script
“Guest at table 12 is silent and clutching throat.”
- Who calls?
- Who responds with standard maneuvers?
- Who runs for ArixMed?
- Who clears space?
Repeat until it becomes automatic.
Add ArixMed to your restaurant emergency kit
If your restaurant is building a serious choking response checklist, ArixMed is designed to be the next step when standard maneuvers are unsuccessful or cannot be performed.
For multi-location or bulk setups: email service@arixmed.com (include venue type, seating capacity, number of locations, and desired deployment timeline).
Manager checklist
- Emergency number and address posted at host stand and bar
- Staff know who is the Caller on each shift
- ArixMed storage location labeled and accessible
- ArixMed can be retrieved in under 30 seconds
- Monthly micro-drill completed
- Quarterly drill scheduled and logged
Restaurant FAQ
Q: What should a restaurant do first when a guest is choking?
A: Call your local emergency number immediately and follow local first-aid guidance. Then activate your roles (Caller/Responder/Runner/Scene Lead).
Q: When should we use the ArixMed Choking Rescue Device?
A: Use ArixMed when standard first-aid maneuvers (e.g., back blows/abdominal thrusts per local guidance) are unsuccessful or cannot be performed.
Q: Can staff practice before an emergency?
A: Yes—see: https://arixmed.com/pages/faq#practice-training
Q: How do we clean it after use?
A: See: https://arixmed.com/pages/faq#reusable-cleaning
