Caitlin Nelson, a member of Kappa Delta sorority, died three days later.
Choking deaths arent uncommon, but experts do say it’s atypical for young people to die from choking.
According tolocal reports, Nelson started choking after eating “four or five” pancakes.
On Sunday, thousands of people gathered at a candlelight vigil in Caitlin Nelson’s honor at Sacred Heart University’s chapel.
Witnesses called for help after Nelson began shaking uncontrollably and fell to the ground.
While waiting, a nursing student realized Nelson’s pulse was dropping and administered CPR.
Police officers arrived at the scene minutes after the 911 call, according to theWashington Post.
Nelson was hospitalized, and she passed away on Sunday.
She had multiplefood allergies, and it’s unclear if that contributed to her choking and her death.
An autopsy is still pending, theConnecticut Postreports.
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According to theNational Safety Council, 5,051 people died from choking in 2015.
But approximately 56 percent of those deaths occurred in people over the age of 74.
Living alone, as well as having dentures or difficulty swallowing, can increase the risk of choking.
But food-eating contests can also increase the risk of choking, and Ferreira doesn’t recommend people participate.
It’s not going to seal off and youre going to aspirate some of the food."
If the airway is fully blocked, it prevents oxygen from reaching the brainand that’s a dangerous situation.
It may seem obvious, but its important to know how to spot if someone is choking while eating.
To help someone choking, Ferreira refers to theRed Cross’s “five-and-five” approach.
If that doesnt work, give five abdominal thruststhe Heimlich maneuver.
Then, let first responders attempt other techniques.
If that doesn’t work,perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself.
Bottom line: Be vigilant when eating, and know how to help others if and when someone chokes.
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