Man, 58, chokes to death on noodles

A 58-year-old chronically-ill man died after choking on instant noodles early yesterday.

The man, Poon, 58, collapsed in a unit in Heng Fa Chuen on Shing Tai Road, Chai Wan, apparently due to choking on food, a police spokesman said.

Police received the report at 6.28am yesterday from his domestic helper. It is understood that he was eating instant noodles with toppings.

Poon was taken to Pamela Younde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in an unconscious state and declared dead.

It is understood Poon had a record of heart disease and hypertension.

Poon's death came after two people died from choking on food in October, including a seven-year-old Pakistani girl who choked on jelly.

The girl was sent to Queen Mary Hospital in an unconscious state from Chiu Sheung School on October 20. She died eight days later.

A 58-year-old woman who choked on siu mai at her home in Kwai Chung Estate was declared dead on October 25, two days after being sent to Yan Chai Hospital in Tsuen Wan.

A Hong Kong Red Cross Facebook post from 2018 stated that choking could be caused by swallowing large amounts of food.

Eating while laughing and talking could also lead to food obstructing the airway.

As of last night, authorities have yet to announce the actual cause of Poon's death.

Chan Ngai-yin, immediate past president of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, said there could be several possible reasons for Poon's death, such as a heart attack or sudden stroke.

"While swallowing, the airway will temporarily close from the esophagus. This coordination in swallowing would be poorer for people of old age or those who have previously had a stroke," Chan said.

Anyone who sees someone choking is recommended to encourage the person to keep coughing and stay close to monitor them, according to the Fire Services Department's website.

If a person is unable to cough as the airway is completely obstructed, 999 should be called and the Heimlich Maneuver can also be performed.

According to the Fire Services Department website, the person should stand behind the patient and wrap his or her waist with both arms. Then a fist should be made, with the thumb facing toward the patient, and the other hand grasping the fist.

Both hands should be placed slightly above the navel and repeatedly thrust upward and inward against the patient's abdomen with force.

Fire Services Department posted a Facebook post last year to remind people, especially the elderly, to take small bites and eat slowly to prevent choking.