First Aid

prophylaxisteam
Oct 25, 2015
2 min read

# Choking: First aid (Heimlich maneuver)

Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In adults, a piece of food often is the culprit. Young children often swallow small objects. Because choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, administer first aid as quickly as possible.

The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat. If the person doesn't give the signal, look for these indications:

1. Inability to talk 2. Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing 3. Inability to cough forcefully 4. Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky 5. Loss of consciousness

To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on someone else:

STEPS (See image)

1. Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly.

2. Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel.

3. Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust — as if trying to lift the person up.

4. Perform a total of 5 abdominal thrusts, if needed. If the blockage still isn't dislodged, repeat the five-and-five cycle.

To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on yourself:

First, if you're alone and choking, call your local emergency number immediately. Then, although you'll be unable to effectively deliver back blows to yourself, you can still perform abdominal thrusts to dislodge the item.

STEPS (See image)

1. Place a fist slightly above your navel.

2. Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface — a countertop or chair will do.

3. Shove your fist inward and upward.

PROPHYLAXIS TEAM