First Aid for Choking

First Aid for ChokingAmerican Institute for Preventive Medicine These emergency procedures for choking, which are based on procedures recommended by the American Heart Association, are reprinted from the Home Organizer for Medical Emergencies. Copyright © 1992 by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Used with permission. Adults: Conscious Victim 1. Choking is indicated by the Universal Distress Signal (hands clutching the throat). 2. If the victim can speak, cough or breathe, do not interfere. If the victim cannot speak, cough or breathe, give abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver). Reach around the victim's waist. Position one clenched fist above navel and below rib cage. Grasp fist with other hand. Pull the clenched fist sharply and directly backward and upward under the rib cage 6 to 10 times quickly. In case of extreme obesity or late pregnancy, give chest thrusts. Stand behind victim. Place thumb of left fist against middle of breastbone, not below it. Grab fist with right hand. Squeeze chest 4 times quickly. 3. Continue uninterrupted until the obstruction is relieved or advanced life support is available. In either case, the victim should be examined by a physician as soon as possible. If Victim Becomes Unconscious 1. Position victim on back, arms by side. 2. Shout for "Help". Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. 3. Perform finger sweep to try to remove the foreign body. 4. Perform rescue breathing. If unsuccessful, give 6-10 abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver). 5. Repeat sequence: perform finger sweep, attempt rescue breathing, perform abdominal thrusts, until successful. 6. Continue uninterrupted until obstruction is removed or advanced life support is available. When s...