First Aid for Choking

FOR CONSCIOUS VICTIM:

If victim can cough, speak, or breath...Do not interfere.

If victim cannot cough, speak, or breathe, have someone call for help!

Phone: 911

TAKE ACTION!

PERFORM THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER

1. Stand behind the victim.

2. Wrap arms around the victim's waist.

3. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the victim's abdomen in the midline slightly above the navel and well below the xiphoid..

XIPHOID: The third and lowest segment of the human sternum.

4. Grasp fist with the other hand.

5. Press into the victim's abdomen with quick upward thrusts. . Each thrust should be distinct and delivered with the intent of relieving the airway obstruction. . No pressure should be exerted against the rib cage with the rescurer's forearms. Repeat thrusts until object is expelled or the victim becomes unconscious.

CAUTION: Abdominal thrust may cause injury. Do not practise on people.

In cooperation with the American Red Cross. Take a class with the ARC.