If you're choking, the primary goal is to dislodge the obstruction from your airway. If you are choking and alone and cannot perform abdominal thrusts on yourself, lean over a hard surface like a chair or railing to try and dislodge the object. If you witness someone choking, here's what you should do:
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Assess the Situation: Is the person able to cough or speak? If they are coughing forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing. This is the most effective way to dislodge an object. If they cannot cough, speak, or breathe, they need immediate assistance.
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Call for Help: If possible, have someone call emergency services (911 in the US) immediately.
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Administer Back Blows:
- Stand slightly behind the person and to one side.
- Support their chest with one hand.
- Bend them forward at the waist so the airway is parallel to the ground.
- Deliver five firm back blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your other hand. The goal is to create a sharp jolt that dislodges the object.
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Perform Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver): If back blows are ineffective:
- Stand behind the person.
- Wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the middle of their abdomen, slightly above the navel and below the rib cage.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand.
- Give five quick, upward and inward thrusts. Each thrust should be a distinct attempt to dislodge the object.
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Alternate Back Blows and Abdominal Thrusts: Continue alternating five back blows with five abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged, or the person becomes unresponsive.
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If the person becomes unresponsive:
- Carefully lower them to the ground.
- Begin CPR. Chest compressions can sometimes dislodge the object.
- Check the mouth for the object before giving rescue breaths. If you see the object, carefully remove it.
Important Considerations:
- Pregnant women or obese individuals: Instead of abdominal thrusts, perform chest thrusts. Wrap your arms around their chest and give quick, inward thrusts to the sternum.
- Infants (under 1 year old): Do not perform abdominal thrusts. Instead, hold the infant face down over your forearm, supporting their jaw and chest. Give five back blows. Then, turn the infant face up and give five chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.
- If you are choking and alone: Attempt to perform abdominal thrusts on yourself. If you cannot, lean over a hard edge, such as a chair or railing, and thrust your abdomen against it.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek professional medical attention in the event of a choking emergency.
