First Aid VII

7.Choking can result in unconsciousness and


cardiopulmonary 

arrest. It is often caused by food or other foreign body lodged

 in the throat (airway). Indeed,choking caused by foreign

 body airway obstruction accounts for about 3,000 deaths

 each year. The recognition and proper management of 

choking is of key importance to safety in homes, restaurants,

 and other public places.

If you observe a “conscious” 

ADULT choking:

 -Ask, “Are you choking?”

 -If the victim can speak,

 cough, or breathe, DO NOT 

INTERFERE.

 -If the victim CANNOT speak, 

cough, or breathe, give sub 

diaphragmatic abdominal 

thrusts (the Heimlich 

maneuver) until the foreign 

body is expelled or the

 victim becomes unconscious. 

(Or in case of extreme obesity 

or late pregnancy, give chest thrusts.)

-Be persistent.

-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 the Victim 

Becomes 

Unconscious:

 -Position victim on

 back, 

arms by side.

 -Call out “Help!”

 -Perform tongue-

jaw lift and finger 

sweep to try to

 remove the 

foreign body.

 -Open airway 

(head-tilt/chin-lift),

 and attempt 

rescue breathing.

 -If unsuccessful, 

give 6-10 sub 

diaphragmatic 

abdominal thrusts 

(the Heimlich 

maneuver).

-Repeat sequence: perform finger sweep, open the airway, 

attempt rescue breathing, and 

perform abdominal thrusts — until successful.