Choking
Part of airway management is ensuring that the victim does not have anything lodged in their throat, preventing proper airflow to the lungs. Most individuals make the universal sign for choking by grabbing their neck with both hands as shown in the picture to the right. First and foremost, if you see an individual in distress and showing this sign, check in with them to ensure they are actually choking before performing any maneuvers. Also keep in mind that if they are coughing, still breathing, or talking, that the victim does not need the Heimlich Maneuver done. Coughing is your body's way of doing the maneuver on its own and must be given the chance to work. Once it has been established that the individual is choking, the next step is to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. This procedure is explained below, both written and in a video. It is also very important to note that if you need to perform any of these procedures listed, that someone is also contacting 911 for emergency response of professional help.
*The concepts shown below are for adult use only. Children and infants have smaller frames, therefore the procedure will vary. |
The Heimlich Maneuver
|
Below is a short video about how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.