When Someone is Choking

Submitted by Kent Hughes

We can live for weeks without food, days without water--but only minutes without air. So, when an object gets caught in someone's throat, there is no time to lose. The Heimlich maneuver saves thousands of lives each year.

(1) Be certain the person is really choking. If he or she can talk or cough when a piece of food "goes down the wrong pipe," the person will be okay. (2) Coughing or talking means the person can breathe. Coughing is a natural way to clear the airway. (3) If, however, the person clutches his or her throat or signals with the hands without breathing or coughing, chances are the airway is blocked. (4) Ask the question, "Are you choking?" If the victim cannot talk or if the person nods, it likely means that breathing is impossible.

Here's what to do for most people: (1) Stand behind the victim. Wrap your arms around the person's waist. (2) Make a fist with one hand. Place it thumb-up about one inch above the person's belly button. (3) Grasp the fist with the other hand. With the elbows out, make a quick, upward thrust, as if you were trying to lift the person off the ground. (4) If necessary, repeat the abdominal thrust several times. The piece of food or object should pop out.

If an infant is choking: (1) If possible call 911 - or have another person call. (2) Find a chair and sit down. (3) Hold the child face-down, with the head lower than the chest. Using the heel of your hand, thump the child gently in the middle of the back up to five times. If a gentle thump doesn't dislodge the object, use a little more force. (4) You also can turn the infant over onto its back and give five chest thrusts in the center of the breastbone.

If you are choking: (1) Place your fist just above your belly button. (2) Grasp your fist with your other hand and pull your fist sharply inward and upward. Repeat if necessary. (3) If the object isn't dislodged, perform the technique with your body bent forward over a chair, railing, or other similar surface.

Faculty/Staff Bulletin--July 16, 1998