FIRST AID
CHOKING
OBSTRUCTED AIRWAY TECHNIQUES FOR ADULTS (AGES 9 AND OVER)
The Emergency Preparedness Department encourages you to take a first aid class to learn the proper techniques for assisting choking victims. Contact your local hospital for course offerings. These first aid instructions are intended only as a refresher to a course you have already taken. CONSCIOUS VICTIM STANDING 1. RECOGNIZE CHOKING SIGNS
Choking victims will have severe difficulty speaking, breathing, coughing and may be wheezing with a highpitched noise. Ask if he or she is choking. If able to speak or cough effectively, do not interfere. 2. IF CHOKING—ADMINISTER THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER
Stand or kneel behind victim and wrap arms around child’s waist. Make a fist with one hand. Place thumb side of fist into abdomen above navel and below rib cage. Grasp fist with other hand and press backward with 6-10 quick thrusts until the object becomes dislodged or the victim becomes unconscious. 3. IF PREGNANT OR OBESE—ADMINISTER THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER
Stand behind victim, placing arms under victim’s armpits and encircle chests. Place thumb side of fist on the middle of the breastbone. Grasp fist with other hand and press backward with 6-10 quick thrusts until the object becomes dislodged or the victim becomes unconscious.
VICTIM LYING CONSCIOUS OR UNCONSCIOUS 1. CHECK IF CONSCIOUS OR UNCONSCIOUS
Gently tap and shake shoulders to determine if the child is OK. If unresponsive, call out for “Help!” Tell someone to call 911. 2. POSITION VICTIM CAREFULLY ON BACK
If victim is lying face down, roll child flat onto back. Supporting the head, neck and torso, carefully turn the child as a unit without twisting. 3. OPEN AIRWAY. CHECK FOR BREATHING
Apply downward pressure with hand on forehead and gently lift with other hand, just under the chin. Place ear close to child’s mouth and nose. LOOK for rise and fall of chest. LISTEN and FEEL for breathing. 4. ATTEMPT TO VENTILATE
Keeping head tilted and airway open, pinch the child’s nose with thumb and index finger. Cover child’s mouth and attempt to get air into the lungs. CHILDREN UNDER 9 FINGER SWEEP FOR FOREIGN OBJECT
Open the child’s mouth by grasping tongue and lower jaw, then lift. If foreign object can be seen, insert index finger of other hand along cheek deep in mouth. Using a hooked finger, try to dislodge object. If unsuccessful, reattempt to ventilate.
TERREBONNE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
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