Quick Answer
To help a choking friend in the wild, perform the Heimlich maneuver by standing behind them and wrapping your arms around their waist, then make a fist with one hand and grasp it with the other, pulling upward and inward to dislodge the obstruction. If the person is unable to stand, place them on their back and perform the abdominal thrusts. For infants, use the chest thrusts by placing them on their back and using two fingers to press inward.
Assessing the Situation
When a friend is choking, it’s essential to act quickly and assess the situation to determine the best course of action. If the person is conscious and able to speak, they may be able to cough or make other sounds to indicate that they need help. However, if they’re unconscious, unresponsive, or unable to speak, perform the Heimlich maneuver immediately.
Performing the Heimlich Maneuver
To perform the Heimlich maneuver, stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and grasp it with the other, with your fist positioned just above the person’s navel. Then, using your other hand, pull upward and inward to apply force to the diaphragm and dislodge the obstruction. Repeat this motion five to ten times, or until the object is dislodged.
Special Considerations
For infants under one year old, use the chest thrusts by placing them on their back and using two fingers to press inward on the center of their chest. This motion should be repeated five to ten times, or until the object is dislodged. If the infant is still unresponsive after the chest thrusts, call for emergency assistance.
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