Quick Answer
Choking response techniques are crucial for self-administered first aid. When a person is choking, they may cough, clutch at their throat, or become unable to speak, breathe, or make sounds. A prompt response can save their life.
Choking Response Techniques for Adults
When a person is choking, try the following steps: (1) Encourage them to cough to dislodge the object. (2) If the object does not dislodge, perform the five back slaps in a downward motion between the shoulder blades. (3) If the object still does not dislodge, attempt the abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver. Place one hand in the middle of the person’s abdomen, just above the belly button, and give five quick thrusts. (4) Repeat the back slaps and abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.
Choking Response Techniques for Infants
When an infant is choking, follow these steps: (1) Support the infant’s head and neck with one hand and use the other hand to perform five back slaps in a downward motion between the shoulder blades. (2) If the object does not dislodge, turn the infant over to face down on your forearm with their head lower than their body. (3) Place the heel of your hand just above the infant’s stomach and give five quick thrusts upward and inward to help dislodge the object. Repeat the back slaps and abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged.
Choking Response Techniques for Children
When a child is choking, follow these steps: (1) Encourage them to cough to dislodge the object. (2) If the object does not dislodge, for children aged 1-12, perform the Heimlich maneuver by placing one hand in the middle of their abdomen, just above the belly button, and giving five quick thrusts. For children under 1, support their head and neck with one hand and use the other to perform five back slaps in a downward motion between the shoulder blades.
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