Choking is usually caused by food or an object stuck in the windpipe. A person who is choking cannot talk, cough, or breath, and may turn blue or dusky. This maneuver can help dislodge the food or object. WARNING--Do not begin the choking rescue procedure unless you are certain that the person is choking.
If the person who is choking is sitting or standing:
o Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around his or her waist. If the person is standing, place one of your feet between the person's legs so you can support the person's body if he or she loses consciousness.
o Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist against the person's abdomen, just above the navel but well below the breastbone.
o Grasp your fist with the other hand. Give a quick upward thrust into the person's abdomen. This may cause the object to pop out.
0 Repeat thrusts until the object pops out or the person loses consciousness.
o If you choke while you are alone, do abdominal thrusts on yourself by leaning over the back of a chair and pressing forcefully to pop out the object.
o If the person choking loses consciousness, gently lower him or her to the ground. Call 911
o Begin standard CPR, including chest compressions.
o Each time the airway is opened during CPR, look for an object in the mouth and throat. If you see an object, remove it.
o Do not perform blind finger sweeps.
o Do not perform abdominal thrusts.
o Continue performing CPR until the person is breathing on his or her own or until an ambulance arrives.
