Step First Aid for Choking

Sometimes inadvertently, children and adults ingestforeign objects. So, what to do? If an adult or child swallowing foreign objects, which can be done is to see a doctor as soon as possible.

If foreign objects that cause choking, and must be helped as soon as possible before they can contact a doctor, the American Red Cross recommends the procedure "five-and-five" as first aid. What can be done to these as suggested Mayoclinic.com are:

1.    Give 5 blows / a pat on the back. First, give five blows between the shoulder blades choking person by using the heel of the hand.

2.     Give 5 times poke / stomach encouragement. Perform five belly poke movement (also known as the Heimlich maneuver).

3.      Perform the procedure as an alternative until the blockage is gone.

If you're just alone, do back blows and abdominal poke before calling the local emergency assistance. If there are other people with you, ask the person to call emergency medical assistance while you perform first aid.

The American Heart Association does not recommend the technique back blows, abdominal impulse procedure only. You do not need to perform back blows technique if you have not studied the technique.

How the time to do the Heimlich maneuver on someone else? Do the following:

1.   Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around his waist, and push the person forward slightly.

2.      Make a fist with one hand. Position fist above your navel choking person.

3.      Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick push towards the top - as if you're trying to lift someone up.

4.      Perform a total of 5 poke stomach if necessary. If the obstruction (choke) still occurs, repeat the cycle of five-and-five.

A modified version of this technique are sometimes taught to be used in pregnant and obese people. Rescuer will put his hand in the middle of the chest to squeeze (compress), rather than on the abdomen of pregnant / obesity.

Perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself can be done even though you might find it difficult to hit the back of his own. Do a belly poke technique to dislodge objects that cause choking:

1.      Place a fist slightly above the navel.

2.      Grasp your fist with your other hand while bending on a hard surface (table or chair).

3.      Shove your fist inward and upward.