Emergency & First Aid

Choking First Aid

Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In adults, a piece of food often is the culprit. Young children often swallow small objects. Because choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, administer first aid as quickly as possible. There are many emergency situations that require life saving teqniques. Therefore in any emergency situation contact your doctor or dial 911. The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat. If the person doesn't give the signal, look for these indications:

Inability to talk

Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing

Inability to cough forcefully

Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky

Loss of consciousness

If choking is occurring, begin to perform the Heimlich maneuver. If you're the only rescuer, perform the Heimlich maneuver before calling 911 (or your local emergency number) for help.
If another person is available, have that person call for help while you perform the Heimlich maneuver.

To perform the Heimlich maneuver on someone else:

Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly.

Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel.

Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust — as if trying to lift the person up. Repeat until the blockage is dislodged.

MEDmarketplace.com offers many discounted emerncy and first aid products and medical supplies at the best prices on the internet.