You’re in a restaurant and see someone choking on a burger, do you know what to do?  You see a child choking on a piece of candy, do you know what to do?  You’re at the beach and see someone on the chaise lounge next to you gasping for breath and looking like they can’t breathe, do you know what to do?

It’s easy to forget that being on vacation doesn’t always mean escaping from the practical side of life.

And so today’s post is sort of a public service announcement.  A reminder of something that is important to know whether you are traveling or at home.  I urge everyone to take a bit of time and pick up some basic first aid knowledge, and especially to learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

A choking victim cannot breathe, and needs you helps immediately.  If they can talk, they aren’t choking.  While the situation may progress to something more serious, if a person is able to talk and communicate with you, leave things alone.  A person who is choking will likely be grasping their throat and trying to get air, rather than talking.

If you an individual that is choking, DO NOT slap them on the back, as this could worsen the situation.  Instead, begin the Heimlich Maneuver and ask someone to call for additional help.

To perform the Heimlich Maneuver on an adult:

• Approach the victim from behind, and wrap your arms around their waist.
• Make and fist, place the thumb side of your first against the victim’s upper abdomen.  You should position the fist below the ribcage and above the navel.
• Grasp this fist with your other hand, pressing into the victim’s upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust.  (Do not squeeze the ribcage.)
• Repeat until the object causing the choking is expelled.
• Make sure that the victim seeks medical assistance right away.

Additional consideration and procedures exist for assisting an unconscious person and a child.

Basic first air training is offered by many fire and police departments, community centers, and through many work places.

Photo credit:  SXC

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