How to Recognize When to Perform CPR on a Choking Victim

When a choking victim has his airway completely blocked by a foreign object, he will not be able to breathe at all. This means that he will not be able to speak or cough, though he may still be conscious. However, if the situation persists for a significant amount of time, the loss of air will eventually cause the victim to lose consciousness. You will need to recognize this quickly to perform CPR as soon as possible. Read on to learn how to recognize when to perform CPR on choking victim.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Perform the Heimlich maneuver on the choking victim if the airway is completely obstructed. In such a case, the victim will not be able to cough or talk at all.
2. Pause in between thrusts to check in with the victim. Ask, "Are you able to breathe?"
3. Check to see if the victim is still able to shake or nod her head. If not, she has most likely lost consciousness.
4. Stop performing the Heimlich maneuver. Do not perform the Heimlich on an unconscious victim.
5. Call 911.
6. Check for breathing and heart rate. If the victim is still not breathing, begin CPR.
7. Look for the foreign object in the throat every time the airway is opened during CPR. Remove it by hand if you can.
8. Continue CPR until emergency help arrives.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to regularly check in with the choking victim. Even if she can't speak, she should be able to nod or shake her head, or otherwise visually respond to yes or no questions.
• Learn CPR and brush up on your skills when they become rusty, preferably by taking a hands-on class for certification.
• Make sure safety instruction posters are placed prominently in a common space in your workplace, so that workers know how to recognize when CPR is called for.
• Find health and safety tips at the American Red Cross website. See the Resources section for a link.
• Before attempting to perform CPR on anyone, make sure you are the most qualified person available to do it. If someone else has more training or experience than you do, step aside.
• Never avoid emergency treatment to a victim for fear of legal reprisals should your efforts fail. A "Good Samaritan" law protects you in most states, except in cases of gross negligence.