How to Give First Aid to Choking Victims

If someone starts choking in your presence, knowing how to respond can save a life. Here are some basic tips to follow the moment you see signs of choking.

Instructions

1. Step behind the person and place your leg between hers so you don't lose your balance.

2. Clench a fist with your thumb on the outside. If you clench your fingers around your thumb, you may break some of the bones in your hand.

3. Place your fist, thumb side first into the person's abdomen (just above the belt line). Cover your fist with the palm of your other hand.

4. Firmly thrust your fist inward. Continue thrusting in quick bursts until the object is expelled or your victim loses consciousness.

5. Begin CPR if your victim loses consciousness. Look into the mouth before performing rescue breaths to make sure the object didn't loosen. If you see it, try to scoop it out with your fingers, making certain you don't push it further into the throat.

Tips & Warnings

• Under the Good Samaritan Law, you cannot be sued or prosecuted if you hurt the person while trying to help them.

• This information does not replace an American Heart Association CPR class, where you learn what to do for choking victims.

Resources

• Go the American Heart Association for more information.