Choking
- Asthma
- Swelling of the lining of the airway, this can be caused by an allergic reaction
- Food or small objects going down the air passage instead of the esophagus
- Infections or sickness
- Injuries to your head, stomach or other vital organs
Asthma Attack:
If the victim is progressing into an asthma attack, they might be experiencing mild to severe problems with their breathing. Usually, the victim will have medicine near or on their body that would relieve their symptoms quickly. Check with the victim to see if the medication is out of reach or on the body.
Allergic Reaction:
In case the victim is having an allergic reaction, treatments may include epinephrine and can be injected through cloth. Check the expiration date before injecting this treatment.
Choking (1 or older)
When the victim is choking at an age older than 1 year old, proceed with abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver). This practice is not recommended for infants under age 1 who are choking. The abdominal thrusts cause the lungs to create an artificial cough, this will help remove the current object that is blocking the victim’s airway.
Sitting or Standing:
If the person is standing or sitting, stand behind them. With a fisted hand, place your fist (thumb side in) just below the front of the victims ribcage. With the other hand, grab your hand that is fisted and give the victime four quick up and inward thrust. Repeat this process until the object is successfully removed or until emergency professionals arrive.
Lying down or Unconscious:
If the person is unconscious or lying down, place the heel of your hand above the waistline of the victim with your other hand on top. Give four quick upward thrusts while keeping your elbows straight. Repeat this process until the object is successfully removed or until emergency professionals arrive.
