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Airway and Breathing Obstruction – Partial Blockage
If the individual is choking but can speak or cough forcibly – there is an exchange of air (although it might be diminished), in which case there is partial obstruction. In this case you should encourage the victim to continue coughing. You can offer to help the victim (remember to get consent) by gently pounding the middle upper back of the victim.
Airway and Breathing Obstruction – Full Blockage
If the victim is conscience and choking, but cannot speak or cough, and has trouble breathing, or has given you the universal sign they are choking, an airway obstruction exists which must be treated immediately (remember to get consent)! The treatment for an obstructed airway in a conscious victim involves use of the HEIMLICH MANEUVER which is performed as follows:
- Stand behind the victim.
- Wrap your arms around the victim’s waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side of the fist against the victim’s abdomen just above the victim’s navel and well below the lower tip of their breast bone.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand, with elbows out, and press your fist into the victim’s abdomen with quick, upward thrusts. Each thrust is a distinct, separate attempt to dislodge the foreign object.
- Repeat thrusts until the foreign object is cleared or the victim becomes unconscious. Emergency treatment of airway obstructions in an unconscious victim requires CPR certification. If this happens call 911 and proceed if you are qualified.
Do not attempt things you are not qualified for and ALWAYS dial 911!