Quick Answer
During a choking incident, communicate clearly and calmly to the person choking, and if you're attempting to help, use verbal cues and physical techniques to assist.
Staying Calm and Communicating Clearly
When a person is choking, it’s essential to remain calm and composed to help them stay focused and follow your instructions. Speak clearly and firmly, using a calm tone of voice. Avoid shouting or panicking, as this can exacerbate the situation. If the person is conscious, ask them to cough to help dislodge the object.
Using the Heimlich Maneuver
If the person is unconscious or unable to cough, you’ll need to administer the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist, with your fists positioned just above their navel. Use a quick, upward thrust to help dislodge the object, aiming to strike the diaphragm. Repeat this motion five to 10 times, or until the object is dislodged.
Additional Tips and Techniques
If you’re unable to administer the Heimlich maneuver, or if the person is still choking after attempts to dislodge the object, call 911 or your local emergency number and follow any instructions provided. You can also use a back blow to help dislodge the object, but this should only be attempted by a trained medical professional. If the person becomes unconscious, perform CPR if you’re trained to do so.
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