Quick Answer
Clearly communicate a choking emergency by announcing "I'm choking" or "Help" loudly, and then perform five to 10 quick back blows between the shoulder blades to try to dislodge the object. If this doesn't work, call for an ambulance or alert bystanders to administer the Heimlich maneuver.
Identifying the Emergency
When someone is choking, it’s essential to act quickly and decisively. The first step is to get the person’s attention by announcing “I’m choking” or “Help” loudly. This alerts others to the emergency and prompts them to take action. If the person is conscious, they may try to speak or gesture for help.
Back Blows and Heimlich Maneuver
Perform five to 10 quick back blows between the shoulder blades to try to dislodge the object. Stand behind the person and use the heel of your hand to strike their back with a forceful, downward motion. Check if the object is dislodged after each set of blows. If not, move on to the Heimlich maneuver. To perform the Heimlich, stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the person’s navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and squeeze upward and inward. Repeat this motion 10-15 times to try to dislodge the object.
Calling for Help
If the object is not dislodged after the Heimlich maneuver, call for an ambulance or alert bystanders to do so. If the person becomes unconscious, unresponsive, or shows signs of cardiac arrest, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately.
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