Health Tip: Choking First Aid

(HealthDay News) -- Thousands of Americans die each year from choking. The American Red Cross describes first aid to help prevent this type of death:

  • Give five back blows. To do so, bend the person forward at the waist and give five back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of one hand.
  • Give five abdominal thrusts. To do so, place a fist against the middle of the person's abdomen. Cover your first with your other hand. Give five quick, upward abdominal thrusts.
  • Continue sets of five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is forced out, the person can cough or breathe, or the person becomes unconscious.

    • If a choking person becomes unconscious, call 911 immediately.

    Date Published: 10/11/2019

    Related Articles

    Search Articles

    Sleepy Nurses Vulnerable To Common Cold, Other Infectious Diseases

    FDA Proposes Ban on a 'Useless' Decongestant, Phenylephrine

    Saltwater Drops in Nose Could Shorten Kids' Colds

    Is It a Cold, Flu or COVID? An Expert Helps You Sort It Out

    Experimental Nasal Spray Might Ward Off Multiple Viruses

    First U.S. Death From Bird Flu Reported in Louisiana

    Most Americans Won't Get Vaccinated as Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    Could OTC Nasal Sprays Ease Colds & Flu and Cut Antibiotic Use?

    Bird Flu Virus Stays Active on Cow Milking Equipment for at Least One Hour

    Severe Infections Double Risk of Heart Failure