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

    Your Nose May Decide How Bad Your Cold Gets, Study Finds

    Nasal Spray Flu Vaccines Create 'Battlefield' In Adults' Noses

    They Spent Hours In A Room Full Of Flu Patients And Walked Out Healthy — Here's How

    RFK Jr. Says Fewer Flu Vaccines for Kids May Be a 'Better Thing'

    Breakdown In Federal Health Tracking Leaves U.S. Vulnerable To Outbreaks, Pandemics, Experts Warn

    Pentagon Drops Flu Vaccine Requirement For U.S. Military