What steps can you help some one from choking?

Choking is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. Here are the steps to help someone who is choking:

1. Stay calm and assess the situation. If the person is conscious and able to speak, encourage them to cough and try to dislodge the object themselves. If they are unable to speak, breathe, or make any sound, they may be choking.

2. Call for help immediately. Dial 911 or your local emergency number. If you are alone, place the phone on speakerphone so you can keep an eye on the person while you are talking to the operator.

3. Begin back blows. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Place one hand between their shoulder blades and the other hand on top of the first. Give five quick, forceful back blows between the shoulder blades.

4. If the back blows do not dislodge the object, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Place one hand between their belly button and ribcage and the other hand on top of the first. Give five quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen.

5. Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person begins to breathe or cough again. Continue until help arrives.

6. If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR. Lay them on their back and begin chest compressions. Give 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue until the person begins to breathe again, help arrives, or you are too exhausted to continue.

Note: If the person is pregnant or obese, you may need to modify the abdominal thrusts. For pregnant women, place your hands higher on the abdomen, just below the breastbone. For obese individuals, you may need to use more force when giving abdominal thrusts.

Learning how to perform these techniques correctly can save a life. Consider taking a CPR and first aid course to be prepared for these types of emergencies.