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: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Wildfire Smoke Is Choking America's Cities -- Is Yours on the List?

    Your Allergy Meds Come With Hazards: Be Aware

    How to Treat Spring Allergies: A Graduated Approach

    Planes' Air Ventilation Can't Spread Nut Allergens to Passengers: Study

    FDA Approves First Nasal Spray to Curb Anaphylaxis, An Alternative to Injections

    How Early Antibiotic Use Could Raise Kids' Asthma Risk

    Babies Who Got Only Breast Milk in Hospital Have Lower Asthma Rates

    Gas Stoves Could Leave Your Lungs Vulnerable to Nitrogen Dioxide

    Diabetes Meds Metformin, GLP-1s Can Also Curb Asthma

    Wildfires in Western U.S., Canada Create Hazardous Air Conditions

    Second Flu Vaccine Meeting Canceled -- What Happens Next?

    Neosporin Ointment in the Nose Might Be Potent Antibiotic

    FDA Proposes Ban on a 'Useless' Decongestant, Phenylephrine

    FDA Approves First Flu Vaccine You Give Yourself at Home

    CDC Urges Faster Testing for Bird Flu Amid Growing Outbreak