In 2015, more than 5,000 died as a result of choking. If someone near you were to signal that they were in distress, would you know how to assist them? Brianna Graham, BSN, RN, ONC, supervisor, clinical staff development, Parkview Health, showed us the proper technique for the Heimlich maneuver, a series of abdominal thrusts you can use to treat upper airway obstruction by foreign objects.
Briana emphasizes the importance of confirming that the person is, in fact, choking. “If they are coughing, that means they can move air, and the Heimlich is not necessary.”
If the object is not expelled and the person loses consciousness, lower them to the ground, begin CPR and call 9-1-1.
