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CHOKING
Food or small objects can cause choking if they get caught in the victim's throat and block the airway. This keeps oxygen from getting to the lungs and brain. If the brain goes without oxygen for more than four minutes, the victim could have brain damage or die.
Young children are at an especially high risk of choking. They can choke on foods like hot dogs, nuts and grapes, and on small objects like toy pieces and coins. Keep hazards out of their reach and supervise them when they eat.
The Heimlich maneuver can be used to remove objects from the choking victim's throat.
• Stand behind the victim.
• Form a fist with one hand and place your fist, thumb side in, just below the victim's rib cage in the front.
• Grab your fist with your other hand.
• Keeping your arms off the person's rib cage, give four quick inward and upward thrusts.
• You may have to repeat this several times until the obstructing object is coughed out.
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