Author: Michelle Perri

CHOKING ON FOOD

Universal Sign of Choking

INFANT:
If the victim is not breathing or coughing than they need your help immediately!
Place the infant on your lap facing away from you.
Place your fingers on the upper abdomen (below the rib cage above the navel)
Give swift upper thrusts. Be careful not to squeeze the rib cage.
Continue until object is expelled
If infant becomes unconscious call 9-1-1 and perform CPR.

BY YOURSELF:
If you are choking and no one is around to help you, follow the instructions below:
Make a fist with one hand and cover the fist with the other hand or place your body against a hard object (i.e. a chair)
Give swift upper thrusts with your fist into your upper abdomen (below the rib cage above the navel) or give yourself swift upward thrusts into the object
Continue until object is expelled

HELP A CHOKING VICTIM, SAVE A LIFE!

TO REORDER CALL (TOLL FREE) 877-321-4144
Labor Law Poster Service
Copyright 2006

ADULT:
Choking victims can not cough, speak, or breathe. If the victim can not do any of those things they need your help immediately!
Wrap your arms around the victim’s waist
Make a fist with one hand. Take your other hand and wrap it around your fist. Place your thumb into the victims upper abdomen (below the rib cage and above the navel).
Once your fist is located on the upper abdomen, give the victim quick upper thrust (pushing in, then up quickly)
Repeat until object is expelled.
Whatever you do, don’t give up.
If victim becomes unconscious follow the instructions below
For victims that are unconscious, lying on the floor, or if rescuers arms can’t reach around the victim perform the following instructions:
Lay victim down on their back.
Facing the victim, stride the victim over their hips.
Place one hand under their rib cage and above the navel. Place your other hand on top of your first hand.
Using your body weight give swift upper thrusts into the victim’s upper abdomen
Continue until the object is expelled
If victim is still unconscious call 9-1-1 and perform CPR