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In the conscious adult choking victim, we want to establish that the victim is truly choking
by asking them, "Are you choking?"
If they are not able to cough, breathe, or speak, we are going to assume
that they are, indeed, choking.
They may also notify that we can help them by nodding yes upon asking them,
"Are you choking?"
I'm going to explain to them that I know how to help.
I place one foot between their feet, find their bellybutton,
tuck the thumb into my fist, and place the thumb side
just above my bellybutton finger.
Wrap the other hand around that fist, and go inward and upward
deeply into the abdomen until the obstruction is clear.
If he were a person who had a larger midsection that was unable for me to reach around,
I would do the alternative, and go under the breast on the sternum.
Under the breast on the sternum, and do inward chest thrusts.
This is the same technique that we would do for a pregnant female
so as to not hurt the baby in the womb, and still be extremely effective
in getting this obstructed airway clear.
Sir, sir, are you choking?
I know how to help you.
He's not breathing, speaking, or coughing forcefully.
You, in the plaid shirt, go call 911 and come back. I may need your help.
Find his bellybutton. Thumb tucked in.
Fist against the abdomen just above the bellybutton.
Inward and upward thrusts. 1...2...3...4...5...
[victim coughing] You okay? Are you alright?
Victim: Oh! That didn't taste very good.
You're okay. You're okay.