Moms know best when they say, "It's not polite to talk with your mouth full." Apart from being a dinner table faux pas, talking while eating is the most common cause of choking. This Thanksgiving, the American Red Cross offers tips that can help avoid a dinner disaster and save a life.
If someone is choking, remember "FIVE-and-FIVE can keep them alive."
•Ask the person if they are able to breathe and if you can help.
•Once you know the person is unable to cough, speak or breathe, have someone call 9-1-1.
•Lean the person forward and give FIVE sharp back blows with the heel of your hand.
•If the obstruction isn't dislodged, give the person FIVE quick, upward abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver).
•If you are alone, you can perform abdominal thrusts on yourself, just as you would on someone else. Thrusts can also be administered by pressing your abdomen firmly against an object such as the back of a chair.
•If you feel as if food may be caught in your throat, never leave the room. Stay where others can see you and help if your airway becomes blocked.
To learn more on choking rescue enroll in a Red Cross First Aid and CPR course today. For more information visit www.arccentralvalley.org or call your local Chapter at (559) 455-1000.
