This past week, I was recording a video with my friends for a competition we were entering. One of us messed up, so we all started laughing, which would have been fine, if not for the candy in our mouths. Can you guess what happened?
Yes, that’s right. One of us started choking. Me.
After receiving the Heimlich Maneuver, I went home and decided to do some research about how not to choke, and what to do if you ARE choking. I hope some of you find this useful.
First, we’ll go over some not so fun facts.
Nearly 4000 healthy people die annually from choking on food, which means it kills more people than firearms or airplane accidents. People die from choking because they are embarrassed that they are choking, and run to the bathroom. Don’t do this.
When you're eating food, try to stay away from laughing because that is normally how people start to choke. Also, be aware of how big the bite of food is that you're eating because it can get stuck in your throat if it's too big.
The first thing to do if you or someone you know is choking, is to recognize the universal symbol for choking – your hands grab your neck. When you see this, you know that your friend needs help (or your friend knows you need help).
Ask them if they can speak. If they can’t, it means their airway is completely blocked, and they will need the Heimlich Maneuver.
Stand behind the person and encircle them with your arms. One hand needs to make a fist, with the thumb side over the person’s stomach, just below the breastbone. The other hand goes flat over the fist.
All you need to do is thrust your hands upward and back three or four times. Ask them if they can talk. If they can’t, continue this until they can.
If you’re by yourself and choking, find a chair. Put your hands in the same position as above, and bend over the chair. Drive your body into the chair. This forces pressure against your diaphragm, and will cause the food to dislodge.
If you can’t find a chair, just use your fist, and do the same motions as above. It may take a couple of tries, but eventually it should start to work.
When choking, the most important thing you can do is remain calm. Yes, receiving the Heimlich is extremely terrifying, and you might end up with bruised or broken ribs, but at least you’re alive.
So there you have it. A little insight on choking and the Heimlich Maneuver. I hope you learned something and possibly might help someone from choking to death in the future.
