|
PORTLAND, Ore. – 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.
- 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.
###
In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and the disabled; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog. |
.gif)
