The person cannot speak or cry out, or has great difficulty and limited ability to do so.
Breathing, if possible, is labored, producing gasping or wheezing.
The person has a violent and largely involuntary cough, gurgle, or vomiting noise, though more serious choking victims will have a limited (if any) ability to produce these symptoms since they require at least some air movement.
The person desperately clutches his or her throat or mouth, or attempts to induce vomiting by putting their fingers down their throat.
If breathing is not restored, the person's face turns blue (cyanosis) from lack of oxygen.
The person does any or all of the above, and if breathing is not restored, then becomes unconscious.
Abdominal thrusts are also known as the Heimlich Maneuver after Henry Heimlich, who first described the procedure in a June 1974 informal article.
Heimlich has objected to the name "abdominal thrusts" on the grounds that the vagueness of the term "abdomen" could cause the rescuer to exert force at the wrong site.
Performing abdominal thrusts involves a rescuer standing behind a patient and using their hands to exert pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm. This compresses the lungs and exerts pressure on any object lodged in the trachea, hopefully expelling it. This amounts to an artificial cough.
Due to the forceful nature of the procedure, even when done correctly it can injure the person on whom it is performed. Bruising to the abdomen is highly likely and more serious injuries can occur, including fracture of the xiphoid process or ribs.
Presented here is a short film, illustrating the procedure. Please - go and get training and get yourself certified.
Check with your local police or fire department about CPR and life-saving courses in your area - they are inexpensive or free!
