First Aid for Foreign Object Inhaled

inhaling foreign objects is one of the common reasons why kids end up in the ER.

If your child accidentally inhales s foreign object, take him/her to your doctor immediately. If the foreign object causes choking, the American Red Cross recommends the "five-and-five" approach to administering first aid:

• First, deliver 5 back blows between your child’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
• Next, perform the Heimlich maneuver – 5 abdominal thrusts.
• Alternate between these two maneuvers until the object is dislodged

If you are the only person in the house [apart from the victim], perform the "five-and-five" approach first before calling 911 or your local emergency number. If another is available, have that person call for help while you perform first aid.

How to perform the Heimlich maneuver on another person

• First, stand behind the victim. Wrap your arms around his or her waist. Tip the person forward slightly.
• Next, make a fist with one hand and position it just above the victim’s navel.
• Grasp your fist with your other hand and press hard into the abdomen using quick, upward thrusts as though you are trying to lift the person up.
• Do a total of 5 abdominal thrusts. If the blockage still isn’t removed, do another set of the "five-and-five" approach.

How to perform the Heimlich maneuver on another person

• Make a fist with one hand and place it slightly above your navel.
• Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface such as a countertop or a chair.
• Thrust your fist inward and upward to dislodge the blockage.

Source: MayoClinic