
                                       SECTION II

                               OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE AIRWAY

[NOTE: Emergency treatment of airway obstructions is taught as part
of CPR training and only through classroom practice can the
necessary skills be mastered. The mechanics of handling airway
obstructions are presented in this tutorial for background insight
only]
                


If an individual is choking - but can speak or cough forcibly-there
is an exchange of air (although it might be diminished) and you
should encourage the victim to continue coughing while you just
stand by! On the other hand, if a victim is choking, but CANNOT
speak or cough, an airway obstruction exists which must be treated
immediately!

The treatment for an obstructed airway in a conscious victim
involves the HEIMLICH MANEUVER which is performed as follows:

       STAND BEHIND THE VICTIM

       WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND THE VICTIM'S WAIST

       MAKE A FIST WITH ONE HAND AND PLACE THE THUMB SIDE OF THE  
       FIST AGAINST THE VICTIM'S ABDOMEN, JUST ABOVE THE NAVEL AND 
       WELL BELOW THE LOWER TIP OF THE BREASTBONE

       GRASP YOUR FIST WITH YOUR OTHER HAND

       WITH ELBOWS OUT, PRESS YOUR FIST INTO THE VICTIM'S ABDOMEN
       WITH QUICK, UPWARD THRUSTS

       EACH THRUST IS A DISTINCT, SEPARATE ATTEMPT TO DISLODGE THE 
       FOREIGN OBJECT

       REPEAT THRUSTS UNTIL FOREIGN OBJECT IS CLEARED OR VICTIM   
       BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS

      Emergency treatment of airway obstructions in an unconscious 
      victim is taught in CPR classes.

       
      
