How to Get a Popcorn Kernel Out of the Throat

Removing foreign objects that are blocking the throat of a choking human being is no easy task. Popcorn kernels stick to the lining of the throat and, in some cases, can block the throat. While coughing is the easiest way to dislodge any small object from the throat, the Heimlich maneuver -- which forcefully expels air from the lungs and sometimes induces vomiting -- might need to be employed if the kernel becomes lodged further and coughing is of no help in its removal.

Things You'll Need

• Floor (unconscious victim)

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Instructions

Heimlich Maneuver -- Conscious Victim

• 1

  Rush to someone you think is choking; he might show bluish lips, pronounced wheezing or make the universal choking sign -- placing his hands on his throat as if he was choking himself to death. Ask the victim "are you choking?" He will nod if choking, because an object stuck in a throat inhibits the passage of air through the trachea, making talking impossible. Get someone to call 911 immediately, if the victim is choking. If no one is around to call 911, do it yourself.

• 2

  Ask the victim "may I help you?" You must ask and receive permission from the victim to continue helping him. If you do not, you could be held liable for anything you do to the victim. If he agrees, proceed with the Heimlich maneuver.

• 3

  Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around her waist. Make a fist with your dominant hand. Locate the victim's upper abdomen -- above the navel and below the rib cage.

• 4

  Grasp your fist -- which is turned with the thumb side against the victim's midsection, -- with your other hand. Push upwardly quickly, in a thrusting fashion, toward the victim's abdomen. Avoid squeezing the ribcage. If the victim is a child, squeeze more gently.

• 5

  Repeat these abdominal thrusts until the kernel is expelled or the victim becomes unconscious.

Abdominal Thrusts -- Unconscious Victim

• 6

  Shout for help, immediately. Instruct anyone who responds to call 911. If no one responds, call 911 yourself.

• 7

  Place the victim on his back. Kneel -- facing the victim -- and sit astride his hips. Locate the victim's upper abdomen -- between the navel and ribcage.

• 8

  Grasp your non-dominant hand with your dominant hand. Lock your elbows, and thrust upwardly into the victim's upper abdomen. Check, periodically, for the kernel in the victim's mouth.

• 9

  Continue abdominal thrusts until the kernel is expelled. Start CPR if the kernel remains in the throat after many thrusts until emergency personnel arrives.

Heimlich Maneuver -- Choking Infants or Toddlers

• 10

  Notice wheezing or bluish lips on the infant; this indicates that the infant is not getting oxygen. Get someone to call 911. If no one is around to call 911, do it yourself. Lie the child down on a hard surface, face-up, or hold the infant in your lap in a seated position.

• 11

  Place the index and middle fingers of both of your hands between the infant's ribcage and navel. Quickly press upward into the infant's upper abdomen.

• 12

  Repeat until the kernel is dislodged and expelled from the infant's throat. Begin CPR if the infant becomes unconscious. Continue until emergency personnel arrives.