How to Protect Your Breathing Air Way

The ABCs of first aid are airway, breathing and circulation, which are the basic needs to maintain a person's consciousness in the event of an accident. Swallowing a foreign object may restrict a person's airway, which results in loss of consciousness and eventually death if the object is not promptly removed from the throat. If you are by yourself when such an accident occurs, you may have to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself.

Instructions

• 1

  Ball your hand into the shape of a fist, and place it just above your navel. The shape of the fist is ideal for pushing against your stomach to force out the lodged object in your throat.

• 2

  Grab your fist with your other hand and bend over a table, countertop or other hard surface.

• 3

  Shove your fist against your stomach in an inward motion, and firmly push up. Repeat the inward and upward motion with your fist until the foreign object is dislodged from your throat. Once removed, you may begin to cough as your lungs fill with air.

• 4

  Visit your local emergency room if you feel something still may be partially blocking your airway after the Heimlich maneuver is performed. A doctor can inspect your throat and determine if anything remains.