What first–aid measures should be given someone who is choking on food or some other ingested object?
Strenuous coughing should be encouraged. A few sharp slaps on the back of the chest may aid in the expulsion of the food. If the victim is a child, hold him upside down and give him a few sharp slaps on the back. If the obstructing object is not expelled, place an index finger in the back of the throat. This frequently dislodges the foreign body. If the above measures fail, the Heimlich maneuver should be carried out promptly. Time should not be wasted in repeating the above measures if they are not immediately successful.
