If the airway becomes completely blocked and coughing stops, but the victim is conscious...

·        Be sure 911 or the local emergency number has been called

·        Identify yourself as being trained in first aid

·        Ask the victim if they want your help

If they say yes:

·        Attempt to shift to some area of clear floor space, in case the victim loses consciousness

·        Step behind the victim, placing one of your feet between their feet where they stand

·        Place your hands on their hips, slide them forward to the front of the victim (this locates the victim’s navel), on top of one another

·        Lean the victim slightly back against your body

·        Make a fist with the hand that is against the victim, and use the other hand to roll that fist upwards, so that the thumb side is against the victim’s abdomen about two inches above the navel.

·        Compress your arms sharply towards yourself and upwards, trying to compress what air is in his/her lungs, to blow the obstruction out of the airway

Continue this process, with every abdominal thrust a separate attempt to clear the object until:

·        The object is cleared

·        Professional rescuers take over

·        The victim begins to cough, and partially clears the airway

·        Or the victim becomes unconscious