07/17/2025
🚨 Would You Know What to Do If Someone Started Choking?
During a recent hotel site visit, a terrifying moment unfolded: someone began choking during a meal. But thanks to the swift, composed action of a hotel staff member named Steven, the situation was brought under control — and a life may have been saved. It was a powerful reminder that knowing the Heimlich maneuver can make all the difference.
Here’s how to perform it on an adult who is conscious and choking:
🔹 1. Confirm they’re choking: Look for signs like clutching the throat, inability to speak, cough, or breathe.
🔹 2. Position yourself behind them: Wrap your arms around their waist.
🔹 3. Make a fist: Place the thumb side just above their belly button.
🔹 4. Grasp your fist with your other hand and give quick, upward thrusts.
🔹 5. Repeat thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.
🔹 If they become unresponsive, begin CPR and call emergency services immediately.
📊 Why this knowledge matters:
Choking is the 4th leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S.
In 2023, over 5,500 people died from choking nationally.
When performed correctly, the Heimlich maneuver has a 70–86% success rate
Children under 5 and adults over 65 are particularly at risk.
👏 Thank you, Steven, for showing what calm preparedness looks like under pressure.
Want to learn more? The Red Cross offers training in CPR & the Heimlich maneuver. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr
🧠 Let’s all be ready. Share this post — it might just save a life.