If you got a pill stuck in your throat, it could be a terrifying moment, but it is a rare medical emergency.
If someone you know has swallowed a pill, it obstructs the airway, and the person cannot breathe. You can also try the five-and-five method or the Heimlich maneuver.
Before you do either of these, you should have someone who can call 911.
Here are the steps to perform the five-and five method by the Red Cross, follow these steps:
Stand behind the person, place one arm across their chest and lean them forward at the waist.
Give five blows to their back, between the shoulder blades, with your hand’s heel.
Also, place the thumb side of your fist above the navel, against the middle of the abdomen.
Repeat the process until the person coughs or the pill comes out.
If you want to perform just the abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, follow the steps below:
Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around the waist.
Learn the choking person slightly forward.
Make a fist with your hand and place it somewhat over the person’s navel.
Use the other hand to hold on to the wrist.
Press into the person’s abdomen in a quick, upward motion.
Repeat the steps five times if needed.
When you are alone
If you are alone and a pill is obstructing your airway that’s making it tough to breathe, follow the steps:
Make a fist and place it above the navel.
Use your other hand to hold on to the first.
Bend over a hard surface like a table edge, railing, or chair.
Push the fist into the abdomen in an upward, quick movement.
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