Choking 101

This is a guest post from one of our subject matter experts, Dr. Richard N. Bradley Every year, millions of people learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies-especially choking emergencies- by taking American Red Cross training courses. This week an article appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer outlining some differences in opinion about how people should respond to choking emergencies. There are a few things you should know about our stance on how to treat choking emergencies. First, it’s important to know that all Red Cross training and related products are designed based on the most up-to-date science available on first aid, CPR, AED and emergency cardiovascular care. The Red Cross even has its own Scientific Advisory Council to help evaluate the best science available. This council is an independent body of experts that provides guidance, based on scientific and educational research, on content for Red Cross programs, products and messaging. I’m a member of the Scientific Advisory Council and chair of its CPR Sub-Council, and here are several other points about how we developed our choking recommendations: The Red Cross has recommended using multiple protocols for removing foreign body obstructions blocking airways including delivering back blows, administering abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver) and administering both black blows and abdominal thrusts. In 1974, Dr. Henry Heimlich came to the Red Cross advocating his maneuver. An ad hoc committee was formed in ...
Source: Red Cross Chat - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news