The low-fat grilled chicken sandwich is not nearly as tasty as the double cheeseburger Tim swore off after his heart attack, but it gets him by. That is, until an extra big bite of the healthy alternative sticks in his throat and obstructs his airway. He’s alone in his cab, and there’s nobody around to help him.
HOW TO SAVE YOURSELF WHEN YOU ARE ALONE AND CHOKING
1. Try to cough or gasp to dislodge the object.
2. Failing that, stand behind the driver’s seat and position the edge of the chair under your rib cage.
3. Shove your clenched fists into and up your abdomen. The object should fly from your throat.
4. If not, blow your horn for help.
REMEMBER: You can learn to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on choking victims by taking a course offered through your local Red Cross.
Sources: National Institutes of Health
