Abdominal thrusts should be given by placing a clenched fist on the person's abdomen, specifically midway between the navel (belly button) and the bottom of the ribcage (xiphoid process). The fist should be grasped with the other hand, then thrusts should be made inward and upward sharply to expel the airway obstruction.
Detailed Instructions:
- Stand behind the person and reach around their waist.
- Make a fist and position it slightly above the navel but below the ribcage.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand.
- Deliver firm inward and upward thrusts to create pressure that forces air from the lungs to expel the obstruction.
- Repeat the thrusts up to five times as needed.
For pregnant individuals or those too large to reach around the abdomen, chest thrusts should be given instead, placing hands on the lower half of the sternum.
This method is only for conscious choking victims who cannot cough, speak, or breathe effectively.