Illinois Emergency Care for Choking Poster Description
The Illinois Choke-Saving Methods Act (410 ILCS 10/) requires any fixed or mobile food-service establishment serving food to the public for consumption on the premises to post the state placard describing the approved methods that may be used in an emergency by laymen to safely and effectively remove food lodged in a person’s throat. The emergency procedures are explained and illustrated on the Illinois Emergency Care for Choking Poster.
The Illinois Emergency Care for Choking Poster describes choking rescue methods for (1) conscious victims and (2) unconscious victims.
Conscious Victims
A victim who can breathe, cough or make sounds should not be interfered with. For a conscious victim who cannot breathe, cough or make sounds properly-administered abdominal thrusts may be performed on the victim to force the object out of the victim’s throat. Procedures for infants, young children and pregnant women differ. Abdominal thrusts should not be practiced on people. They can cause injury.
Unconscious Victims
Individuals who are responding to unconscious choking victims should ask someone nearby to call 911 and get the Automated Defibrillator (AED), if available. There are three steps to providing aid to an unconscious victim – (1) performing chest compressions (2) checking the victim’s airway for an obstruction and (3) providing rescue breaths. The proper technique for each step is described and illustrated.
The Illinois Department of Public Health’s approved methods are consistent with American Heart Association’s recommendations. For CPR training, employers can also contact the American Red Cross.