Abdominal thrusts: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services immediately if the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively, becomes confused, turns blue or grey, collapses, or does not recover normal breathing after the object comes out.

   Emergency help is also needed for severe chest or abdominal pain, coughing up blood, repeated vomiting, fainting, or worsening breathing difficulty.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Arrange prompt medical assessment after any use of abdominal thrusts, even when the person appears to have recovered.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   This is routine follow-up to check for hidden injury or a remaining piece of the object.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Abdominal thrusts. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.