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The Illinois Department of Public Health has made it mandatory that all food establishments post an Emergency Care poster that outlines what to do in the event of choking. I learned that there are different treatments for conscious and unconscious victims. The poster also includes pictures to help illustrate the following steps:

Conscious Victim.

• If a victim can breathe, cough or speak— do not interfere.
• If a victim can’t breathe, cough or speak— give quick upward thrusts (grip above waist but below ribs). Avoid pressing on the bottom of the breastbone.
• Hold fist with thumb tucked in.With thumb side inward, use other hand to give an in and upward thrust.
• Repeat thrust steps until effective or until victim becomes unconscious.

Unconscious Victim

1. Phone 911 or other emergency response number or send someone to call. Return to the victim.
2. Open the airway and look for a foreign object. If one is seen, remove it (head tilt, chin lift). Start CPR.
3. Attempt two breaths. Do 15 chest compressions (Place heel of one hand on center of breastbone and heel of second hand on first hand).
4. Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 until the victim starts breathing or until medical/emergency help arrives.

The poster does contain some important caveats. First of all, it warns that no one should practice on people, since the abdominal thrust may cause injury. Also, back blows and chest thrusts should be used on infants. Chest thrusts also should be used on pregnant women and obese victims. For children 1-8 years-old, one hand should be used for chest compressions, and one breath.

Also, I was glad to note, there are two very important legal caveats on the poster. Unless they are required by law to save a person’s life, no one is obligated to remove, assist in removing, or attempt to remove food from another person’s throat. So if a person feels uncomfortable with their skills, they don’t have a legal obligation to help.

However, if they do help, and something goes wrong, the law covers them. It states that no person, who in good faith removes or attempts to remove food in an emergency occurring at a food service establishment, will be liable for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions.

The Choking poster should be posted where employees can see it, but it doesn’t have to be in the dining area. A business which does not post this poster can be fined $500.00.

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