My wife choked last night, and she did not know the universal sign of choking.

[Bo Zarts]

We were at the annual neighborhood holiday party and my wife had eaten a roll with a big chunk of beef tenderloin inside. I did not know that, since we were in separate areas of the house.

She suddenly came by me, with her hand, flat-palm, against her nose. She went into a hallway, obviously in distressed. There were several people around her by this time.

I though that she was trying to suppress a sneezing fit, which she sometimes has. I got up close, and then I thought she was trying to suppress a need to vomit. Her palm was still flat against her nose.

A neighbor, who is a dentist, had come into the hall to help. He told her, "SAY SOMETHING!", which she could not do. It was then that we realized that she was choking.

The dentist-neighbor immediately got into position, behind my wife, to attempt the Heimlich maneuver. He told her what he was doing, then he did the Heimlich bear-hug.

I think it was about three quick squeezes, and a bolus of rare beef tenderloin came flying out! Then my wife could breathe and talk. Hallelujah!

It is about twenty hours later, and I am still shaking. I'm upset that I did not read the situation correctly from the get-go. The signs she was giving us were confusing, but the lack of speech should have clued me to what exactly was going on .. choking.

Anyway, she is fine. And we are rounding the bend on our 50th anniversary, so we both just got a greater appreciation of how lucky we are to have made it this far.

Here is my heartfelt PSA to DUers:

[elleng]

1. OH GOODNESS!!!

BEST regards to both of you!

[cally]

2. Thankful for the dentist neighbor

And that both of you are OK. My daughter choked on a slice of peach when she was a toddler. I honestly don’t know how I reacted but I grabbed her out of her high chair and hit her back with an open palm. The peach shot out and she was fine. I shook and cried for quite a bit.

[RussBLib]

3. Whew

...glad everything "came out" alright! I worry about that, especially when I am alone in the house.

[Glorfindel]

11. You can save your own life...check this out:

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+perform+the+heimlich+maneuver+on+yourself&oq=how+to+perform+the+Heimlich+maneuver+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyBggCEEUYOTIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQABiABDIHCAUQABiABDIHCAYQABiABDIHCAcQABiABDIHCAgQABiABDIHCAkQABiABKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[BigmanPigman]

29. Good info!

I watched a TV show and a woman was choking so she threw herself against the kitchen counter and the food popped right out.

[GB_RN]

47. Yeah, You Can Do This...

Last edited Mon Dec 18, 2023, 12:34 AM - Edit history (1)

But you do not want to use a corner that’s sharp-edged, if you can help it, as you can snap off the tip (xiphoid process) of your sternum (aka breastbone). It’s that little pointed piece of bone that sits a bit deeper in the tissue than the rest of the sternum and then rises to the surface as the point. If you snap that off, you’re possibly in a whole other deep pile.

Possible secondary injuries include lacerations of the liver or other abdominal organs (liver being most common due to proximity and lacerating the liver will lead to massive internal bleeding). You can also puncture your lungs, which is less than desirable as this leads to what we call a [link:wikipedia|pneumothorax]: Air in the chest cavity, which separates the lungs from the lining of the chest wall, causing the lung(s) to collapse (progressively with every breath). Get enough air displacement and you get a life threatening situation called tension pneumo. This is when the air pressure builds up and causes the trachea (wind pipe) and heart to shift out of position, compressing the opposite lung and the heart, compromising blood flow and further compromising breathing.

So, if a sharp corner is all you’ve got, pad it as best you can, and try to stay below the xiphoid process.

[BigmanPigman]

48. That is exactly why I don't want to have to do this

I took Anatomy classes as a requirement in art school and I know that I could harm myself from a pointy edge. I watched Sex And The City and the choking character threw herself i to storage boxes on her counter and the first thought was, "Doesn't that potentially harm your chest?". I looked at my own kitchen counter and tried to practice and quickly realized that being 5'1" I would hurt myself very easily.

[Rhiannon12866]

58. And here's the video on how to do the Heimlich Maneuver on yourself:

First Aid 101: How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Yourself

What do you do if you’re home alone and start choking on food? Know that you are not helpless! We spoke with paramedic Mark Cichoki at the Rural Metro Fire Department, who showed how you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself in case of emergency. All you need is a countertop or chair! Watch the video above to learn how to do this life-saving technique.

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. That dentist neighbor is a good man to have around.

Excellent news that she's all right.

[Blue Owl]

5. Always a welcome reminder, and glad all turned out OK yesterday!

[Glorfindel]

6. I got choked on a big chunk of cabbage in coleslaw once

Fortunately, I knew the universal sign for choking, and my niece, who is a registered nurse was there. She literally saved my life. EVERYONE needs to know the sign and what to do when this occurs. Thank you for the timely reminder, Bo Zarts!

[malaise]

7. Very important post

Rec.
🎄 🎄

[cachukis]

8. Phew!

[womanofthehills]

9. I eat lots of grass fed beef

No matter what recipe I use, I always cut the beef into thin small slices half an inch wide to hopefully prevent that from happening.

[FailureToCommunicate]

10. So scary for you! Thank you for the info.

Glad it turned out okay. Heavens.

[Irish_Dem]

12. If you are choking, do not run to the bathroom.

I was just at a party where some nurses had a discussion about holiday parties and choking.

I don't know how they got on the topic, but apparently it is common during the holidays
for people to choke on food in homes and in restaurants.

In addition to what you are saying, the nurses told everyone listening that the worst thing
a person can do is feel embarrassed that they are choking and run to the bathroom
for privacy, hoping they can cough up the obstruction with no one seeing it.

Unfortunately these people are more likely to die because no one is around to do the Heimlich maneuver.
It is important that the choking person stay with other people who can help or get help.

I am glad you brought this up Bo and am very happy to hear your wife is OK.
Running to you and choking in public may have saved her life.

[catchnrelease]

53. I think my dad tried to run to the restroom

I remember hearing a story of how he had been at a work dinner and started choking on a piece of meat. He got up and ran towards the bathroom and LUCKILY he hit the edge of the bar on his way, and it popped the meat out. Sounded like it really scared him. I'm guessing that was back in the 60s and I've always remembered that story, even tho' I wasn't there.
(I just checked and the Heimlich maneuver wasn't created until the 70s, so it likely would have been 'curtains' for Dad if he hadn't run into the bar! )

[Irish_Dem]

59. Interesting, he accidentally did the Heimlich maneuver on himself.

Yes the Dr Heimlich maneuver did not invent this medical tool until 1974.

[dobleremolque]

13. Greateful that you're both okay! I learned

something from your post. I wish it were not a lesson drawn from an adverse situation, but still ... thanks!

[Diamond_Dog]

14. Thank God she is okay and that your dentist neighbor knew what to do.

No kidding I’d be rattled, too.

TY for this information.

[SWBTATTReg]

15. Am horrified of the choking event and am so glad all came out well. Thank you for the anti-choking

tips to help aid in helping those with choking distress.

[1WorldHope]

16. How frightening! I think a person just panics when they choke.

I'm so glad everything turned out ok. My husband has choked several times. He's always got it out himself. I'm scared to death I wouldn't be able to get the job done. Happy Anniversary!
Many, many more!

[Hekate]

17. Thank God.

[magicarpet]

18. So thoughtful of you to post this here.

Keeping the holiday festivities safe and fun.

[Warpy]

19. The universal sign has never been universal

Men do it. Women have been taught to be dainty. Chilfen are unpredictable. If someone rises, or hafl fises from their seat with wide, panicked eyes, ask them to tell you what's going on, no matter what they're doing with their hands.

If they don't say anything, wade on in if you have been trained to do the Heimlich.

Just be aware that nothing is universal.

PSA brought to you by retired Nelly Nice Nurse, who has seen tables gripped, chairs overturned, waving hands, and yes, s covered mouth but never the "universal" sign.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

20. Thank you, and glad she's ok!

[snowybirdie]

21. Thank you

for the reminder. And so glad it went well for you both. Merry Christmas!

[barbtries]

22. years ago

i was eating at my desk and a huge piece of turkey leg stuck in my throat. I got up, walked to my boss's office and pointed at my mouth and mouthed the words "I'm choking." I didn't know the universal sign either.

My boss only had to do the heimlich once and the turkey flew out of my mouth and i was so embarrassed i just ran to pick it up and said "thank you!" and ran back to my desk lol.

I've never tried to eat a turkey leg since.

[Hope22]

23. That is very frightening!

So glad she is OK. Love to all!💗🙏🏼

[spanone]

24. What a frightening thing to go through.....

[CaliforniaPeggy]

25. Oh my dear Bo! So very glad she and you are both OK!

And thank you for the diagram showing what to do. This is vital info.

[brer cat]

26. I'm glad she is ok. Your dentist friend was a true life-saver.

[Niagara]

27. Thank Goodness for people who think quickly.

I'm happy that your wife is alright, that someone figured out what was wrong and jumped into action!



9 years ago, I was an aide in a public school cafeteria. I would help the kindergarteners open the cartons of milk or help them out by trying to slice an entire apple with a school supplied plastic knife, not the easiest chore to do.


As the day progressed and each lunch period would change, I would get the older students, so less work for me and I got to chit chat with the older students. Our school system has K through 6th grade in the elementary schools.


I can't explain it but one day when the older students were eating lunch in the cafeteria, I happened to look at and read the Heimlich Maneuver poster that was applied to wall.


Not even a day later, I had a 6th grade student come up to me not saying a word and not making the universal sign that she was choking. I looked at her eyes a little closer and noticed that they were watery (not crying) and I asked her if she was choking, she nodded yes. I walked behind her and performed the Heimlich Maneuver. Eventually a french fry came flying out and landed on the floor.

When I realized the student was okay, I promptly went to the kitchen lead, told them what happened and asked if someone could walk the student to the nurses office to make sure that I didn't break a rib or anything like that.


This happened on a Friday, so I had to wait all weekend to see this student that I had performed the Heimlich maneuver on until the following Monday afternoon.


The strange thing is, the entire time that I worked as a cafeteria aide, I never once looked at the Heimlich poster. Something pulled me to look at it, I can't really explain it. I needed that information that following day.

[hlthe2b]

28. Thank heavens. Now she can spread the word...

I think the universal sign/gesture is a good one and makes every bit of sense. But if one has never thought about it, obviously it may not be so obvious.

But, I will never forget an episode of HBO's Six Feet Under where a woman living alone choked and unfortunately died. This could happen to any of us, so please take the time to look at how one might save their own life:




Place a fist slightly above your navel.
Grasp your fist with the other hand.
Bend over a hard surface. A countertop or chair will do.
Shove your fist inward and upward.
Then, give yourself abdominal thrusts, also called the Heimlich maneuver, to remove the stuck object.

[peppertree]

30. I almost went that way when I was 5 or 6

Sadly - I did not.

That said, thank God your wife's ok.

[sinkingfeeling]

31. Glad she is okay.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

32. How scary... glad she's fine!!

[pandr32]

33. Thank goodness she is okay!

Your terrifying story could happen to any of us. A lesson for sure.
Best wishes to you both.

[VGNonly]

34. My mother was choking on a piece of raw carrot.

I knew the signs and cleared her throat.

[Lucinda]

35. I take medicine that really makes my throat dry. (added self-heimlich link)

I chop everything into tiny bites now.
Thanks for posting the info!
❤️ ✿❧🌿❧✿ ❤️
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/heimlich-maneuver-on-self

[Lars39]

50. My mom once used a countertop to do the Heimlich maneuver on herself.

Very helpful information

[Rebl2]

36. Thank you for the reminder

Glad your wife is okay.

[Stinky The Clown]

37. So glad she's okay! And congrats on the upcoming gold 50th!!!

Thanks for that great PSA. VERY important.

[mcar]

38. So glad she is ok

What a scary experience.

[TomSlick]

39. Years ago, I was taking the depositions of a mother and daughter - both nurses.

The court reporter had put hard candies on the table. I mindlessly popped one in my mouth while talking.

I immediately started chocking. I looked at the two nurses and gave the chocking sign. They both sat back in their chairs and smiled. Their lawyer didn't have a clue what was happening.

I pounded my abdomen against the table until the candy dislodged.

When I could breath again, I told the two nurses that had I died, my client would simply have found another lawyer and their refusal to help would have accomplished nothing except putting a stain on their professional character.

[niyad]

46. I am horrified that two nurses would sit there and do nothing.

[TomSlick]

54. I was a bit taken aback.

And I'm always such a nice guy at depositions - really. Now at trial.....

[lastlib]

40. I had to do that on my mother several years ago.

Birthday dinner with several family members at the table, she got choked on a fried mushroom. I heard her say, "I'm choking!", then sputtering a bit. Six other people at the table, and only my dad and I realized what was happening; everyone else just kept on talking and eating. Dad had no clue what to do, but I got up, pulled her up out of her chair, and started the fist thrusts. After about five of them, the mushroom dislodged, flew across the table, and landed in front of my niece's plate. Crisis averted.

It is a scary thing to experience, but I didn't thnik much of it until after dinner.

Glad yours had a happy ending!

[Cha]

41. That's making me cry because it's

such a happy ending to what could have been so heart crushing

Mahalo for the Universal sign of choking and how to save someone from it.

[AllaN01Bear]

42. i was just going to point out the proceedure for someone choking, an international mayday signal.

[AllaN01Bear]

43. eek.

[Liberty Belle]

44. Glad she's safe! I once saved my son with the Heimlich maneuver, though I'd never been trained.

I'd just seen it on TV and read about how to do it. Thank goodness it worked, as we were home and he couldn't breathe;out popped a pizza crust.

[niyad]

45. Oh my word. That must have been so frightening. Thank goodness your

dentist friend knew what to do. I am so glad that your wife is okay. Wishi g you an early Happy 50th, with many more to come.

Thank you for sharing this important information with us.

[Raine]

49. THANKS ... I didn't know the universal sign either. nt

[mike_c]

51. I saved my ex wife's life one night at dinner

I'd never had any training and only a vague idea of how to perform the Heimlich maneuver. She gestured in panic at her throat. Chunk of steak popped out on the first jerk. I didn't hold back anything for a second attempt. I'm surprised I didn't break any ribs. Scared the hell out of both of us.

I'm glad your wife is OK!

[NotVeryImportant]

52. She had a close one yesterday.

Glad she, and you, made it.

God speed.

[usonian]

55. Excellent news and great posts on the Heimlich, including the self-Heimlich!

I live alone and have to be careful, but am not always as careful as I need be.’

Reminds me of “Groundhog Day”

Bill Murray (Phil) saves the character his brother (Brian Doyle Murray) is playing, with a Heimlich.

Your wife needs to learn Italian!! (Speaking with the hands!)

And have your beef tenderloin ground!



GOOD LUCK 🍀AND GOOD HEALTH ⚕️

[V850i]

56. Super PSA and it will help someone one day!

Thank you for posting this. It will help someone one day.

I almost died from a similar situation but my wife, who did not know the Heimlich maneuver, pounded me on the back until it dislodged. I got lucky that time, but it could have easily been deadly. So sudden, you are just eating, talking having a nice evening, the next thing you know, you could easily have been dead.

Thank you again for this post!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

57. Thank God she's OK.

I lost a friend to a choking incident about forty years ago. In recent years two coworkers at the TV station I was working at started choking, and they were saved by the anchormen they were working with, one during a commercial break. I almost choked one night when I fell asleep with a throat lozenge in my mouth. Fortunately it had dissolved to the point that I managed to work it loose, but it was touch and go for a few moments.

It only takes a few seconds to get in trouble.

[Joinfortmill]

60. Had to use the Heimlich maneuver on my mother. Scary, very scary. It worked.

[flying_wahini]

61. It was Xmas time in a Best Buy parking lot walking into a store for a 10 min and saw a young man eating a

Sandwich in his car 2 cars down.
When I came out 10 min later saw a couple of people performing CPR on same guy on the ground in the parking lot.
By the time the ambulance arrived he had already died.
According to news story he choked on his sandwich; wasn't heart related at all.
Don’t know if they even checked his airway but this is the FIRST THING to check.
His death haunts me still. So preventable.

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

62. So glad she's all right!

Had it happen to me once, when I was a young child, before Heimlich. I'd gasped when eating a piece of hard candy, and it went right down my throat. My grandfather did the Heimlich accidentally, though, when he grabbed me around the waist to smack me on the back. Where he put his arm was at just the right place with how hard he grabbed me to dislodge the candy. I was young enough (4?) that I only remember that terror of not being able to breathe. Don't even remember him grabbing me.