Quick-acting custodian uses Heimlich maneuver to save choking 1st-grader

[s-cubed]

2. Sorry, that is NOT how to do the Heimlich! It's only the first thing to try.

It is true that a sharp blow to the back can work. I did this with a much younger sister who was chocking on a piece of candy. but i had to do the actual Heimlich on my son, when he choked on a piece of meat.

First, ask the victim if they can breath. If the answer is no, try the back slap approach. if that does work, grab him from behind. Hold your hands together in a fist, just below the sternum. The sternum is the soft "bone" in the middle of the chest where the ribs come together. Push your fist sharply up and inward to push out air explosively, and hopefully dislodge the food. It's supposed to be possible to do it to oneself.

This is only my explanation: check out a reliable source for a better one. I've had to help a choking victim twice: you never know when you might need to help. Here is one link. Note that there are different approaches for infant, toddlers, and children. It's possible to injure a child.

http://m.wikihow.com/Perform-the-Heimlich-Maneuver