Chapter 9 Safety in the Kitchen 143 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. or room service. The American Red Cross recommends the following “five-and-five” response: 1. Ask the person if they are choking and need help. Have someone call 9-1-1. Once you have his or her consent, lean person forward and give five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades. 2. If the object does not dislodge, give five quick abdominal thrusts using the following procedure: A. Stand behind the person who is choking and wrap your arms around his or her waist. B. Make a fi st and place the thumb side of the fi st between the victim’s navel and rib cage. C. Place your other hand over the fi st of the fi rst hand. D. Quickly and forcefully thrust your hands upward into the victim’s abdomen. 3. Continue the cycle of back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object is forced out, the person can breathe or cough, or becomes unconscious. If the person becomes unconscious, carefully lower him or her to the ground and verify 9-1-1 or other local emergency number was called. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you obtain the victim’s consent and then begin with Step 2 above. These methods are to be used only on conscious individuals over the age of one year. Infants and people with certain medical condi- tions require different responses. It is recom- mended that you obtain training from either American Red Cross or the AHA so that you can respond appropriately in an emergency. Allergic Reaction Allergic reactions can be deadly. Allergic reactions are sensitivities to a substance that a victim has swallowed, touched, or inhaled. Signs of allergic reactions can include • profuse sweating • hives or skin rash • difficulty breathing • dizziness • swelling • unconsciousness If you notice someone suffering from an allergic reaction, call 9-1-1. If the victim has allergy medication, assist the victim in taking the medication, if necessary. Cardiac Arrest Cardiac arrest means the heart has stopped beating. When someone collapses due to cardiac arrest, it is a serious situa- tion requiring a quick response. If action is not taken immediately, the victim’s chance of survival diminishes quickly. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a rescue procedure that combines chest compressions with blowing into the victim’s mouth, simulating the beating of the heart and breathing of the lungs. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross suggest anyone can use the Hands- Only™ CPR method. This method involves applying chest compressions at a rate of about 100 per minute. The first step is to call 9-1-1 so emergency professionals can be dispatched as quickly as possible. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher 9-9 The symbol for choking is universal.