When Seconds Count !              

Scenario:                                                                     abdthrust.gif (4968 bytes)

   Upon returning from physical education with her fourth grade class, Sally ran into her classroom to grab her lunch bag and line-up with her class at the cafeteria door. She squeezed into the line next to several of  her girl friends. They moved through the line quickly getting their food and beverage and sat at their favorite table in the corner of the cafeteria.

    Wondering what her mom had packed for her lunch, Sally opened the bag to find her favorite chicken sandwich. She grabbed the sandwich in her hand and took a big bite. While chewing and talking incessantly about her upcoming trip to Disney World, Sally swallowed and lodged a piece of partially chewed chicken in her throat.  Panic stricken, Sally grabbed her throat, tried to talk but was unable to speak. Frantic, she motioned to her friends at the table  pointing again to her throat. Her friends panicked and screamed for help. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the first observation the first-aid responder needs to make before first-aid
     is administered  to a choking victim? What questions might the first-aid responder
     use to assess the need for an ambulance?

2. Compare and contrast the first-aid procedure initiated for an unconscious choking victim
    with the first-aid procedure initiated for a conscious choking victim.   

3. Upon seeing Sally's situation and immediately following a victim assessment, the first-aid
    responder requested the cafeteria manager make a 911 call. What information must the
    cafeteria manager include in her call?  

4.  What is the school's responsibility for providing emergency treatment? What is the parent's
      responsibility  for informing the school of the special health care needs of their child?

 

Internet links : Information from the following five links will assist you in responding to the above questions.

http://www.angelfire.com/md2/afgatorhobby/911.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2173045_call-ambulance.html

http://www.ou.edu/oupd/choke.htm

Emergency Care Plans

Heimlich Maneuver

 

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Page developed by Stephanie Zgraggen as part of her honor's project in school health