Understanding the Abdominal Thrust: A Must-Know for All Restaurant Workers

Being prepared for emergencies is crucial for restaurant workers in Mississauga and Brampton.

One such emergency in a dining environment is choking, a potentially life-threatening situation requiring immediate action. The Abdominal Thrust, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, is a first-aid procedure designed to handle such emergencies.

What is the Abdominal Thrust?

The Abdominal Thrust is a first-aid technique used to dislodge an obstruction from a person's airway when choking. When performed correctly, the Abdominal Thrust can expel the foreign object from the person's throat, allowing them to breathe again.

Why Should Restaurant Workers Learn the Abdominal Thrust?

Several things could go wrong in the hustle and bustle of a restaurant setting. A customer could accidentally inhale a piece of food, or a server might choke while sampling a dish. Knowing how to perform the Abdominal Thrust can be the difference between life and death.

Restaurant managers should ensure that all staff members, including servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders, are trained in this life-saving technique. Not only does it equip them with the skills to handle emergencies, but it also boosts the restaurant's reputation as a safe and responsible establishment.

How Should Restaurant Workers Perform the Abdominal Thrust?

While it's crucial to get professional training, here’s a basic rundown of how to perform the Abdominal Thrust:

1. Stand behind the person who is choking.
2. Place your arms around their waist.
3. Place a fist with one hand just above the person's navel, below the ribcage.
4. Grab your fist with your other hand.
5. Perform a quick, upward thrust as if trying to lift the person off the ground.
6. Repeat until the foreign object is expelled from the person's airway.

Self-Abdominal Thrust

If you're alone and start choking, you can perform the Abdominal Thrust on yourself. Lean over a hard surface, like a chair or countertop, and thrust your abdomen against it to produce the force needed to expel the object.

Learning from Paramedics: The Gold Standard

At Para First Aid & CPR, we strongly recommend learning the Abdominal Thrust from certified Paramedics so you get the most accurate and effective training. Paramedics have hands-on experience dealing with various emergencies, including choking incidents. Their insights and real-world experiences provide invaluable learning beyond any textbook. We are unique in that we use real paramedics for your in-person training. 

As a restaurant manager or server, learning from paramedics gives you the confidence to handle choking emergencies effectively. It also assures your customers that their safety is your utmost priority.