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                              ABDOMINAL THRUST
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   This is a technique which involves applying a series of thrusts to the
   upper abdomen in an attempt to force air out of the casualty's lungs.
   However, because there is a possibility that the action required can
   damage the underlying organs, Abdominal Thrust must only be used as a
   LAST RESORT after back slapping has failed.


   METHOD ( FOR ADULTS )
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   1:  Stand or kneel behind the casualty and put one arm around the
       abdomen. Clench your fist and place it thumb inwards in the
       centre of the upper abdomen, between the navel and the 
       breastbone.

   2:  Grasp your fist with your other hand.

   
   3:  Pull both hands towards you with a quick upward and inward thrust
       from the elbows so that you compress the upper abdomen against 
       the bottom of the lungs. Repeat upto four times as necessary; 
       each thrust must be hard enough to dislodge the obstruction.

   METHOD ( FOR THE UNCONCIOUS CASUALTY )
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   1:  Turn the casualty onto the back with the head in the Open Airway
       Position. ( See Resusitation - Open Airway ) Kneel astride the
       casualty's thighs so that you can apply sufficient pressure at
       the correct mid-abdominal position. If you can not straddle the
       casualty, kneel alongside.

   2:  Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the casualty's upper
       abdomen and cover with your other hand, keeping fingers clear of
       the abdomen.

   3:  With both arms straight, press into the abdomen with a quick 
       inward and forward thrust. Repeat upto four times as necessary;
       each thrust must be hard enough to dislodge the obstruction.

 
   METHOD ( FOR CHILDREN )
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   1:  Sit the child on your lap or stand the child in front of you and
       place one arm around the abdomen. Clench your fist and place it
       thumb inwards in the centre of the upper abdomen. Support the 
       back with your other arm.

   2:  Press your clenched fist into the abdomen with a quick upward and
       inward movement using much less pressure than for an adult. 
       Repeat upto four times as necessary; each thrust must be hard 
       enough to dislodge the obstruction by itself.

   IF  The child becomes or is unconscious, place in the same position 
  ---- as for an unconscious adult. Use the same method but ONLY use 
       ONE hand and much LESS pressure.

   
   METHOD ( FOR INFANTS )
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   Place the infant on a firm surface with the head in the open airway 
   position. Place two fingers of one hand on the upper abdomen, between
   the navel and the breastbone and press with a quick forward and 
   downward movement. Repeat upto four times as necessary; each thrust
   must be hard enough to dislodge the obstruction.

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