6. Know what to do in case of choking.

Because many stroke survivors have difficulty swallowing, it's especially important for you to know what to do in a choking emergency. As a caregiver, it's a good idea for you to take a course in CPR and emergency care. To find a class near you, visit the website of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Reading a description of what to do in a choking emergency can't take the place of being properly trained, but here are some basic guidelines:

• If he's able to cough and speak, he probably doesn't need any emergency intervention. Encourage him to cough until his airway is clear.
• If he begins to turn blue or stops breathing, have someone call 911 while you start performing abdominal thrusts (formerly referred to as the Heimlich maneuver). If you're alone and haven't received emergency CPR training, call 911 yourself before trying to perform abdominal thrusts.
• To perform abdominal thrusts, lean the person forward slightly and stand behind him. Make a fist with one hand, wrap your arms around him, and clasp your fist with your other hand. Place the fist between his breastbone and navel with the thumb pointing inward. Quickly and forcefully thrust your clasped fist inward and upward. Keep repeating these thrusts until he begins breathing or loses consciousness.
• If he loses consciousness, transfer him onto the floor so he's lying on his back. Kneel by his side and place the heel of your hand just below the breastbone. With your other hand on top, thrust inward and upward five times. If his airway clears but he's still not breathing, begin CPR.
• If he's obese, abdominal thrusts may not be effective. You may be able to clear his airway using chest thrusts, but these can cause rib fractures and even damage the heart muscle. It's important to be properly trained before attempting chest thrusts.