[rey]

Not only did the choke hold not cause the death, it wasn’t a choke hold. If it was a choke hold, he would not be able to speak. If someone is saying, “I can’t breath,” guess what, he CAN breath, because if he couldn’t breath he could not speak. This is one of the first things you look at in life guard training. If he can speak they are not in immediate danger, unable to speak, you have a few seconds.

[lormand]

"If someone is saying, “I can’t breath,” guess what, he CAN breath..."

Oh man, that kind of sound logic would get you banned on any other forum. Thanks to God for FreeRepublic!

[mmichaels1970]

If someone is saying, “I can’t breath,” guess what, he CAN breath, because if he couldn’t breath he could not speak. This is one of the first things you look at in life guard training.

Spot on. I learned that as well when we were being trained to administer the Heimlich Maneuver. If the person is TELLING you they are choking, then you are NOT to administer the Heimlich.

From the link:

If the person can speak, cough or breathe, do not interfere.

I keep hearing these people on TV talking about how the officer choked him and go on to say that he told them he couldn't breathe. The "I can't breathe" shirts are a contradiction.