“Choked Up"

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
“Choked Up” is a high-impact infographic project designed to raise awareness about the critical connection between suffocation and cardiac arrest in the New Jersey area, one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Through powerful red based visuals, anatomical illustrations, and data driven storytelling, this piece aims to inform and motivate viewers to recognize the urgency of oxygen deprivation and the importance of CPR training. This visually arresting infographic combines educational content with emotional resonance to highlight the terrifying speed at which a life can be lost without immediate intervention. It educates the public about life-saving techniques while also emphasizing the need for broader CPR certification across communities.

DESIGN OBJECTIVES:
Urgency Through Visual Atmosphere - A dominant red color scheme evokes danger, urgency, and life or death stakes, setting the emotional tone for the piece. A stopwatch graphic illustrates the narrow window a person has before irreversible brain damage or death occurs due to oxygen deprivation.

Educational Clarity with Illustrations - Detailed illustrated graphics depict proper execution of the Heimlich maneuver and CPR, demonstrated on a stylized skeleton figure for clarity and emphasis on anatomy. Visual cues help clarify these emergency techniques, making them more accessible and memorable to viewers.

Data-Driven Awareness - Quotes from the American Heart Association add credibility and reinforce the message about the urgency of intervention and training.

Graphs and statistics show two key data points - The percentage of Americans CPR-certified, highlighting the gap in preparedness. The number of cardiac arrest deaths in New Jersey (2000–2020), revealing a consistent and troubling trend over two decades.

Call to Action - The infographic is an informative visual call to action. Viewers are encouraged to learn CPR, recognize the signs of suffocation, and act swiftly in emergencies.

OUTCOME:
“Choked Up” transforms clinical data and emergency procedure guides into a powerful visual narrative that can save lives. By fusing urgency, anatomy, and statistics, the project breaks through apathy and empowers viewers with knowledge they can use in real world emergencies. The final product is ideal for schools, healthcare offices, public safety campaigns, social media awareness pushes, or anywhere that life-saving information should be seen and shared. Through bold visuals, accessible education, and a sense of urgency it becomes a potential life saver.