Imagine that you are all eating together as a family. Suddenly, someone starts choking, has difficulty breathing, and can't even speak. Something is stuck in your throat! We often panic at times like this, don't we? But if you don't panic and know exactly what to do, you can save a life. Today we are talking about a very important first aid method that can be used in such a situation, and that everyone should know.
What is the Heimlich Maneuver?
Simply put, this is a first aid technique used in an emergency. This is the method used to remove a foreign object, such as a piece of food or a toy, that is stuck in a person's throat or windpipe (trachea) and makes it impossible to breathe. This is also called 'abdominal thrusts'.
It works on a very simple scientific principle. It was invented by Dr. Henry Heimlich in 1974. He discovered that by using pressure to push out the remaining air in a person's lungs, you can dislodge the blockage. It's like squeezing a cork out of a bottle and throwing it out.
When should you use this method?
This is very important. This method should only be used if the person is conscious and has difficulty breathing . There are several key signs that someone is choking.
You should first ask the person, "Are you stuck?" If they can't talk, it's a serious situation.
| Serious signs of choking | Description |
|---|---|
| Inability to speak or make sounds | Because you can't breathe, you can't produce sound waves. |
| Weak cough or inability to cough | The air is not moving enough to push out the stuck object. |
| Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath | The trachea is completely blocked. |
| Grabbing the neck with hands | This is a universal choking sign. |
| Blueness of the face and lips | A sign that the body is not getting oxygen. |
But remember this: If the person can still cough, talk, or breathe, do not try this method. Tell them to keep coughing. Sometimes a strong cough can dislodge the blockage. This method should only be used in life-threatening situations.
How do you perform the Heimlich maneuver on an adult?
Okay, so if someone is stuck and showing the serious symptoms mentioned above, you should follow these steps.
1. Stand behind the trapped person.
2. Put your arms around the person's waist.
3. Hold the handle with one hand. Hold the handle firmly with the other hand.
4. Now place the thumb side of your fist on the person's chest, just below the ribcage, about two inches above the navel . It is very important to identify this spot exactly.
5. Now give a quick, firm, inward and upward thrust five times, like pushing in the shape of the letter 'J'.
6. Repeat this until the stuck object comes out, or until the person loses consciousness.
7. If the person loses consciousness, immediately stop this procedure, lay them down on the ground, and begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Also, call 911 immediately and call an ambulance.
How do you do this for young children and babies?
This is a very important part because the way this method is done is different for young children and babies.
For a child between 1-5 years old
If you are doing this for a child under 5 years old and weighing less than 20 kilograms (45 pounds), you will need to make some minor adjustments.
- First, kneel behind the child and get to his height.
- Second, don't push as hard as you would for an adult. Use a little less force . The rest of the steps are the same as for an adult.
For a baby under one year old (Infant)
Note: The Heimlich Maneuver is not recommended for infants under one year of age. Instead, we use a combination of 'back blows' and 'chest thrusts'.
Here's how to do it:
1. Turn the baby face-down and place it on your forearm or thigh. Support the baby's head by holding the baby's chin in your hand. The most important thing is to make sure the baby's head is lower than the body.
2. With the heel of your hand, give the baby five firm, but gentle, blows between the shoulder blades .
3. Now turn the baby upside down (the head should still be down), open the mouth, and if there is anything visible, carefully remove it with your finger.
4. If still unable to breathe, use your index and middle fingers to push in and up about half an inch in the middle of the baby's breastbone (sternum), just below the line between the two nipples, five times.
5. Continue alternating back blows and chest thrusts until the baby loses consciousness or the object is dislodged. If the baby loses consciousness, begin CPR immediately.
Let's learn about other special occasions too.
What should I do for a pregnant mother or an obese person?
We can't do abdominal thrusts on someone like this. That's dangerous. Instead, we should place our hands in the middle of their breastbone (sternum) . We should be pushing on the chest, not the abdomen. Just like the chest thrusts in CPR.
What do you do if you get stuck?
If you're stuck in a time when you're alone, you can do this yourself. As mentioned earlier, push your upper abdomen in and up with both hands. If that's too difficult to do, there's another way. Place something like the edge of a chair, a table, or a fence post on top of it and quickly hit your upper abdomen on that edge.
The risks of this method and what to do
The Heimlich maneuver is a very safe and quick way to save lives. However, if done incorrectly, it can cause serious harm . The most common complications are broken ribs and injuries to the esophagus. However, in a life-and-death situation, doctors recommend that you take the risk and perform this maneuver.
Very important:
Even if you use this method to remove the stuck object, you should definitely take the person to a doctor for examination . Or take them to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). Because we can't see from the outside whether there is an internal injury or broken ribs.
How to prevent small children from getting stuck?
Prevention is always better than cure, and parents with young children should be especially mindful of this.
- Do not leave small toys, coins, batteries, buttons, etc. where children can get hold of them.
- When serving food , cut it into very small pieces .
- Be especially careful with round-shaped foods like sausages, peanuts, and grapes. Cut them lengthwise into quarters.
- Do not give hard candy or chewing gum to young children.
- Children should always be supervised by an adult while eating or playing. Do not let them run or jump while eating.
Take-Home Message
- Only use the Heimlich Maneuver if someone is choking and unable to speak, cough, or breathe.
- This method is not suitable for babies under one year old. Instead, use back pats and chest thrusts.
- For a pregnant or obese person, push on the chest, not the stomach.
- If the trapped person loses consciousness, immediately start CPR and call an ambulance.
- After using this method, be sure to see a doctor to check for internal injuries.
- This is a very simple lifesaving technique that anyone can learn. By remembering these steps, you too may be able to save a life someday.
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