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How to Perform The Heimlich Maneuver
By: Steve Larson
On average 3,000 adults die per
year as a result of accidentally inhaling and choking on food.
When food gets stuck in your throat, it blocks your trachea making
it very difficult to breathe. Because the airway is blocked,
it may take less than a minute to die after the food is consumed.
It is important to act fast in these situations and a slight
hesitation could mean the difference between living and dying.
The Heimlich maneuver is a standard component of all first aid
courses and is an effective technique which all individuals should
learn.
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When someone is choking the Heimlich
maneuver is performed to dislodge the obstruction which is blocking
the trachea. By compressing the abdomen just below the level
of the diaphragm, the air is forced out of the lungs removing
the obstruction which was blocking the air flow. At this point,
the material which was blocking the trachea will be brought back
up into the mouth.
Now that you’re aware of
how important it is to know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver,
here is a brief explanation on the steps involved in the process:
1. Ask the person if they are choking. Performing
the Heimlich maneuver when not necessary can be harmful and can
also waste time in getting the victim the correct form of help. |
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2. Stand behind the victim, make a fist with one
hand and place your thumb towards the victim below the rib cage
and above the waist.
3. Wrap your arms around the victim, placing your
other hand on top of your fist.
4. Thrust upwards from 6-10 times. These thrusts
should be relatively hard but not so hard that they can damage
the victim further. Do not give up if the first attempt fails.
It is very unlikely that it will be effective the first time,
keep trying even if it takes 5 or more attempts.
Before you attempt to perform
the Heimlich maneuver on a choking victim, you should be aware
of the precautions involved in this technique. Improper application
of the Heimlich maneuver can potentially cause damage to the
ribs, chest and internal organs of the victim. If you are not
completely sure of how to perform this maneuver, take a first
aid class which will outline the exact techniques involved.
It is also important to note
that when performing the Heimlich maneuver on children the amount
of force exuded is considerably less than the amount for adults.
Children are not as strongly built as adults and for this reason
the amount of force should be decreased so they are not put in
any additional danger.
Please be aware that these are
just guidelines and they are in no way meant to be taken in replace
of a first aid or CPR course. I strongly suggest taking first
aid courses to ensure you have the confidence required to successfully
perform this maneuver should your assistance be required. |
