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First aid is one of the most basic skills that everyone should be able to show off. Situations requiring the use of first aid techniques usually happen when you least expect it, so it is worth getting ready to provide first aid right away. Very often, training in this field is conducted in schools and workplaces, but usually does not last long enough to cover all first aid methods and all possible situations in which someone may need first aid. Therefore, it is advisable to review basic and more advanced first aid techniques from time to time. One of them is the Heimlich maneuver. What is it about? In what situations is it useful? And how to properly perform it on an adult and a child?
What is the Heimlich Manuscript?
The Heimlich maneuver, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, is one of the premedical treatment methods used in the event of choking. When a foreign body accidentally enters the respiratory tract, apply pressure to the diaphragm of the person who is choking so that the foreign body escapes from the respiratory system. It is worth remembering that choking can be very dangerous and even lead to death if it turns out that an object or piece of food is stuck in the respiratory tract in such a way that it prevents you from breathing freely. People of all ages can suffer from choking, but children, including infants, as well as the elderly or the disabled, are the most vulnerable to this type of accident. Not every Heimlich maneuver is performed in exactly the same way. The technique depends primarily on the age of the victim.
When should the Heimlich maneuver be used?
As already mentioned, the Heimlich maneuver is a first aid method for choking. Often the first symptom of choking is an intense cough with which the body tries to get rid of the foreign body. Another symptom is inability to breathe and gradual bruising. These are clear indications that a person who is choking needs first aid.
How to properly perform the Heimlich maneuver in adults?
If we are dealing with an adult person who is choking, but can catch his breath and is conscious, it is worth first of all encouraging him to cough, as it may prove to be a sufficient method to get rid of a foreign body from the respiratory system. It is best to cough while slightly leaning forward, which will prevent the foreign body from sliding further into the airways. Hitting the back with the hand between the shoulder blades may also be helpful.
If the above actions do not bring the expected results, or if the victim is unconscious or unable to breathe, proceed with the Heimlich maneuver. To do this, embrace the injured person at waist level, stand behind him and lean him slightly forward. Then we need to clench one hand into a fist and embrace it with the other hand and thus very vigorously press the diaphragm towards ourselves and slightly upwards. Our hands should be placed between the xiphoid process and the navel. This vigorous pressure on the diaphragm should compress the air, pushing the foreign body out. The Heimlich grab can be done five times and then take a tapping break. And after a while the trick can be repeated again. After the first series of Heimlich’s maneuver, however, medical assistance should be called and the next steps recommended by rescuers should be followed. Be aware that a person who chokes may require resuscitation if the foreign body is unable to breathe in.
What are the contraindications for the Heimlich maneuver?
Heimlich’s maneuver is a first aid maneuver, so it can be performed on almost everyone. The only exceptions are children under the age of one, obese people and pregnant women.
Heimlich’s maneuver in children
Children are the age group most frequently affected by choking. They can happen both while eating a meal and while playing, when a toddler takes a small toy or other small object in his mouth. If the child is already large, we use the Heimlich grip in the same way as for adults. According to the latest guidelines, the Heimlich maneuver must not be performed on infants.