When it comes to saving lives, first aid plays a crucial role. While Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a popular lifesaving technique performed on people with breathing difficulties or during a cardiac event, the Heimlich maneuver is another commonly used first aid method that helps treat upper airway obstruction caused by an object, food, or a foreign body.
This technique, also known as the abdominal thrust maneuvre, is said to be extremely effective in reducing the mortality rate due to choking, with a success rate of 86.5%, according to a study published in the World Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Let's find out when and how the Heimlich maneuver should be performed.
Also Read: 6 Basic First Aid Skills You Should Know
Signs Of Choking
Choking occurs when an object gets stuck in the throat or the windpipe blocks the flow of air. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention and care. Research suggests choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death, the leading cause of infantile death, and the fourth leading cause of death among preschool children. In 2015 alone, more than 5000 people died from choking, of whom over 2000 were older than 74.
To prevent fatalities from choking, it is important to first recognise the signs and take immediate action. Some of the common indicators of choking include:
- One or both hands clutched to the throat
- Panic, shock, or confusion
- Inability to talk
- Coughing or gagging
- Strained breathing
- Squeaky sounds when trying to breathe
- Bluish or greyish changes in skin colour
- Loss of consciousness
Introduction To The Heimlich Maneuver
The Heimlich maneuver was first introduced in 1974 by Dr Henry Heimlich. He highlighted that the reserve of air in the lung could help remove objects from the oesophagus by quick upward thrust under the ribcage.
Initially, there were some hindrances, and people belonging to the medical community did not accept the method right away.
According to StatPearls Publishing, the American Red Cross (ARC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) continued to promote backslaps for ten years after the introduction of the Heimlich maneuver.
However, over time, the first aid technique has been recognised as lifesaving and is recommended for all conscious adults.
Steps To Perform The Heimlich Maneuver
Here’s how you can correctly perform the Heimlich Manoeuver in emergency situations:
Step 1: First, assess and check if the person is choking.
Step 2: Position yourself behind the person, slightly to one side.
Step 3: Make a fist, place it above their navel.
Step 4: Perform quick inward and upward thrusts to dislodge the obstruction.
Step 5: If they become unconscious, carefully lower them down to the ground and perform CPR.
Step 6: Seek medical attention immediately.
Also Read: Food Stuck In Your Throat? Try These 5 Ways To Deal With It
When To Avoid?
According to the MSD Manual, Heimlich maneuver should not be performed if the choking person can speak, cough forcefully, or breathe adequately.
It should also be avoided in obese patients and women in late pregnancy. Chest thrusts are a more preferred technique in these groups.
Additionally, the AHA does not recommend the Heimlich maneuvers for infants or unconscious patients.
Conclusion
Just like CPR, learning how to perform the Heimlich maneuver can be extremely beneficial. By quickly recognising the signs of choking and administering effective abdominal thrusts, individuals can safely dislodge obstructions from the airway and restore normal breathing. But ensure that you take all necessary precautions and seek prompt medical assistance, even after successful intervention.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your doctor if you have any queries related to choking and steps to manage it.]