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Thursday, November 30, 2017

The American Red Cross First Aid & Safety: The Heimlich Maneuver

In my book "The American Red Cross: First Aid & Safety Handbook" I was taught and showed how to save a person's life by performing with rapid first aid for choking by doing abdominal thrusts, also called the Heimlich maneuver. My author Kathleen A. Handal explains that "choking is your body's way of trying to remove a foreign object (such as food) from the airway. A choking person's airway may be completely or partially blocked" (Handal 108). Without oxygen the brain can begin to die within 4-6 minutes. Some signs and symptoms of choking are grabbing of the throat with the hand, gagging, pale and bluish skin on face, weak, ineffective coughing; noisy breathing; high-pitched crowing sounds, convulsions and/or loss of consciousness.

"Choking is often associated with eating; alcohol consumption, trauma to the head or face, and young children" (Handal 108). Some warnings are:
  • DO NOT interfere if the victim is coughing forcefully and has good air exchange. However, be ready to act instantly if the victim's air exchange worsens
  • DO NOT pinch or choke an object that is lodged in the victim's throat. This might force it farther down the airway.

Steps to proceed with Heimlich:

First ask the victim if he or she is choking. If the victim can't answer, the obstruction is life threatening. Call EMS. Then tell the victim you are going to try to help and ask for permission to proceed.
1. Perform abdominal thrusts
2. Stand behind the victim
3. Wrap your arms around the victim's waist
4. Make a fist, place the thumb side of your fist in the middle of the victims abdomen, just above the navel and well below the lower tip with your outer hand
5. Grasps your fist with your other hand
6. Keeping your elbows out, press your fist with a quick, upward thrust into the victim's abdomen. Each thrust is a separate attempt to clear the victim's airway by forcing air out
7. Continue performing this maneuver until the obstruction is cleared or the victim loses consciousness



Have you ever been in a situation where you have almost or had performed the Heimlich maneuver, and what was the situation?

4 comments:

  1. I have a couple of times with young children. One time a kid under my care was choking on a grape and it came up very easily. I found that simply remaining calm was the most helpful tactic.

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    1. Yes, I do also believe that remaining calm is very helpful in a emergency. Especially when you're alone with or watching children, because they are more prone to choking on food and freaking out. Thank you for your comment!

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  2. Hey Gina! I found this blog very helpful because knowing these good safety tips are very important to know in case an emergency comes up. I believe that everyone should be aware of these great tips in case something happens and they are prepared. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Yes Janell, I also agree with what you're saying because everyone should know what to do during an emergency. If an accident were to occur or someone was choking, anyone near should know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver until the throat has cleared. Thank you for your comment!

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