The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid method used to resolve sudden airway obstructions. It is applied to allow the person in danger of suffocation to breathe. It is a vital intervention in cases where foreign objects or food block the airway. The Heimlich maneuver can be performed on conscious adults and children.
It is very important that the Heimlich maneuver is performed correctly and used in appropriate situations. The details of how to perform the maneuver may vary depending on the age, condition and physical characteristics of the person experiencing obstruction.
In which cases is the Heimlich maneuver used?
Every individual, from infants to adults, may be at risk of suffocation as a result of a foreign substance entering the respiratory tract. Commonly known symptoms of suffocation include clasping one's hands around the throat. However, this symptom, which applies to everyone, can be seen in different ways in individuals who cannot express themselves or ask for help, such as infants and young children. The symptoms that occur in such cases are as follows:
- Inability to speak, inability to make sounds and inability to breathe,
- Difficult or wheezing breathing,
- wheezing sounds when trying to breathe,
- Mild or intense cough,
- Darkening or bluing of the skin, lips and nail beds,
- Initial redness of the face and general skin tone, followed by a pale or bluish discoloration,
- Loss of consciousness.
When a person in danger of drowning shows these signs, the person present should be prepared for an emergency intervention. The Heimlich maneuver is an effective first aid method to resolve such situations. However, it is important to remember that in medical emergencies it is important to seek professional help.
How is the Heimlich maneuver performed?
In cases where a person is at risk of drowning, the Heimlich maneuver performed at the right time and in the right way can be life-saving. If a person showing signs of choking can cough vigorously, they should continue coughing. The basic steps on how to perform the Heimlich maneuver are as follows:
Correct Positioning: As a first step, get behind the person in danger of choking. If the person is sitting, provide support so that they can stand.
Punch Preparation: Squeeze your hand to make a fist. Place the fist just above the person's belly button with the palm facing upwards.
Using the Other Hand: Place the other hand on top of the fist.
Applying Pressure: In a quick and controlled manner, make a pushing motion towards the person's breastbone. At the same time, press the palms of your hands inwards to create pressure. This pressure will release the obstruction in the person's airway.
Repeated Procedure: If the first maneuver does not work, repeat the procedure. However, be careful not to use too much force.
When Successful: If the person is able to clear the obstruction and breathe again, seek professional medical help immediately.
What should be considered during the Heimlich Maneuver?
If the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off for more than 4 minutes during drowning, it can lead to brain damage and even death. Therefore, it is critical for every individual to have basic first aid knowledge in case of drowning. It is also extremely important to perform this maneuver correctly and ensure safety. The things to be considered when applying the Heimlich maneuver can be listed as follows:
- Consent and consciousness control,
- Correct position,
- Controlled pressure application,
- Apply pressure to the right area,
- Repetitive maneuvering,
- Pregnant and obese people,
- Professional assistance,
- Observation and follow-up,
- Warning to conscious people.
It is important to remember that training and practicing first aid is a great advantage in dealing with emergencies. However, as in any medical situation, it is always best to seek professional medical help.
How to perform the Heimlich maneuver in infants?
In infants under one year of age, it is vital to intervene quickly and correctly if a foreign body obstructs the airways. The first aid steps to be applied in this case are as follows:
Take a Safe Position: Hold the baby face down on your lap, sitting on your thigh. Use your hand to support the baby's head and neck. The head should be positioned so that it is below chest level.
Back Strokes: Gently but firmly stroke the baby's back 5 times with the heel of your hand. Keep your fingers upward during the strokes to avoid hitting the baby's head.
Chest Compressions: If back strokes do not work, turn the baby face up. Using two fingers, quickly apply 5 chest compressions over the baby's breastbone. These compressions may help to remove the obstruction.
If Breathing Stops If the baby stops breathing or cannot maintain a normal breathing rate, call for professional medical help immediately.
Back Strokes and Chest Compressions: Until professional help arrives, continue to apply 5 strokes to the baby's back and chest respectively. This may help open the airway.
Basic Life Support: If the baby is still not breathing, start basic life support with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or CPR.
Can the Heimlich maneuver be performed on unconscious people?
The Heimlich maneuver is not applied to unconscious people. Performing the Heimlich maneuver on an unconscious person may worsen their health condition. The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid method that should be applied to unconscious people who are in respiratory distress due to obstruction of a foreign body.
When it is necessary to intervene in an unconscious person, other first aid techniques such as basic life support (CPR) should be applied. If the person has stopped breathing, CPR involves artificial respiration and heart massage to maintain basic life functions. However, as in any medical situation, it is best to seek professional medical assistance when responding to an unconscious person.