The Heimlich ManeuverThe Heimlich Maneuver

By

Jose Gonzalez

Introduction

• There’s never a warning before a person gets an object caught in their throat and starts choking

Choking

• Choking is the body’s way of trying to remove a foreign object

Causes of Choking

• Eating (especially eating and laughing at the same time, eating too fast, and failing to chew food well enough.) Alcohol and drug consumption (even a small amount affects awareness.)Trauma to the head and face (bleeding can cause choking) Small objects swallowed by children (beads, toys)

Causes of Choking

• Food

• Toys

• Alcohol

• Drugs

Lack of Oxygen

• Without oxygen the brain can begin to die within 4 to 6 minutes. By learning the Heimlich Maneuver-a simple life-saving technique-you may literally save the life of a choking victim.

Heimlich Maneuver

• The Heimlich Maneuver is the most effective way to remove something stuck in an adult’s or older child’s throat. (Note: another technique is used for an infant, small child, or when someone becomes unconscious.) It lifts the diaphragm and forces enough air from the lungs to remove the obstruction.

When Do I Use The Heimlich?

• The person is grabbing the throat with the hand (the universal sign for choking)You notice they are gaggingYou hear a weak ineffective cough, noisy breathing, or high-pitched soundsThe person is starting to look blue

How To Do The Heimlich

• Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arm around his or her waistPlace thumb side of the fist against middle of person’s abdomen just above the navel and well below the ribsPress your fist into the person’s abdomen with quick, upward thrustsRepeat abdominal thrusts until the object is coughed up

Always remember…

• Following the expulsion of the object, keep the victim still and get medical helpComplications can arise from the incident or from the measures that were taken

Important Notice

• This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions.