How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

Understanding the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich Maneuver is an emergency procedure used to assist someone who is choking on a foreign object. It involves applying pressure to the abdomen in order to dislodge the obstruction and allow the person to breathe again. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver can be life-saving, and everyone should familiarize themselves with Visit this informative link technique. If you’re looking to delve even further into the topic, HLR utbildning Stockholm. We’ve handpicked this external material, which contains worthwhile details to expand your understanding.

Identifying Choking

Before performing the Heimlich Maneuver, it is crucial to identify whether the person is actually choking. Some common signs of choking include difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing, inability to speak, and a panicked expression. If someone is exhibiting these symptoms, prompt action is necessary to clear their airway.

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on an Adult

If an adult is choking, follow these steps to perform the Heimlich Maneuver:

Stand behind the person, placing your feet shoulder-width apart.

Wrap your arms around their waist and make a fist with one hand, with the thumb side against their abdomen, slightly above the navel.

Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into the abdomen with a quick, upward motion.

Repeat this thrusting motion until the object is dislodged or they become unconscious.

If the person becomes unconscious, call emergency services and perform CPR if necessary.

It is important to avoid using excessive force or pressure, as it may cause injuries. The purpose of the Heimlich Maneuver is to create enough pressure to dislodge the obstruction without causing harm to the person.

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a Child

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a child requires a slightly different technique. Follow these steps:

Position yourself behind the child and kneel down if necessary.

Place one fist slightly above the child’s navel.

Grasp your fist with your other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen.

Continue with these thrusts until the object is expelled or they become unconscious.

If the child loses consciousness, call for emergency medical assistance and perform CPR if needed.

Remember to adapt the force used to the child’s age and size, as their bodies are more delicate than adults.

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on an Infant

The technique for performing the Heimlich Maneuver on an infant is different due to their fragile nature. Follow these steps:

Place the infant face down on your forearm, supporting their head and neck with your hand.

Position the infant’s face downwards, slightly lower than their chest.

Using the heel of your other hand, deliver five firm blows to the middle of their back, between the shoulder blades.

If the obstruction is still not cleared, turn the infant on their back and perform up to five chest compressions using two fingers in the center of their chest.

Repeat these back blows and chest compressions until the object is dislodged or the infant becomes unconscious.

Always use gentle and controlled pressure with infants to avoid causing harm.

Seeking Medical Assistance

After successfully performing the Heimlich Maneuver and dislodging the obstruction, it is important to seek medical assistance for the person who was choking. Even if they appear to be fine, they should still be examined by a healthcare professional to ensure no further complications arise.

Conclusion

Knowing how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver is a valuable skill that everyone should learn. By being prepared and familiarizing ourselves with this technique, we can potentially save a life in an emergency situation. Remember to remain calm, act swiftly, and adapt the technique accordingly to the age and size of the person choking. By doing so, we can help prevent choking incidents from turning into tragic events. To achieve a comprehensive grasp of the subject, don’t miss the recommended external resource. You’ll find plenty of extra information and a fresh perspective. HLR kurs Stockholm, enhance your educational journey!