"The Heimlich maneuver saves lives if performed correctly"

The simple Heimlich maneuver, which has been frequently discussed recently, can save lives. It is of vital importance that the Heimlich maneuver is performed correctly in situations where a person is conscious but faces the danger of choking after an object becomes lodged in their windpipe.

It is crucial that the maneuver is performed within seconds and with a cool head. Speaking on the subject, Özel Ümit Batıkent Hospital Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Ünal Tetik explained the points to consider for the procedure to be performed correctly and appropriately.

"THE TECHNIQUE DIFFERS FOR THOSE UNDER AND OVER 5 YEARS OLD"

Stating that the maneuver is applied differently for people under and over 5 years of age, Emergency Medicine Specialist Tetik said, "This is a process that can lead to shortness of breath and even death as a result of an object obstructing the airways. In such cases, a life can actually be saved with a simple maneuver. There are a few points to consider here. We naturally behave differently depending on the age groups.

For those 5 years and older, first, you stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their abdomen. Then, make a horizontal fist between the rib cage and the navel (where the sternum ends and the abdominal cavity begins) and apply pressure by pushing inward and upward 5 times to try to dislodge the obstructing object from the airway. While performing this procedure, care must be taken to ensure the person is conscious.

For small children under 5, the maneuver is continued in the same way, but by kneeling to reach their level rather than standing. However, the situation is different for infants; because their structures are different, we could cause harm. For this reason, we perform it by turning them over, holding them face down, and striking their back 5 times, provided that it is not too fast."

"IF THEY CAN BREATHE, ENCOURAGE COUGHING FIRST"

Stating that it is very important not to panic in such situations where the person cannot breathe, Dr. Ünal Tetik continued as follows;

"It is necessary to intervene calmly with a person who cannot breathe. If an object obstruction is in question, one should first encourage the person to cough rather than immediately starting the Heimlich maneuver. If the patient is coughing and can breathe, there is no need for the Heimlich maneuver.

In that case, the patient can be taken to an emergency room. But if the patient's airway is completely blocked, if they cannot cough and cannot breathe, the Heimlich maneuver must be performed. Once the Heimlich maneuver is started, it is continued until the patient's airway is opened."

"IT IS POSSIBLE TO LEARN THROUGH TRAINING"

Noting that citizens can learn the life-saving Heimlich maneuver very easily, Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Ünal Tetik said, "This can be learned from videos explained by doctors on reliable websites, and training on this subject can also be provided in many institutions. Especially in some institutions and factories, these trainings are already included in first aid," he said.

News Source: İHA