Heimlich maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver It is done when there is an obstruction of the airway by a foreign body (choking). It is a fairly common problem, at any age of life, especially in young children, the elderly and people with neurological diseases. It is a medical emergency as it compromises the life of the patient and requires rapid action. Thus, it is important to know some basic maneuvers that can be applied while awaiting medical help and that can be vital for the patient.

Types of airway obstruction

Airway obstruction can be complete (complete lack of air passage) or incomplete.

• Incomplete obstruction: the person coughs, makes breath sounds (wheezing). In these cases, never hit the back as it may help the obstruction object to be wedged in or further inserted. Encourage her to cough hard to help clear the blockage.
• Complete obstruction: in this case, we are facing a vital urgency.

If the person is aware the affected person must be made to stand up and bend the trunk. Stand next to him and tap (with the lower part of the hand) between the shoulder blades. If the obstruction continues, the Heimlich maneuver It consists of a series of abdominal compressions that increase intrathoracic pressure and thus eliminate airway obstruction.

How to perform the Heimlich maneuver?

• Get the affected person to stand up and reassure them.
• Stand behind, with the legs apart, pass both arms under the ribs (at the level of the diaphragm), place one fist just below the sternum, holding it firmly by the wrist with the other hand. Push in with five sudden compressions.
• If it works, the victim will cough up the object.
• If not solved: alternate 5 pats on the back with a new maneuver. If it does not resolve and / or the victim loses consciousness, call an emergency service immediately.

If the person is unconscious. It is necessary to initiate the maneuver of, if they are known, and to request urgent medical help. Special situations:

• In the infant: The Heimlich maneuver cannot be performed, as abdominal thrusts are dangerous. In this case, it is recommended to place the child face down with the thorax inclined (lower than the rest of the body) and give 5 blows with the hand in the area between the scapulae. The child can also be placed on his back with the head lower than the chest and 5 finger compressions applied to the chest.
• Pregnant: if they are in an advanced state of pregnancy (from the second trimester), the Heimlich maneuver cannot be practiced. In this case, 5 chest compressions should be performed in the middle portion of the sternum.

Pay special attention to do not mistake choking with an attack of It is a disease in which a complete obstruction of the airway occurs but due to bronchial inflammation. In these cases these maneuvers are of no use, but urgent medical help must be sought and a bronchodilator applied to the patient.