Heimlich Maneuver

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Heimlich Maneuver

an everyday SURVIVAL skill:

Recently had the opportunity to watch a local SP heroine, Karen, quickly act to save someone choking on a piece of food. Fortunately she was paying attention as I was focused on pizza in my normal drooling manner. This is a skill that should not be overlooked and a tool to have in our first aid kit of knowledge. Several times in my lifespan I have witnessed or assisted in this. I encourage everyone to get hands on training but please use the video as a primer leading up to that because we are all susceptible to this occasional mishap.

[Mjollnir]

They have changed the old standard of ABC to CAB for the unresponsive victim. Check pulse for no more than 10 seconds, no pulse imediately go into chest compressions ( 30 compressions then 2 breaths), compressions are ideally at a 100 beat/minute rate, if air doesn't go in then reposition and try again, if they still don't go in resume chest compressions. Compressions are a more effective method of dislodging an airway obstruction than the older abdominal thrusts. If it is a witnessed choking victim who becomes unresponsive then immediately go into chest compressions once they are down. The blind finger sweep is no longer advocated either. Unless you can see the obstruction keep your finger out of their mouth.

Also worth noting..... air often times goes into the stomach of patient during the breathing portion of cpr. Eventually this will cause the patient to vomit, if this happens immediately roll them to prevent the vomit from going into the lungs. Expect them to vomit and be ready to roll quickly. Hope this is helpful in some way.