INTRODUCTION
There are some experiences that many people fear more than others, like burning alive or being trapped in confined spaces. However on experience that can inspire profound fear and panic, for people of all ages, all across the world is not being able to breathe. The inability to breathe is terrifying. Not be able to get air into the lungs is a serious concern; if the body goes too long, as few as three minutes, can result in serious health problems and brain damage that may be difficult to overcome even if their lives are saved. One of the most common ways that people find themselves unable to breathe is from choking. Choking occurs when a foreign object is obstructing the air way and cannot be expelled by the individual; this is most common with children who swallow toys and with adults it usually occurs when they are eating. More than forty years ago a man named Henry Heimlich came up with a procedure that can be practiced by just about anyone. A combination of well placed abdominal thrust can help to dislodge foreign objects back out of the throat allowing them to breathe again (Markel, 2014). This lifesaving method is today referred to as the Heimlich Maneuver, after its developer.
DISCUSSION
The Heimlich Maneuver has saved thousands of lives since its development and it has the potential to save more lives and can be learned by just about anyone (Markel, 2014). That does not mean that it cannot be performed wrong and it does not mean that there is not a specific way that the procedure must be accomplished. When someone is choking and it is clear they cannot take in breath or cough, then follow these steps.
911: Just in case the maneuver does not work it is important to have someone call for 911 and have properly trained healthcare professionals on the way as soon as possible (Web MD, 2014).
Proper Stance: the rescuer should stand behind the person and wrap their arms around the choking person’s waist. It is also advisable to place a knee between the legs of the choker, so they have support in case the pass out (The Heimlich Institute Foundation, 2015).
Fist: The next step is to place a fist with the thumb side facing the body of the person choking just above the belly-button and below the breast bone (Web MD, 2014).
Abdominal Thrusts: Next the person performing the maneuver should place their other hand over their fist, then thrust upward. These thrusts will likely result in the person expelling the object obstructing their airway. Repeat this multiple times if necessary; if the person loses consciousness cease thrusting (Heimlich Institute Foundation, 2015).
The above are the generalized practice, but there are variations of the procedure. If the victim is not conscious then it necessary to lay the individual on their back and straddle them around the mid section. With hands atop one another, using the palm of your hand just below the ribcage and above the belly button, allow body weight to aid in creating upward thrusts. If the obstruction is expelled, but the patient does not regain consciousness then CPR may be needed (Web MD, 2014). The Heimlich Maneuver can also be beneficial in the cases of accidental drowning. Instead of the victim having a foreign object like food or, as with infants, swallowed non-food objects, like smaller toys, in this case the obstruction is the amount of water in the lungs. The Heimlich Maneuver will allow a person to attempt to pump the water from the lungs and hopefully allowing the individual to breathe again. If after the maneuver the individual still has not regained consciousness it is, again, advised to perform CPR (Heimlich Institute Foundation, 2015).
The standard procedure for performing the Heimlich does change when addressing infants and toddler aged children. However, if the individual choking is an infant or a toddler the steps are a bit different and they are important to know. It is advisable to lay the child face up on a firm surface or sit behind them, use the middle and index finger just under the child’s ribcage and just above the belly button. Firmly, but gently, use fingers to create the abdominal thrusts; repeat this until item is expelled; pushing too hard or forcefully could injure the child (Heimlich Institute Foundation, 2015). Again seeking professional medical care is still advised even after expulsion has occurred.
What is the person who is choking or cannot breathe is yourself? You are at home alone and a pesky bone fragment for your dinner is lodge in your throat and you cannot breathe. You may not be able to speak to call for help. Albeit the most rarely performed version of the maneuver is the process to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on oneself. Remain calm and place your fist against your own abdomen, just as previously explained, then grasp the fist with other hand. Then perform the typical quick and upward abdominal thrusts until the cause of the choking is expelled. There is an alternative means, as well, if one cannot dislodge the object through traditional self compression, then one can lean over a table, chair or stair railing, then press against in the quick and upward thrust, again until the obstruction is expelled (Heimlich Institute Foundation, 2015).
CONCLUSION
Again, not be able to breathe is terrifying. Most people do not really appreciate that oxygen they rely upon until they cannot take a breath. Since Heimlich first introduced his method that has save tens of thousands of lives since the years of its development and will likely continue to do so for some time. The public can take measures to prevent a choking emergency by chewing their food, teaching their children to chew properly and, finally, keeping small toys and objects out of the reach of infants and toddlers. However, if one does find themselves among family, friends or perfect strangers where someone is choking or one finds themselves choking then people should be incredibly grateful for the maneuver than Heimlich gave to the world.
REFERENCES
Markel, H. (2014). How dr. heimlich got his maneuver 40 years ago. PBS News Hour. 1.
Retrieved August 7, 2016, from http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/dr-heimlich-got-maneuver/
Heimlich Institution Foundation. (2015). Vital moves save lives. Heimlich Institute
Foundation. 1.
Web MD (2014). Choking rescue procedure (heimlich maneuver)-Adult or child older than 1
