The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is a first aid procedure used to treat choking in conscious adults and children over one year old. Here's how to perform the Heimlich maneuver:
Assess the Situation: Determine if the person is choking by asking them if they are choking. If they are unable to speak or are making high-pitched sounds while inhaling, they are likely choking.
Position Yourself Behind the Person: Stand behind the choking person and slightly to one side. Make sure the person is standing or sitting upright.
Wrap Your Arms Around the Person: Reach around the person's waist with your arms. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side of your fist against the person's abdomen, slightly above the navel and below the ribcage.
Grasp Your Fist with Your Other Hand: Hold your fist with your other hand to provide support and leverage.
Perform Abdominal Thrusts: In a quick and upward motion, press into the person's abdomen with a forceful thrust. The thrust should be inward and upward, as if you're trying to lift the person up.
Repeat: Continue performing abdominal thrusts until the object causing the choking is dislodged or the person can cough forcefully, speak, breathe, or until emergency medical help arrives.
If the Person Becomes Unconscious: If the person becomes unconscious while performing the Heimlich maneuver, gently lower them to the ground and start CPR immediately. Call emergency services using your local emergency number if you haven't already done so.
If the Object is Dislodged: If the object causing the choking is dislodged and the person can breathe and speak normally, they should still seek medical attention to ensure there are no complications or injuries.
It's essential to only perform the Heimlich maneuver on a conscious person who is choking. If the person is unconscious or if the choking victim is an infant (under one year old), different procedures apply. In such cases, perform CPR for unconscious victims and modified choking procedures for infants
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