What is the Heimlich Maneuver? How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver?

What is the Heimlich Maneuver?

The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid method used in case of airway obstruction. This maneuver is applied to remove an object (usually a piece of food) stuck in a person's throat. The maneuver was developed by Dr. Henry Heimlich and named after him.

The Heimlich maneuver is performed by getting behind the person with the blockage, hugging the person's chest and squeezing the lower part. This pressure forces the obstructed object out of the airway. The Heimlich maneuver is a life-saving intervention in emergency situations where breathing has stopped due to obstruction.
However, the Heimlich maneuver should not be performed in all cases and should only be performed on people who show signs of airway obstruction. Furthermore, performing this maneuver without training can cause harm to the person. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for such situations and receive the relevant training.

In which situations and to whom is the Heimlich maneuver applied?

The Heimlich maneuver is applied to people who have difficulty breathing or cannot breathe due to obstruction of the respiratory tract. This usually occurs when food or a foreign body blocks the airway. The Heimlich maneuver is used when the obstruction is critical and rapid intervention is needed to save the person's life.

The Heimlich maneuver can be applied in the following situations:

It is applied to people who show signs of suffocation as a result of complete or partial obstruction of the respiratory tract by food or a foreign body.

It can be applied when signs of airway obstruction are observed, especially in infants, children, the elderly or other people at risk.

It can be applied in cases where a person has difficulty breathing, coughs but the obstruction persists.

However, the Heimlich maneuver may not be appropriate in all cases of airway obstruction. In particular, this maneuver should not be applied to people who are conscious and able to maintain their respiratory functions. Caution should also be exercised with pregnant women and people at risk of back injury. In such cases, appropriate interventions should be made, taking into account the person's condition and needs.

How is the Heimlich maneuver performed?

The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid method that provides a quick and effective response to airway obstruction. This maneuver is usually used in cases where objects such as food or a foreign body block the airway. The Heimlich maneuver is used to save a person's life in an emergency caused by an obstruction. This maneuver is based on the principle of getting behind the person and applying pressure in a controlled manner towards the area of obstruction. The pressure increases the air pressure in the chest cavity, helping to push the obstruction out and reopen the airway. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, the Heimlich maneuver is a vital intervention and can have fatal consequences if performed correctly and in a timely manner. However, this maneuver should only be performed on people with symptoms of airway obstruction and by appropriately trained people. It is important for practitioners to be vigilant and to call for professional medical assistance when necessary.

How is the Heimlich maneuver performed alone?

The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid method that can be applied alone to relieve airway obstruction. Here are the steps on how to perform the Heimlich maneuver alone:

1. Assess the person's condition: First, assess whether the person is actually experiencing airway obstruction. If the person is coughing, can't breathe and has panicked expressions on their face, they may have an airway obstruction.

2. Approach from behind: If the person is not breathing, get behind them immediately.

3. Start without Help: If others are not around, start the intervention immediately. However, if there is someone you can get help from, ask them for help or call for emergency help immediately.

4. Position Your Hands: Get just above the person's belly button, between the stomach and the breastbone.

5. Make a fist: Bring your hands together to form a fist.

6. Apply Pressure: Place your fist just above the person's belly button and place your other hand on top of the fist. Then, taking a gripping position, apply pressure inward and upward in a controlled manner.

7. Increase Pressure Slowly: Increase the pressure slowly to help remove the blockage. However, avoid applying pressure too strongly, as this can damage internal organs.

8. Apply Pressure at Regular Intervals: Apply pressure at regular intervals to try to help remove the blockage. Assess the situation between each pressure and repeat the intervention if necessary.

9. If the blockage dissolves, Continue Monitoring: If the obstruction resolves and the person starts breathing again, continue to monitor them and seek professional medical help if needed.

By following these steps, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver alone on a person experiencing airway obstruction. However, it is always best to seek the help of a trained professional.