How to Give the Heimlich Maneuver | First Aid Training

Summary

The video provides essential guidance on how to assist someone who is choking, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm and seeking help. It details the Heimlich maneuver, demonstrating techniques for both adults and pregnant individuals. The video stresses the need to communicate clearly, manage anxiety, and continue efforts until the obstruction is cleared or professional help arrives. It also outlines steps to take if the person loses consciousness, ensuring viewers understand how to respond effectively in this critical situation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Assess the situation: Ask the person if they're okay before taking action.
• 😮 Recognize the sign: The universal sign for choking is hands on the throat.
• 📞 Call for help: If in a crowded place, alert others or have someone call for assistance.
• 👐 Stay calm: Your composure can help reduce the choking person's anxiety.
• ✋ Perform the Heimlich maneuver: Wrap your arms around the person, find the belly button, make a fist, and thrust inward and upward.
• 👶 Adjust technique for pregnant or larger individuals: Use the same thrusting motion but aim higher, near the breastbone.
• 🪑 Self-Heimlich option: If unable to perform the maneuver, assist the choking person in leaning over a chair to relieve themselves.
• 🚑 Stay with them: Continue attempts to dislodge the object until help arrives or they can breathe again.
• 💔 If they lose consciousness: Lay them down and repeat the Heimlich maneuver until help arrives.
• 🔄 Communicate: Talk them through the process to keep them calm and informed.

Q & A

What is the first thing you should do if someone starts choking?

Ask the person, 'Are you OK?' to assess their condition and determine if they need assistance.

What is the international sign for choking?

The international sign for choking is typically someone holding their throat.

Why is it important to get help from others when someone is choking?

Getting help from others can provide additional support and ensure that emergency services are called promptly.

How do you perform the Heimlich maneuver?

Stand behind the person, locate their belly button with your pinky, make a fist, place it just above the belly button, and thrust inward and upward until the object is dislodged.

What should you do if the person choking is pregnant?

If the person is pregnant, position your hands higher, just below the breastbone, and perform the Heimlich maneuver in the same way.

What if you are too small to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a larger person?

You can assist the larger person in performing a self-Heimlich maneuver by having them lean over a chair or surface to target their diaphragm.

What steps should be taken if the choking person loses consciousness?

Lay the person on the floor, roll them onto their side, and continue performing the Heimlich maneuver until help arrives or the obstruction is cleared.

Why is staying calm important during a choking emergency?

Staying calm helps prevent the choking person from becoming more panicked, which can exacerbate their anxiety and make the situation worse.

What common mistakes should be avoided when assisting someone who is choking?

Avoid slapping their back or wrestling with them, as this can cause injury and may not help dislodge the obstruction.

What should you do while waiting for help to arrive?

Continue attempting the Heimlich maneuver and stay with the choking person, providing reassurance until help arrives.