How to do the Heimlich maneuver

Summary

In this informative video, Brianna demonstrates essential techniques for responding to a choking incident, featuring a character named Choking Charlie. Viewers learn to identify the universal sign of choking and the appropriate actions to take based on the person's condition. If the individual is unable to cough or breathe, the Heimlich maneuver is detailed, including the proper hand positioning and movement. The video also emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to call for help and how to proceed if the person loses consciousness, guiding viewers to initiate CPR. This practical advice is vital for anyone looking to be prepared in an emergency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The universal sign for choking is crossing your hands at the neck.
• 😀 If a person is coughing, they can breathe and do not need the Heimlich maneuver.
• 😀 Stand behind the choking person to perform the Heimlich maneuver.
• 😀 Make a fist with your thumb facing back against you.
• 😀 Position your fist midline between the belly button and ribcage.
• 😀 Grasp your fist with your other hand to apply pressure.
• 😀 Pull back and up quickly to expel the object causing the choke.
• 😀 If the object is not expelled and the person loses consciousness, lower them to the ground.
• 😀 Begin CPR if the person becomes unconscious after choking.
• 😀 It's important to recognize choking early to act quickly.

Q & A

What is the universal sign for choking?

The universal sign for choking is hands crossed at the neck.

What should you do if the person is coughing?

If the person is coughing, they are able to breathe and you should not perform the Heimlich maneuver.

How do you perform the Heimlich maneuver?

To perform the Heimlich maneuver, stand behind the person, make a fist with your thumb pointing back, position it midline between the belly button and ribcage, grasp it with your other hand, and pull back and up quickly.

What should you do if the Heimlich maneuver does not expel the object?

If the object is not expelled and the person loses consciousness, lower them to the ground and begin CPR.

When is it appropriate to perform the Heimlich maneuver?

The Heimlich maneuver is appropriate when a person is choking but not coughing, as coughing indicates they can still breathe.

What is the first step when you see someone choking?

The first step is to recognize the universal sign for choking and assess the situation.

What position should you be in to perform the Heimlich maneuver?

You should be standing behind the person who is choking.

What should you do if the choking person becomes unconscious?

If the choking person becomes unconscious, you should carefully lower them to the ground and start CPR.

What does pulling back and up quickly accomplish during the Heimlich maneuver?

Pulling back and up quickly creates pressure in the abdomen that can expel the object blocking the airway.

Is it possible to perform the Heimlich maneuver on someone who is sitting down?

Yes, but it may be more effective if the person is standing; adjustments may be needed if they are sitting.