Heimlich grip
This is what you have to do if someone has choked
If a person chokes so badly that they can no longer breathe, speak or cough, immediate action is required. This is how the Heimlich maneuver works.
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Heimlich Maneuver: These steps can save lives.
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Swallowing is when a foreign object gets stuck in the throat, larynx, or windpipe. Most of the time this is uncomfortable, but not too bad, since the body gets rid of the foreign body itself through the coughing or gag reflex. It becomes dangerous when the person concerned can no longer breathe, speak or cough.
In such a case, you must act immediately because there is a risk of death. This is how you can best help (see also video above):
● Strike the choking person’s back between the shoulder blades, up to five times. Support the person.
If there is no improvement:
● Grasp the upper abdomen of the choking person from behind and place your clenched fist above the navel. Grasp it with the other hand and pull inwards and upwards vigorously up to five times (Heimlich manoeuvre).
● Carry out these measures alternately until improvement occurs.
● Caution: There is a risk of internal injuries when using the Heimlich grip. Therefore, an examination by a doctor is necessary followingwards. So don’t hesitate to call the medical emergency number 144 right away.
The Heimlich Grip can save lives.
imago/Science Photo Library
The Heimlich grip or the Heimlich maneuver (from the English «Heimlich manoeuvre») is a life-saving measure when there is a risk of suffocation by a foreign object. It was first described in 1974 by the American physician Henry J. Heimlich (February 3, 1920 to December 17, 2016). Incidentally, Heimlich himself never had to use his handgrip until he was 96 years old. Then, in May 2016 the doctor saved killed an 87-year-old with his Heimlich maneuver over dinner at a retirement home in Cincinnati where the then 96-year-old lived.
This video from 2019 shows that the Heimlich handle works. At that time, a host used it to save the life of a British tourist who had choked on a piece of chicken.
(Video: Thamedia)
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