The incident that took place last Sunday in Solsona, where a Mosso d'Esquadra saved the life of a 5-year-old child who was choking on a potato chip, has once again highlighted the vital importance of the Heimlich maneuver. This procedure is fundamental in first aid for airway obstruction.
The speed and precision in applying the Heimlich maneuver can make the difference between life and death in choking incidents.
To apply the Heimlich maneuver to an adult or a child older than one year, you must stand behind the patient and wrap your arms around their abdomen. One hand should be closed into a fist and placed between the navel and the bottom of the sternum.
With the other hand, cover the fist and apply a rapid compression movement inward and upward, pulling the arms sharply. This action should be repeated up to five times or until the airway obstruction has completely disappeared.
In situations where the affected person is alone, they can attempt self-application of the Heimlich maneuver. Make a fist and place it under the ribs, grasp it with the other hand, and press the abdomen rapidly upward. Alternatively, a rigid surface, such as the back of a chair or the edge of a table, can be used to apply force to the upper abdomen.
