2.2 - Heimlich Manoeuvre

Definition of the Heimlich Manoeuvre

• The Heimlich Manoeuvre is an emergency procedure performed to save an individual who is choking.
• Choking occurs when the respiratory tract is blocked by food or a foreign object.
• The procedure does not require any equipment.

Signs of Choking

Perform the Heimlich Manoeuvre immediately when a victim:

• holds the neck with both hands;
• is unable to speak or cough;
• has difficulty in breathing; or
• has skin, lips and nails that appear bluish or blackish.

How Choking Occurs

1. When a person swallows food, the epiglottis folds and blocks the respiratory tract (trachea).
2. Food continues into the oesophagus towards the stomach.
3. If food blocks the respiratory tract, the person chokes.

Diagram description: label the epiglottis, food, trachea and oesophagus. The food should move towards the oesophagus; food obstructing the trachea blocks the respiratory tract.

Importance of the Heimlich Manoeuvre

• The body and brain continuously need oxygen.
• Oxygen from inhaled air enters the lungs and is then absorbed into all body cells, including brain cells.
• During choking:
  • the blocked respiratory tract prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs;
  • insufficient oxygen is supplied to the brain;
  • delayed emergency help can cause brain damage or death.
• The Heimlich Manoeuvre clears the obstruction so that the victim can breathe again.

Heimlich Manoeuvre Procedure

1. Stand behind the victim and bend the victim’s body slightly forwards.
2. Put both arms around the victim from behind and clench the right hand into a fist.
3. Place the right fist between the navel and below the victim’s ribs.
4. Place the left hand over the clenched right hand.
5. Press and jerk upwards with quick force.

Scientific principle: the force increases the pressure in the lungs, causing the foreign object to be ejected.

Performing the Heimlich Manoeuvre on Yourself

If no one is nearby while you are choking:

1. Place your hands between the navel and below the ribs, following the Heimlich Manoeuvre hand position.
2. Bend the body to exert pressure on that area.
3. If you do not have enough strength:
   • find a waist-high object such as a chair or table;
   • bend forwards; and
   • push your body against the object with all your strength.