Abdominal thrusts

Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)

Illustration of the Heimlich Maneuver being performed.

Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver or Heimlich manoeuvre, are a first aid procedure aimed at treating upper airway obstructions by foreign objects. The technique is designed to expel foreign matter from the airway of a person who is choking.

History

The Heimlich maneuver was developed by Dr. Henry Heimlich, an American thoracic surgeon, who first described it in a June 1974 article in the journal Emergency Medicine. The technique was proposed as a simpler and more effective alternative to back slaps and gravity methods previously recommended for choking victims.

Procedure

Performing abdominal thrusts involves a rescuer standing behind the choking person and using their hands to exert upward pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm. This pressure increases intra-thoracic pressure and is intended to force the foreign object out of the person's airway.

Steps

1. The rescuer stands behind the patient and wraps their arms around the patient's waist.
2. The rescuer makes a fist and places it just above the person's navel.
3. The rescuer grasps the fist with their other hand and sharply presses into the person's abdomen with an upward thrust.

Effectiveness

Abdominal thrusts are widely taught and recommended in first aid and CPR courses around the world as the primary response to choking in adults and children over 1 year old. The technique has saved countless lives since its introduction.

Controversies

Despite its widespread acceptance, some medical professionals have raised concerns about potential injuries caused by the maneuver, including internal organ damage. Alternatives and modifications to the technique have been proposed to minimize these risks.

External Links

• The American Red Cross - How to perform the Heimlich Maneuver
• Mayo Clinic - First Aid for Choking.

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