People have always been caring about their health most of all. Since ancient time they have being trying to avoid dangerous situations which could lead to some damage or even death. That is why, the life instinct was one of the most powerful instincts. Being at the edge of death, people instinctively try to perform some actions which can lead to their salvation. However, sometimes, efforts of one person are not enough. Moreover, sometimes a man cannot be prepared and ready to face a threat which awaits him/her. It is obvious, that in such cases his/her chances to survive are very low. Such unexpected situations can happen absolutely at any time. For example, choking takes the 5 place in the list of top 5 causes of accidental death in the USA with approximately 2,500 deaths per year. (Gargulinskiy para. 1).
The number is very high. It becomes obvious, that it is very terrifying statistics. The worst thing is that even healthy people and children are at the risk group. Children are even in bigger danger as they are naughty and not able to control their bodies. The death of a child is always a great tragedy. A child or a person can die in a very short period of time and there is no one to help him/her. Moreover, parents often just do not know what to do in such cases. Besides, the chances of a person to survive are much higher if there is a man who has the basic knowledge in medicine or first aid. That is why, it is absolutely necessary to know the main methods of the first aid dressing.
The main emergency technique for preventing suffocation when a person’s airway becomes blocked by a piece of food or other object is called Heimlich maneuver (“Heimlich maneuver” para. 3.). This method was created by an American thoracic surgeon Henry Heimlich. Being specialist in this issue, he knew how dangerous choking could be. Moreover, he saw the only way to save a person in removing the cause of suffocation. Knowing perfectly how respiratory apparatus works, he suggested his own way of solving a problem. The technique became very popular and, which is more important, efficient. It helped to save people all over the world and prevented deaths from suffocation.
There are several main points connected with this procedure. First of all, it is important to know perfectly the main aspects of this technique for it to be efficient and able to save a person. The position of a person who helps depends on the state of a patient. If he/she is conscious, it is necessary to stay behind the person and reach arms around his/her waist (Heimlich maneuver” para. 3). Then, it is necessary to bridge hands and press. The reason for these actions is very simple. With their help a person can increase the air pressure and help to unblock the windpipe. At the first gaze it seems to be very easy, however, there are some moments which are very important. Right position of hands is vital in this procedure. They should be put above the person’s navel (“Heimlich maneuver” para. 3). Only in this case the method can work.
The second important thing to remember is that it is vital to act fast and without hesitations. The more time a person wastes, the lower chances to survive his/her patient has. That is why, this technique should be used at the first signs of suffocation. However, a person should be sure that it is this very phenomenon because in other cases Heimlich maneuver can be absolutely useless and can even waste precious time. With this in mind, a person which is taught this technique should also be informed about the main symptoms of suffocation for him to act properly and not lose time in hesitations.
Moreover, it is also important to take into account some restrictions which are connected with Heimlich maneuver. Usually, this technique can be applied to all people, however, there are also some exceptions. It should be remembered that infants less than 1 year old cannot be treated with the help of this procedure (“Choking Rescue Procedure (Heimlich Maneuver) – Baby (Younger Than 1 Year” para. 4). At the first signs of suffocation, a person should immediately address the doctor or call emergency. It is forbidden to try to help infants in such cases with the help of traditional Heimlich maneuver. Moreover, in the most extreme cases and if there is no one to help, a person can perform this maneuver on himself/herself.
Having analyzed the main information connected with the Heimlich maneuver, it is possible to make certain conclusions. First of all, it should be said that this technique helped to save a great number of people. Being created by a thoracic surgeon, it proved its efficiency. There are many advantages in it. It is very simple and that is why every person can understand and use it in some cases of emergency. It should be recommended for people to read about Heimlich maneuver and master this technique as one day it can save somebodys life.
Works Cited
Choking Rescue Procedure (Heimlich Maneuver) – Baby (Younger Than 1 Year. n.d. Web.
Gargulinskiy, Ryn. Top 5 Causes of Accidental Death in thr United States. 2011. Web.
Heimlich maneuver. n.d. Web.