Suffice it: The Heimlich Manoeuvre can save lives

Symptoms of suffocation:

• Coughing and gagging
• Can't speak
• Acute respiratory distress with wheezing
• Fear and panic
• Purple blue discoloration of the face
• Loss of consciousness

First aid for suffocation:

1. Hit on the back:

   • Stand behind the victim and let them bow forward.
   • Give up to five powerful blows on the back between shoulder blades.
   • If the object is not removed, continue with abdominal bumps.

2. Heimlich maneuver (abdomen bumps):

   • Leave the victim or sit on a chair.
   • Stand behind the victim, embrace their belly and make a fist.
   • Place the fist halfway between the navel and the beginning of the sternum.
   • Push vigorously and quickly into the abdomen and up towards the sternum.
   • Repeat up to 5 times until the obstacle is released.
   • In case of unconsciousness, put the victim on the back, turn the head aside and perform the manoeuvre.

Breast-butt (in pregnant women):

• Stand behind the victim and form a fist like the Heimlich maneuver.
• Place the fist on the lower half of the sternum.
• Pull the fist back, strong, straight back.
• Repeat up to 5 times if necessary.

In children under one year of age:

• Put the baby with the belly on your forearm, with the head lower than the torso.
• Hit the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades five times.
• If that doesn't help, give me five boobs.
• If the choking is not resolved, immediately notify emergency services.

The quick and correct application of the Heimlich maneuver can save lives in suffocation situations. It is vital to know the right steps and to be able to carry out them in emergency situations.