Lifesaving Techniques: Back Blows and Abdominal Thrusts in First Aid for Choking Incidents
When it comes to first aid, a matter of seconds can mean the difference between life and death, especially in cases of choking, giving a back blow in first aid can be life-saving. Choking occurs when a foreign object obstructs the airway, preventing the victim from breathing. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore two crucial first aid techniques for choking: back blows and abdominal thrusts. We’ll delve into their importance, variations in administering first aid to adults and children, and different types of choking incidents.
The following are steps you can use to perform “Blows to the Back Technique”
Technique – Blows to the back
A person over 1 year of age
1. Stand to the side and a little behind the person.
2. Put one arm under their armpit and support their chest with your hand. Bend the person well forward.
This way, the object will come out through the mouth and will not go deeper into the airway when it comes loose.
3. With the heel of your free hand, give 5 firm blows in quick succession between their shoulder blades.
A child under 1 year of age
1. Stand up or sit on a chair.
2. Place the baby on their belly on your forearm. Their head should be lower than their trunk.
3. Support the baby’s lower jaw with your hand. Do not put pressure on their throat.
4. With the heel of your free hand, give 5 firm blows in quick succession between their shoulder blades.
Choking is a terrifying experience for both the victim and those around them. It’s crucial to have a quick and effective response to clear the airway and restore normal breathing. Two primary techniques that serve as lifesavers in such situations are back blows and abdominal thrusts. These techniques are tailored to the age of the victim and the type of choking incident.
Back Blows in First Aid
What Are Back Blows?
Back blows are a crucial first aid procedure used to remove an obstruction from the victim’s throat who is choking. In order to exert sufficient power to remove the foreign object from the throat, this technique entails striking the patient sharply between the shoulder blades.
Administering Back Blows
Position Behind the Victim: Stand or kneel behind the choking person.
Support the Victim: Use one hand to support the victim’s upper body, leaning them forward slightly.
Deliver Blows: Using the heel of your other hand, deliver sharp blows between the victim’s shoulder blades. Ensure the blows are firm but not excessively forceful.
Repeat as Needed: Continue with back blows until the object is expelled or the victim loses consciousness.
Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Manoeuvre) in First Aid
What Are Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Manoeuvre)?
Abdominal thrusts, often referred to as the Heimlich manoeuvre, are designed to expel a foreign object from the airway of a choking victim by applying inward and upward pressure on the abdomen.
Administering Abdominal Thrusts
Position Behind the Victim: Stand behind the choking person.
Locate the Abdomen: Place your hands slightly above the victim’s navel and below the ribcage.
Make a Fist: Form a fist with one hand and grasp it with your other hand.
Deliver Thrusts: Use quick, upward thrusts to force air from the victim’s lungs to dislodge the obstructing object. Ensure your thrusts are forceful but controlled.
Repeat as Needed: Continue with abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the victim loses consciousness.
Choking First Aid for Children
Differences in First Aid for Children
When administering back blows and abdominal thrusts to a choking child, it’s essential to make adjustments due to their smaller size and greater susceptibility to injury.
Back Blows for Children
Positioning: Sit down and place the child face down across your lap, keeping their head lower than their chest.
Blows: Deliver back blows between the child’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. Ensure the blows are gentle but effective.
Abdominal Thrusts for Children
Positioning: Stand or kneel behind the child.
Hand Placement: Use abdominal thrusts with your hands slightly above the navel and below the ribcage, similar to an adult.
Thrusts: Administer abdominal thrusts using gentle upward pressure. Be cautious not to exert excessive force.
Types of Choking Incidents
Partial Choking vs. Full Choking
Understanding the difference between partial and full choking incidents is crucial in determining the appropriate first aid response.
The victim can still cough, speak, or breathe, albeit with some difficulty.
Encourage them to cough to clear the obstruction themselves.
Be prepared to administer back blows or abdominal thrusts if their condition deteriorates.
The victim cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively.
Immediately begin with back blows and abdominal thrusts.
First Aid Techniques for Choking: Back Blows and Abdominal Thrusts
When to Seek Professional Help
While back blows and abdominal thrusts are effective in most choking situations, it’s essential to remember that they are immediate, short-term measures. If the obstruction is not cleared or if the victim loses consciousness, call for professional medical assistance immediately.
Training in First Aid Techniques
To confidently and effectively administer first aid for choking, consider taking a certified first aid course. These courses offer hands-on training and guidance, ensuring you are well-prepared to respond to choking incidents.
Back blows and abdominal thrusts are invaluable first aid techniques that can save lives during choking incidents. Knowing how and when to administer these techniques is crucial for ensuring the well-being of the victim. With proper training and quick responses, we can help prevent tragedy and provide immediate relief to those facing choking emergencies. Remember, acting swiftly is often the key to a positive outcome in such situations.