Heimlich maneuver

A Heimlich maneuver is a first aid technique that can be used on adults and children when they are choking with an obstruction in their airway. A person might suffer asphyxia which can become fatal if the obstruction is not removed. The key to a Heimlich maneuver is abdominal thrusts to dislodge the object that is lodged in the trachea. An artificial cough is created so that it is expelled. You need to stand behind the person and hold his waist. Place your wrists just above the person's navel and pull upward and inward to force the obstruction out of the windpipe. If the person is unconscious, straddle him and place your hand heel down just above his waist. Place the other hand on top and give quick upward thrusts to dislodge the obstruction.

The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is an emergency procedure used to help a choking individual expel an obstructing object from their airway. Here are the steps to perform the Heimlich maneuver:

1. Stand behind the choking individual and make sure they are aware of your presence. Determine if they are truly choking by asking them if they can speak or cough. If they cannot make any sounds or breathe, immediate action is required.
   
2. Position yourself slightly off-center behind the person. Place one foot slightly forward for stability.
   
3. Reach your arms around the choking individual's waist and locate their navel (belly button) with one hand. Form a fist with your other hand and place the thumb side against the middle of their abdomen, just above the navel and below the ribcage.
   
4. Grasp your fist with your other hand to provide support and create a forward and upward force.
   
5. Perform quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen using your hands and upper body. The thrusts should be firm and directed inward and upward, as if you are trying to lift the person off the ground.
   
6. Repeat the thrusts until the obstructing object is expelled or the individual becomes unconscious. If the person becomes unconscious, carefully lower them to the ground and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by initiating chest compressions.
   

After successful expulsion of the object, ensure that the individual receives medical attention to assess for any potential injuries or complications.
Remember, it's crucial to call emergency services or seek medical help as soon as possible during a choking incident. The Heimlich maneuver should only be performed if the person is conscious and unable to breathe, speak, or cough due to an obstructed airway.

Drowning First Aid

Drowning is one of the most evaluated emergency cases in life guard training centers. Emergency medicine and paramedical support have significant roles to play while attending to a case of drowning, as it involves many primary to complex medical procedures to save a life in a short duration of time.

The primary objective of a rescue worker is to make sure that the victim gets adequate amount of oxygen in his lungs through methods such as cardiopulmonary restoration. Proper precautions are taken to avoid any kind of neck injuries during the procedure. Mouth to mouth breathing technique can be administered in water if the victim has already stopped breathing. The victim has to be moved to the shore slowly with mouth to mouth breathing at regular intervals, like five seconds. In case of obstructed airway, the Heimlich maneuver is performed by holding the victim from behind and thrusting to release the blocked airway. In certain scenarios such as spine injuries, the victim is made to lie on his stomach with his head tilted to one side and arms, torso and legs in proper position. Victims have to be covered with warm clothing to prevent hypothermia and shock. Cardiac compressions in water should not be administered as it is difficult and the risk involved is greater.

Events post first aid in drowning are evaluated by the physician and treated accordingly. Antibiotics and steroids are given in case of lung infection and inflammation. Airway obstruction post first aid is treated using bronchodilators and heated IV fluids are administered to lower the blood pressure. Stomach tubes are inserted in case of vomiting. Neck injuries and spine injuries are treated. Total immobilization of the neck is required until proper scans are taken to evaluate the intensity of the injury.