(hīm′lĭk)
[Pronunciation]
[H. J. Heimlich, U.S. physician, b. 1920]
A technique for removing a foreign body, such as a food bolus, from the trachea or pharynx, where it is preventing air flow to and from the lungs.
Also called abdominal thrust maneuver.
For a conscious victim, the maneuver consists of the rescuer applying subdiaphragmatic pressure by: (1) wrapping his or her arms around the victim's waist from behind; (2) making a fist with one hand and placing it against the patient's abdomen between the navel and the rib cage; and (3) clasping the fist with the free hand and pressing in with a quick forceful upward thrust. This procedure should be repeated several times if necessary. If one is alone and experiences airway obstruction caused by a foreign body, this technique may be self-applied.

For the unconscious victim starting CPR is now the recommended procedure since chest compressions are often effective and for the simplicity of training the public.

When the patient is a child and he or she can speak, breathe, or cough, the maneuver is unnecessary. If the maneuver is done it should be applied as gently as possible but still forcibly enough to dislodge the obstruction. The abdominal viscera of children are more easily damaged than those of adults.

This treatment is quite effective in dislodging the obstruction by forcing air against the mass much as pressure from a carbonated beverage forcibly removes a cork or cap from a bottle. The average air flow produced is 225 L/min.


Figure: HEIMLICH MANEUVER
(FOR REMOVAL OF A FOREIGN BODY BLOCKING THE AIRWAY)



See: choking