Abdominal Thrusts Procedure

Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, is a first aid technique used to relieve choking on an object, such as food or other small items, that is lodged in a person's airway.

Purpose

The purpose of abdominal thrusts is to create a sudden burst of pressure in the abdomen, which helps to dislodge the object from the airway and restore normal breathing.

Technique

To perform abdominal thrusts on an adult or child:

• Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
• Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the person's navel.
• Grasp your fist with your other hand and give quick upward thrusts to help dislodge the object.
• Repeat the thrusts until the object is coughed up or the person starts breathing normally again.

Variations for Infants and Pregnant Women

For infants (0-12 months):

• Sit down with the infant facing upwards on your forearm, with their head lower than their body.
• Support the infant's head and neck with your hand.
• Use your fingers to give five quick downward thrusts in the center of the infant's chest.

For pregnant women:

• Stand behind the woman and wrap your arms around her waist, just above the bulge of the abdomen.
• Perform the abdominal thrusts as you would for a non-pregnant adult.

Precautions and Contraindications

Abdominal thrusts should only be performed by someone who is trained in the technique, and only when the person is choking on an object that is lodged in their airway.

• Avoid performing abdominal thrusts on a person who is coughing or able to speak, as this can cause more harm than good.
• Do not perform abdominal thrusts on a person who is unconscious or unresponsive, as this requires different first aid techniques.

Complications and Risks

While abdominal thrusts are generally safe when performed correctly, there are some potential complications and risks to be aware of:

• Injury to the abdomen or internal organs.
• Broken ribs or other chest injuries.
• Damage to the larynx or trachea.

Training and Certification

It is recommended that individuals receive training and certification in first aid and CPR, which includes instruction on how to perform abdominal thrusts correctly and safely.