Abdominal thrust also called Heimlich maneuver or Heimlich manoeuvre, is a emergency/first aid procedure done to help a choking victim.

What is Choking?
Choking is an emergency occurrence in which there is a presence of foreign bodies which result in partial or complete obstruction of the airway. To simply put, airway obstruction.


Causes?
Choking is caused by blockage of any part of the airway - the Pharynx, Larynx, Bronchi.
Most cases of choking occur when food or drink 'goes down the wrong way' that is, when it enters the airway instead of the oesophagus.
In children, who are more vulnerable, because of their narrower airways, the obstruction is often cause by peanut or bead.


Signs of choking
The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat. If the person doesn't give the signal, look for these indications:

¶ Inability to talk
¶ Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
¶ Inability to cough forcefully
¶ Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky
¶ Loss of consciousness


First Aid Treatment
The first aid treatment is Abdominal thrust. This procedure helps dislodge the foreign body(ies) causing the obstruction.


Red Cross recommends a "five-and-five" approach to delivering first aid:
• Give 5 back blows. First, deliver five back blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
• Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Perform five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver).
• Alternate between 5 blows and 5 thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.


How is it done?

1. Conscious victim: A person clutching the throat may be choking. Encourage the victim to cough up the obstruction. If this fails, bend the victim over and slap between the shoulder-blades. If this does not work, use the method below.
http://www.universalnursetips.com/2017/08/abdominal-thrust-why-is-it-done.html?m=1

I had to perform Heimlich maneuver on my son today. A very important training for all to know and understand......