Speech #13: The Heimlich Maneuver

Umatilla, FL

[Toastmaster Project "Speaking to Inform" Project #3, The Demonstration Speech.  Goals: Prepare a speech that clearly demonstrates a process, product or activity.

Readers:  Obviously this demo needs a video, not written words.  Sorry for that.]

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver

Everyone has heard of the Heimlich Maneuver to help a choking person. But, it is important to do it right. I did it once on my wife. Afterwards, she said, “Thank you, but next time do it better, I think you cracked a rib.” So, let's take a few minutes to review the right ways.

Number 1: A Standing Person.

May I ask John Duran to come forward and be my demo victim.

Make sure the person is really choking. Look for secondary signals.

Hands at throat, can't breath, can't talk, can't cough, turning blue, unconsciousness

Tell the choking person you want to help them. Say “I know the Heimlich Maneuver and I am going to perform it on you.” That helps calm both you and the victim. Panic is bad.

With one hand, make a fist. You're going to wrap your other hand around your fist. Position your fist below the ribcage, but above the navel.

Gently wrap both arms around their waist. Lean them forward just slightly.

Make a series of thrust, hard and quick into the abdomen. Pull inward and upward as you press. It should feel like you're trying to lift the person off the ground.

John, while I do this I want you so say Ahhh, so that the audience can hear the effect this has on you.

If that didn't work, try five more thrusts.

If that didn't work do back blows with the heel of your hand. Aim for the area between the shoulder blades. Use enough force, but just with your hand. Do not squeeze or hug the person. John please say Ahh again.

If that doesn't work call 911, or have someone else call. Continue the back blows while waiting. When they arrive, back off and let them work.

Thank you John, you may sit down. How about a big hand for John Duran?

Number 2: Someone Lying Down

If I asked John to lay down on the floor up here, you wouldn't be able to see him. So I brought a smaller victim.

Verify that they are choking, and inform them of your intentions, just as with a standing person.

Get the person on their back.

Kneel at the person's hips.

No fist, Place one hand on top of the other. Place the heel of the bottom hand on the person's abdomen. This is the area just below the ribcage but above the navel.

Thrust inward and upward using your bodyweight

If that doesn't work, call 911 and continue thrusts until they arrive.

Number 3: On an Infant

Lay the infant face down on a firm surface or on your lap. Make sure the infant's head is turned so they can breathe.

Give five quick blows to the back with the heel of your hand between the infant's shoulder blades.

Be firm in the blows but not too hard. Gravity combined with back blows is your strategy.

If that doesn't work, turn the infant over. Support their head with your hand, keeping the head slightly lower than the feet.

Place your fingers on the lower half of the infant's breastbone. Make sure to keep your hand in the middle of your infant's breastbone and not to one side of another. Press down five times in a series of chest thrusts. Call 911 if that doesn't work As you wait, keep repeat the back blows and the chest thrusts.

Number 4: on Yourself

Make a fist. Place the thumb side of your fist against your abdomen below the ribcage, but above the navel. Wrap your other hand around your fist and thrust inwards and upwards.

If that doesn't work and you're still conscious, try to call 911.

You should see a doctor after saving yourself from choking to make sure there is no damage.

Madam Toastmaster