Choking is one of the main causes of emergency in children, especially between the ages of 1 and 5. Children's natural curiosity, coupled with their habit of putting objects in their mouths, makes them a risk group. In the event of airway obstruction, acting quickly and accurately can mean the difference between life and death. Heimlich maneuver It is an effective technique for clearing airways, but its correct application depends on several factors, such as the child's age and size. In addition, having a children's health insurance It can facilitate rapid access to specialized medical care after an emergency, complementing immediate first aid.
What is the Heimlich maneuver?
The Heimlich maneuver, developed by physician Henry Heimlich in 1974, is a first aid technique designed to help a person choking due to an obstruction in the trachea. It consists of a series of abdominal thrusts that generate artificial pressure from the diaphragm toward the lungs, with the goal of expelling the object blocking the airway.
When to perform the Heimlich maneuver in children
It's essential to know how to recognize when a child needs this intervention. Not all episodes of coughing or difficulty swallowing require this procedure.
Symptoms of severe choking:
- Inability to speak or cry
- Weak or ineffective cough
- Blue color on lips or face (cyanosis)
- Loss of consciousness
- Hands on throat (universal choking gesture)
If the child is coughing violently, they should be allowed to continue coughing, as this may clear the obstruction on their own. Intervention should only be initiated when the child cannot cough, breathe, or make any sounds.
How to apply the Heimlich maneuver according to age
Children over 1 year
- Stand behind the child, standing or kneeling depending on their height.
- He puts both arms around her waist.
- Place one fist just above your navel, on the midline of your abdomen.
- Hold the fist with your other hand and perform quick inward and upward thrusts (as if you were trying to lift it).
- Repeat until the object is expelled or the child loses consciousness.
Important: Do not apply compressions directly to the ribs or sternum. This could cause internal injuries.
Infants (under 1 year old)
The Heimlich maneuver is not performed the same way on babies. In this case, a combination of back blows and chest compressions is used:
- Hold the baby face down on your forearm, with the head lower than the body, supporting the jaw with your hand.
- Give five firm blows between the shoulder blades, using the heel of your hand.
- If this does not resolve, gently turn the baby over and place him or her face up on your other forearm or a firm surface.
- Perform five chest (not abdominal) compressions with two fingers, right in the center of the chest, below the nipple line.
- Alternate between back blows and chest compressions until the object is dislodged or the baby becomes unconscious.
What to do if the child loses consciousness?
If the child loses consciousness during the process:
- Call or ask someone to call the emergency services (112 in Spain or 911 in Latin America).
- Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) immediately.
- Before giving breaths, open your mouth and check if the object is visible and carefully remove it. Don't try to pull it out blindly.
Expert tips for a secure application
The Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) and the American Heart Association (AHA) agree that the Heimlich maneuver should be taught to parents, caregivers, and educators. However, they also warn of common mistakes that can compromise a child's safety:
Mistakes to avoid:
- Not checking the child's condition before taking action. If they're coughing hard, it's best not to intervene.
- Applying pressure in the wrong place (too high or too low).
- Holding too tightly, especially in young children, can cause damage to internal organs.
- Delay calling emergency services. Always seek professional help as soon as possible.
- Perform abdominal thrusts on infants. This is contraindicated in babies under one year of age.
Prevention: the best tool
Beyond knowing how to respond to a choking incident, prevention is essential. Here are some tips to reduce the risks:
- Do not leave small objects within reach of children (toy parts, coins, buttons).
- Cut food into small pieces and supervise children while they eat.
- Avoid giving nuts, whole grapes, sausages, or hard candy to children under 4 years of age.
- Teach children to eat sitting down and calmly, without running or playing while chewing.
Training in first aid
More and more schools, daycare centers, and community centers are offering first aid workshops for parents and teachers. Participating in these trainings allows students not only to learn the Heimlich maneuver but also to practice it with training dummies, improving confidence and effectiveness in a real-life situation.
The Heimlich maneuver is a vital tool that can save lives if applied correctly and at the right time. In the case of children, special attention must be paid to their age and physical characteristics to avoid injury. Learning and practicing this technique, in addition to promoting preventive habits, is the responsibility of all adults who live or work with children. Being prepared can mean the difference between a tragedy and a mere anecdote.