Procedures for handling cases of children choking on foreign objects.

The Heimlich maneuver is a procedure used to treat foreign objects lodged in the airway that almost completely block it. The principle of the Heimlich maneuver is to apply a strong, sudden force to the lungs by striking the back or pressing on the diaphragm, aiming to create a sudden, high pressure in the respiratory tract to expel the foreign object. Therefore, the Heimlich maneuver is very effective for foreign objects that almost completely block the airway and are easily moved, such as marbles or candy. For other objects that do not completely block the airway or have sharp edges, it is necessary to have them removed by an ENT specialist.

The Heimlich maneuver is effective from the first tap or diaphragmatic compression, but its effectiveness decreases with each subsequent blow. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Check if the baby is still breathing.

If the baby turns blue, quickly check the baby's chest for up-and-down movement and listen for breathing.

- If you think your child is choking on something, try to remove the object by making a hook with your finger. Only do this if you can see the object in your child's throat. If you can't see it, absolutely do not put your finger in because you could push the obstruction deeper into the throat.

You can also check your baby's pulse with your hand.

If the child is unconscious, remove anything visible from their mouth and begin resuscitation until the ambulance arrives.

Step 2: Call an ambulance.

It's best to have someone else do this while you start clearing out the blockage.

Step 3: Pat the back

- Place the baby face down on your arm, with their head slightly lower than their chest and their arms relaxed, resting on your shins. Support the baby's head with the palm of your hand. If the baby is too heavy, you can place them on your lap.

- Use the heel of your hand to firmly pat the child's back five times (in the area between the shoulder blades).

- Check the mouth for any foreign objects and remove them. If back slapping is ineffective, move on to chest compressions.

Step 4: Chest compressions

- Lay the baby on your lap with their head lower than their body. Place three fingers of your right hand in the middle of the baby's chest (sternum, just below the nipple). Your middle finger should be in the middle of the chest.

- Once your fingers are in the correct position, lift your middle finger and use only your remaining fingers to push up 5 times firmly.

Step 5: Re-examine the baby's mouth and remove any foreign objects.

Check if the baby has started breathing again. If not, continue performing back blows and chest compressions until the ambulance arrives.

According to VnExpress.net - PC