learn more about the technique that can save a life

Last Wednesday (5), influencer Clara Maia shared a video lasting a few minutes where her 2-month-old baby chokes on milk a while after breastfeeding. In the video, it is possible to see Clara using the Heimlich Maneuver, a technique used to obstruct the air passage during choking, and which can save a person's life. In the caption of the video, the influencer draws attention to the technique used, and says that, in her opinion, first aid should be a subject at school. She understands what this technique is and how it can save someone.

Heimlich maneuver

First of all, you need to understand what happens when a person chokes. When we swallow something, the epiglottis closes and prevents liquids and food from going into the lungs. However, it may happen that the epiglottis does not close, causing what we swallow to go into the trachea, preventing the passage of air. In more serious cases, choking can cause the person to faint or die due to suffocation.

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_{The Heimlich Maneuver in babies is done differently, so as not to hurt them (Photo: reproduction/Mayur Kakade/Getty Images Embed)}

The Hemlich Maneuver should be performed in severe cases of choking. In adults and children, this technique must be done with the person conscious. The rescuer – or someone who knows how to do it correctly – stands behind, wrapping the person's abdomen while they are standing. With hands together, pressure is applied inwards and upwards, in the region between the navel and the sternum. This pressure must be applied until the food or object is expelled. In children, this maneuver can be done with the rescuer kneeling or sitting with the child on their lap, to make it easier.

Heimlich maneuver in babies

In babies, the maneuver is done differently. The baby should be placed with the mouth down and the chest supported by the forearm. The head should be slightly below the body. With the palms of your hands open, you should press the baby's back five times, lightly so that he doesn't get hurt. After that, check if there is anything in the baby's mouth and gently remove it with your fingers. If he is still choking, turn him over, with his head lower. Using your index and middle fingers, press very gently upwards and inwards on the baby's sternum. Remembering that this technique should only be done by people who know how to do it correctly, to prevent the adult, child, or baby from getting hurt. If you faint during choking, call emergency services immediately.

Featured photo: Heimlich maneuver can save a life in case of choking (Reproduction/Betsie Van der Meer/Getty Images Embed)