How Do You Perform The Heimlich Maneuver On A Person In A Wheelchair?
The Heimlich Maneuver was introduced in 1974 as an alternative to other, less-effective methods of helping a choking victim. A standard part of first-aid training, the Heimlich Maneuver is easy enough that it can be performed immediately after learning it. There are variations that can be used in special circumstances, such as when the choking victim is in a wheelchair. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Person in a Wheelchair Step 1 Ask, “Are you choking?” to a person who is coughing, able to speak and not turning blue. Step 2 Remain calm and encourage the victim to do the same. Try speaking to him or rubbing his back or arm to calm him. Step 3 Look for signs that the person is suffering from total airway obstruction. These signs include the victim being unable to make any sounds above a wheeze, the face turning blue and hands clutching the throat in the universal symbol for choking. Step 4 Engage the wheelchair’s brake if it’s not already on. Step 5 Stand or kneel behind the victim’s
