Monat: September 2024

St John Ambulance experts believe that a shift in approach to choking incidents could significantly reduce the number of fatalities. By emphasising prevention strategies, such as promoting safe eating habits and educating people about potential choking hazards, they aim to minimise the occurrence of choking incidents in the first place.

Additionally, they advocate for widespread first aid training to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to choking emergencies, potentially saving lives.

A safer alternative to the Heimlich manoeuvre

Instead of employing the abdominal thrusts used in the traditional Heimlich manoeuvre, paramedics and first responders can use back blows to dislodge objects stuck in a person’s airway.

Hitting someone on the back between the shoulder blades generates enough pressure to clear obstructions without causing damage to vital organs. This alternative method is considered less invasive than the Heimlich maneuver, which can lead to complications such as rib damage and even heart valve problems.

Senior Instructor Grace Lawson at St John Ambulance emphasised that new guidelines are needed for treating choking incidents when no one else is present.

Every second counts in choking emergencies

Emergency services stress that prompt action is crucial during choking emergencies, as brain cells can die within five minutes without oxygen. Delaying resuscitation efforts increases the risk of severe brain damage and death.

In a typical scenario, first responders would attempt to dislodge the obstruction by pulling up and in on the abdomen below the rib cage from behind.

According to St John Ambulance guidelines, it is recommended that first responders begin by administering a series of back blows prior to considering the use of abdominal thrusts as part of their treatment protocol for choking incidents.

Preventing choking-related deaths

According to recent data, an estimated 270 people lose their lives each year in the UK as a result of choking-related incidents, highlighting the potential benefits of adopting more effective methods for responding to such emergencies.

By implementing this safer alternative method, emergency responders have the potential to make a significant impact on reducing choking-related fatalities and alleviating the distress experienced by individuals who suffer from such incidents.

Every year, on the second Saturday of September, the world observes World First Aid Day to stress the life-saving importance of basic first aid skills. Established by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 2001, this initiative focuses on raising awareness about the crucial need for first aid skills. Accidents and emergencies can happen at any time, and having the right skills can make a huge difference.

First aid isn’t just about knowing what to do—it’s about having the confidence to act when an emergency strikes. World First Aid Day helps prepare individuals to respond promptly and effectively by promoting first aid training. Basic skills like stopping heavy bleeding, performing CPR, and treating burns can be vital in emergencies. Additionally, knowing how to check breathing, apply ice packs, or use back blows for choking can make all the difference in saving lives.

Heroes and first aid initiatives

This day also recognises the importance of stepping up during emergencies. Many individuals have become heroes by providing life-saving first aid in critical moments. One notable example is actor Jackie Shroff, who recently highlighted the importance of CPR training in rural communities, helping spread the message of first aid awareness.

Immediate first aid can make a real difference.

Jackie Shroff

Moreover, World First Aid Day encourages others to step forward and gain the knowledge needed to assist during emergencies. By making these essential skills widely accessible, more people can contribute in times of need.

Promoting first aid accessibility

World First Aid Day emphasises the need to make first aid knowledge available to all. It reminds us that anyone can play a crucial role in saving lives with the right training.

Whether it’s treating burns, applying an ice pack, or checking breathing in an unconscious person, immediate action is often the difference between life and death. By spreading first aid education, we can build a culture of safety and preparedness for everyone.