The Heimlich Maneuver: How it Saves Lives – The Rule of 5

The Heimlich maneuver, a first aid technique introduced in 1974 by Dr. Henry Heimlich, is estimated to have saved 100,000 lives.

Red Cross volunteers explain that when someone is having difficulty breathing, they should be encouraged to cough as much as possible. If they stop coughing or their face changes color, or they make the international choking sign, then place your foot in front of theirs, support their chest under the armpit, and give five blows to the back, checking after each blow to see if the object has been removed.

If the blows do not dislodge the object, hug the victim, close your thumb in a fist and place it slightly above the navel, lock it with the other hand and give 5 abdominal thrusts while the victim is leaning forward.

The same procedure applies to children aged 1-18 years, adjusting the height and intensity of the blows and thrusts.

Rescuers emphasize that even if the object is removed, you should call the EKAV (ambulance service), as an injury may have been caused.