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๐ National Heimlich Maneuver Day – 1st June (US)
Every year on 1st June, the United States observes National Heimlich Maneuver Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness about the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) and choking prevention. The day honours Dr. Henry Heimlich, who developed the technique in 1974, and encourages everyone to learn this simple, life‑saving skill.
Choking is a leading cause of accidental death, especially among children and the elderly. Knowing the Heimlich maneuver can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
๐ What Is the Heimlich Maneuver?
- ๐ซ Abdominal thrusts — Quick upward pressure below the diaphragm.
- ๐จ Forces air out of lungs — Expels trapped object from windpipe.
- ๐ช Can be self‑administered — Using a chair back or counter edge.
๐ Dr. Henry Heimlich (1920–2016)
- ๐จ⚕️ American thoracic surgeon — Developed maneuver in 1974.
- ๐ First published in Emergency Medicine — June 1974.
- ๐ Named "Heimlich maneuver" — Though he later had controversies (unproven malaria therapy).
- ๐ Lasker Award (1984) — For public service.
⚠️ Signs of Choking
- ๐คฒ Universal choking sign — Hands clutching throat.
- ๐ถ Inability to speak, cough, or breathe — Complete obstruction.
- ๐ต Skin turning blue (cyanosis) — Due to lack of oxygen.
๐ How to Perform Heimlich Maneuver (Adult)
- ๐จ๐ฆฐ Stand behind the person — Wrap arms around waist.
- ✊ Make a fist with one hand — Place thumb side against middle of abdomen (just above navel, below ribcage).
- ๐ค Grasp fist with other hand — Pull inward and upward with quick thrusts.
- ๐ Repeat until object is expelled — Or person becomes unconscious.
- ๐ If unconscious — Start CPR.
๐ For Children (1–8 years)
- ๐งธ Sit or kneel behind child — Use less force than adult.
- ๐ถ For infants (< 1 year) — Do NOT use Heimlich. Use back blows and chest thrusts (infant CPR).
๐ Self‑Heimlich (If Alone)
- ๐ช Use a chair back, counter edge, or railing — Press abdomen against hard edge with quick upward motion.
- ๐️ Fist method — Same fist motion (above navel, below ribs).
๐ How to Observe
- ๐ Take a CPR/Heimlich course — American Red Cross, American Heart Association.
- ๐ข Share instructions on social media — Use #HeimlichDay.
- ๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐ฆ Teach your family — Practice on dummies.
- ๐ช Learn self‑Heimlich technique — In case you're alone.
๐ฝ️ Choking Prevention Tips
- ๐ฝ️ Cut food into small pieces — Especially for children and elderly.
- ๐ Eat slowly — Don't talk with mouth full.
- ๐ Avoid high‑risk foods — Hot dogs, grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard candy (for young children).
- ๐งธ Keep small objects out of reach — Toys, coins, buttons.
๐ Heimlich Around the World
The Heimlich maneuver is taught globally, though some countries use different names ("abdominal thrusts"). It is included in standard first‑aid training in over 100 countries.
๐จ Art & First Aid
Diagrams and posters of the Heimlich maneuver are a form of instructional art. Visual artists have created awareness posters, infographics, and public health campaigns using simple, clear illustrations.
๐งญ A Life‑Saving Message
On this 1st June, learn the Heimlich maneuver. You never know when you might need it — at the dinner table, a restaurant, or a family gathering. It takes minutes to learn but can save a life in seconds. Be prepared. Be a hero.
๐ Learn the Heimlich. Save a life. ๐
๐ฟ Read more ๐ CRA Arts Blog
๐จ Shutterstock: craarts
▶️ YouTube: CRA Arts Channel
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