The Heimlich

An interview with Tina Garcia, an activities director for Share Your Care in Albuquerque, NM which is a center for adults with mental disabilities. She is certified in CPR in both infants and adults.

M: Hello, Tina, how are you this morning?

T: I'm well, thank you.

M: You tell me you are certified to give CPR to infants.

T: Yes, that is true

M: Can you also help a baby who may be choking?

T: Yes. The thing to remember when thinking of performing the Heimlech Menuvar on an infant, is to make sure that they really do need it. Watch them very closeley. If they are coughing, this means that they can still breath and their body will most likely be able to take care of it.

M: What if they are not coughing?

T: If you see they are choking and are not coughing or making any noise you should perform the procedure on them.

M: Would you share this procedure with us?

T: I would be happy to. The first thing you must do is lay them face down across you r forearm, supporting their chest and abdomen, making sure the head is lower than the chest.
Next, you must pound them fairly hard on the back five times between the shoulder blades.
Flip the baby over and take two fingers in the middle of their chest, right below the nipple line, and press in five hard, quick jabs. Your baby may be sore for a day or two, but it will most likely be worth it.
Now turn the baby over again and look for the object in their mouth. If it is there, remove it and continue with rescue breaths. If you can not see it, repeat the Heimlich.

M: What are rescue breaths?

T: You should place your hand on the baby's forehead and push gently so the chin tilts up a bit. Then cover the baby's mouth and nose with your mouth and breath in. But you do not have to breath forcefully. You should breath as normally as you do for yourself. Do so until the chest rises. Then uncover the mouth and nose, breath in for yourself, wait for the baby's chest to fall and repeat.

M: What if these procedures fail to remove the object or get the baby to breath again?

T: Then, you should call 911 and continue the procedures until help arrives.

M: This was very helpful Ms. Garcia, thank you very much.

T: It was my pleasure!

Remember everyone, we are not doctors. Ms. Garcia is certified but you should always speak to a medical professional before making any decisions regarding your health or the health of your child.