#Heimlich Maneuver

[kme-2020]

9 (Lauren’s Perspective, Victim)

(First of three parts, each with a different perspective in the same story. Each part to be released separately.)

I grinned as I sat down at the patio table. A beautiful fall day spent with friends, winding down with wine and snacks. Our partners were out golfing and we were back from our hike early. I sipped my wine and listened to Ava and Holly chatter away about Ava’s new job while I grabbed a handful of grapes. I was hungry and wanted something small before our BBQ tonight.

I leaned back in my chair and popped a grape into my mouth right before Ava made a joke about her new desk mate. I laughed and felt the grape slip to the back of my mouth. I sat up, surprised. I coughed weakly and tried to swallow, but couldn’t move the grape. I covered my mouth with my hands and closed my eyes, trying to swallow again. I felt my heart rate increasing and warmth growing in my face. The grape moved slightly as I inhaled sharply, but this was the wrong move. The grape slid entirely into my throat and settled into place. I couldn’t breathe in or out. I was choking.

My eyes flew open at this realization. I tried to cough but the grape wouldn’t budge. I couldn’t swallow either. I bowed my head and gripped the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white, unable to think straight as panic crept over me. My attempts to swallow and cough were futile. I closed my eyes again and leaned forward, clutching my throat in desperation. What do I do??!?! I thought. I heard Ava and Holly’s conversation pause. I was embarrassed and about to stand up to head to the bathroom when suddenly a sharp blow between my shoulder blades brought me back to the present.

“Lauren!” I heard Holly’s voice shriek. I opened my eyes and saw her standing across the table from me, willing me to cough. Another blow to my back- Ava must be trying to help me I thought. Suddenly Ava’s arms wrapped tightly around my waist. A quick and sudden thrust into my abdomen sent pain shooting through my chest. I doubled over, catching myself on the table, unable to control my body’s reaction. I still couldn’t breathe, so I shook my head “no” to communicate I was still choking. Ava thrust her hands into me again, rocking me with each painful thrust. I watched as Holly hurried around the table to my side as she called out to me, concern in her voice, “Lauren!”

Ava released my waist and grabbed under my armpits. “Stand up” she demanded. I stumbled as she pulled me out of my chair and my feet found the ground. Holly appeared in front of me, grabbing my shoulders and steadying me. Ava wrapped an arm around my chest, and pushed me forward, pounding my back with her free hand. I searched Holly’s face and we locked eyes. Her brown eyes were concerned., “Come on Lauren, cough!” She willed me, “cough!”

Ava then pulled me straight up and pressed my back into her as she again circled her arms around my waist. She found my bellybutton and placed her first firmly against my stomach, then squeezed sharply in and up under my rib cage. I knew it was more effective with me standing up. The pain was unbearable as the pressure in my chest grew, the blockage in my throat resisting the artificial coughs from Ava’s abdominal thrusts. I stamped my foot, frightened, desperate to draw a breath. I felt dizzy and weak, and was struggling to focus. I’m going to pass out I thought as I noticed Ava was supporting most of my weight.

Ava delivered another powerful Heimlich into me, my breasts jiggling from the force. Another thrust in and I felt the grape fly from my mouth, hitting the floor with a dull thud. Sluggishly, I reached for Ava’s hands, still around my waist and supporting me. I tried inhaling, but couldn’t draw a breath. It was like my brain and my body were disconnected. My heart was pounding, a ringing filling my ears.

My vision grew dark and faded as I felt myself being lowered to the ground. I still couldn’t breathe in, no matter how hard I tried, even though I knew the blockage was cleared from my throat. I heard Holly and Ava calling out but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. I wanted to tell them I couldn’t breathe. I felt funny, stuck between consciousness and unconsciousness, unable to move my body or take a single breath.

Someone gripped my shoulders tightly and shook me, then my head was tipped back and mouth opened. This helped but I still I couldn’t breathe well, producing a shallow inhale and grunting in the process. Suddenly, my cheeks puffed out as warmth filled my lungs and left just as quick as it came. I waited, and again my lungs inflated and deflated.

Everything felt distant and hazy, but I came aware of someone’s lips around my mouth, forcing their own breath into my body. “Lauren, stay with us!” I heard Ava call to me. I felt another breath fill my lungs. “Breathe Lauren, come on…” I heard Holly’s voice in my ear. I tried to focus on breathing, welcoming the air being provided to me with each respiration.

I heard a groan come from within me; I was coming around. The mouth-to-mouth stopped as I began breathing again. “She’s breathing” I heard Holly say. I tried to open my eyes and saw two foggy figures leaning over me. “Lauren, can you hear me?” Ava asked, her voice sounding distant. I focused on her face. I nodded.

Holly pressed two fingers to my neck, feeling my pulse. “I’m going to put you in the recovery position” Holly said, and I felt myself being rolled onto my side. “Focus on breathing” she said with a gentle voice, rubbing soothing circles on my back. I nodded weakly, feeling sick and lightheaded. “You’re okay now, you’re going to be fine. We’ve got you” she said…and I believed her.

[chrisery-business]

she’s SO fine i’ve GOT to perform the heimlich on her

[lichtberg]

Heimlich Manoeuvre

155 x 87 cm

2024

Instagram

[trunkards]

Trunkards #651. When in doubt, panic!

© 2024 Rick Hutchins

[trashyswitch]

Henrik Meets Jackie

Henrik ends up in a mandatory CPR course due to missing the CPR course provided by the hospital. But this unfortunate circumstance ends up providing Henrik a brand new friend...

This fanfic was suggested by Shannon. I hope you enjoy!!

This is how Henrik met Jackie: 

Henrik was due to get his CPR certificate renewed again for the next 5 years. And because of circumstances, Henrik had to miss the hospital’s colleague-specific CPR course. Later, his boss had told him the only other way to do the CPR course that was required for him, was to go through a 2-day similar course offered to the outsiders by the ambulance company. This meant he was put with a mix of college/Uni adults getting their certificates for school, as well as parents and EA’s, CYW’s and ECE’s. Henrik was originally dreading having to do the CPR course with complete strangers. Though he didn’t realize that things were about to get so much better for him. 

You see, a certain superhero was also going to be taking the 2-day CPR course. In fact, it would be the exact same day and time as Henrik’s CPR course would be. Jackie had been wanting to keep his own CPR course up to date. And thanks to the connections he’d made with the ambulance team over the years, Jackie was able to get into the class without having to worry about revealing his secret identity to the surrounding strangers…So long as he wore his super suit to the CPR course. That was the only downside. His suit was built for handling the weather outside! Not to be cooped up in a classroom for hours on end. But…you gotta do what you gotta do. 

When Henrik looked around the room before the course had started, he had quickly noticed the bright red suit and the blue mask the person was wearing. Wait a second…Was that Jackieboy Man?! THEE Jackieboy Man, the most well-known superhero of Brighton, England, was actually here in the room with him?! Doing a CPR course?! Who decided this?! What are the chances of ending up in this rare situation?! 

At the beginning of the course, the course teacher had taken the time to welcome everyone to the course, and especially welcome Jackie personally to the course. She was honored to be able to teach everyone in the room, and vowed to treat Jackie like a fellow student in the class. 

They went over the usual things like the heimlich maneuver (Or abdominal thrust, as it was now renamed), the CPR hand stance, the different types of CPR for different age groups, and steps for navigating a person with a lodged object in their throat. They made sure to go over what to do when the part of the airway is blocked and the person is conscious, when the object is completely blocking the airway while the person is conscious, and what to do when the person goes unconscious as a result of lack of airflow. They emphasized how important it was that everyone knew how to do the abdominal thrusts and CPR correctly, so people can be helped sooner, which in turn increases their chances of survival. 

Despite knowing this stuff like the back of his hand, Henrik still found it helpful to review some of these maneuvers. It helped remind him of the different mistakes people often make when doing these maneuvers, and helped him remember what reminders to give his surgical residents when he gets back. By the time they had finished going over that part of the curriculum, it was time for a 30 minute break. To be honest, Henrik had forgotten about how hungry he was until the break was ordered. When he pulled out his lunch, he quickly grew famished. He pulled out his sandwich and started scrolling on his phone while eating the sandwich. He was so busy scrolling, that he was barely even registering the taste of shaved roast beef and ham sandwich with mustard and lettuce that he had put together that morning. He was already halfway done with the sandwich and was quickly going down a rabbit hole of updates on Reddit. Right now, he was currently updating himself on the latest posts that filled the community known as r/medicalgore. It was a community for medical professionals, patients’ experiences and curious normies who love to see things like that. He was currently looking at a picture of the small intestines present outside the stomach from Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. 

Suddenly, he felt a finger touch his shoulder. 

“Whatcha up-” 

Henrik yelped and jumped, dropping his phone and freezing for a moment. 

The person who had talked and touched him, quickly wheezed and doubled over. “HAHAhahaha! Ohoho my god- Did I scare you? Ihi’m so sorry!” The person reacted. “That was not my intention.” The person said, walking into Henrik’s field of view. 

Henrik slowly groaned and sighed as he calmed down, rubbing his forehead. “Heilige Scheiße…” He mumbled to himself. “It’s fine, it’s fine. Just didn’t expect to-” Henrik looked up and widened his eyes when he saw who was talking to him…

It was Jackie! Jackie was not only looking at him, but was actually talking to him!

Jackie smiled and pulled up a chair. “Didn’t expect to get jumpscared today?” Jackie asked with a laugh as he sat down in the chair the wrong way. “Or didn’t expect to make friends?” Jackie asked as he leaned his arms on the back rest in front of him. 

Henrik thought for a moment and shrugged his shoulders. “B-Both.” He replied as casually as he could muster. 

“Do…you have a name?” Jackie asked him. 

“Oh!” The doctor quickly cleared his throat and nodded. “Ja. I’m Henrik.” He said. “Henry?” Jackie asked, holding out his hand.

“No, Henrik.” Henrik corrected, shaking his hand. “Henrik Von Schneeplestein.” Henrik replied. 

Jackie widened his eyes and gasped as he slowly covered his mouth. “W-Wait…The German doctor from Brighton General?!” Jackie asked. 

Henrik widened his eyes. “V-Vait…You know-” Henrik had to pause. 

“Yes! People rave about you all over the city!” Jackie said. 

Henrik smiled a bit and scratched the back of his head. “O-Oh…” He mumbled.

“And yet, no one seems to be able to tell me where to find you, how to get ahold of you...” Jackie explained. “Hell, there are people who barely know what you look like!” Jackie added. 

Henrik bit his lip. “I try to keep a low profile.” Henrik admitted. 

Jackie looked down and picked up something, before handing it to Henrik. “You kinda suck at that, by the way.” Jackie told him. 

Henrik tilted his head as he took his phone, before looking at it. He widened his eyes when he saw the graphic picture that was still visible on his phone. Henrik chuckled awkwardly and closed it before putting it back into his pocket. “Ups…” Henrik muttered, sounding out the U as more of an OO sound. 

“So…” Jackie leaned in slightly. “I don’t have anyone as a partner for practicing abdominal thrusts or CPR.” Jackie admitted. “You uh…” He bit his lip. “...You interested?” Jackie asked. 

“You…vant me to vork vizh you?” Henrik asked. 

Jackie nodded. “A MD with a PHD? and a superhero who uses it daily?” Jackie reacted. “We would be unstoppable.” Jackie told him quietly. 

Henrik chuckled. “You sound like a villain yoining forces vizh ozher villains.” Henrik chuckled. 

Jackie shrugged his shoulders. “I hear the monologues constantly.” Jackie replied. “I could play the part of a villain for a movie, and be given the award for ‘most accurate villainy’.” Jackie joked. Henrik hung his head and laughed at him. “Vhyhy can I see zhat?” Henrik asked. 

Jackie laughed as well. “Ohouch! My reputation is in shambles!” Jackie joked. 

“Alright everyone, break will be over in 5 minutes.” The leader told the room. 

Jackie sighed with overly dramatic annoyance on his face, while Henrik smiled slightly. “Ound yes.” Henrik said. “I vould love to be your partner.” He replied as he stood up and closed his lunch bag. 

Jackie smiled brightly as he closed his own lunch bag, before putting it back into his big backpack. 

When the class started up again, the teacher placed down CPR dummies in front of everyone. “Before we start with practicing on each other, we’re going to help you figure out how much you need to push down on the chest to get the heart pumping. To momentarily save everyone the pain of experiencing CPR in person, we will do this by practicing CPR on the dummies first.” The teacher told them. 

Henrik put the CPR dummy down onto the ground and started pushing down on the dummy while watching Jackie do the same thing. The teacher walked around the room, making sure everyone was pushing down in the middle of the sternum until the plastic click went off in the middle of the dummy’s chest. Henrik was doing CPR on the dummy, but the teacher noticed that he was actually pushing slightly too hard. “Careful, careful Henrik.” The teacher stopped him and sat down in front of him. “You’re pushing too hard. If you keep going, you’ll break a rib and cause internal bleeding.” The teacher told him. 

Henrik looked at the teacher, and intertwined his fingers before placing his palms on the chest again, waiting for the teacher’s instruction. 

“Now: Push down lightly, to see how much pressure you really need.” She said softly. 

Henrik pushed down a bit lighter, and found that the middle piece still clicked in the chest. 

“Good, good. Now keep up that same pressure.” She said. 

Henrik nodded and kept up a similar pressure. “Okay.” He replied. 

She moved onto someone else before moving onto Jackie. 

“Wow…Not bad at all, Jackie. But your elbows are bending a bit when you’re pushing.” She told him. 

Jackie stopped pushing, and adjusted his elbows so they were a little more straight. 

“Good.” She said. Now make sure you push with your body, not just your arms.” She said. 

Jackie nodded and kept going. 

She went over everyone else, before stopping the group CPR lesson. “Wonderful job, everyone. You can take a break.” She told them. 

The students all stopped practicing on the dummies, and sat back into their seats. 

“Put the dummies onto the floor under your desk.” She told them. When the students did as instructed, she cleared her throat. “Now, I would like you all to get into partners. We are going to try acting out the abdominal thrusts as well as the CPR. HOWEVER:” She spoke louder to make them listen. “You will not actually put force onto your partner, especially for practicing CPR. We don’t want to have to get an ambulance over here because one of you broke a rib while practicing.” She told them, making the class laugh slightly. She continued. “I would like you all to focus more on your hand placement rather than how deep your hands are going.” She added. 

Henrik turned around to look behind him and smiled at Jackie. Jackie waved to him, and walked up to him when they were given permission to disperse. 

Jackie looked at Henrik, and bit his lip. “Wanna go first?” He asked. 

“As vhat? Zhe victim? Or zhe bystander?” Henrik asked. 

“The bystander.” Jackie replied. 

“Ok.” Henrik replied. “Heimlich? Or CPR?” Henrik asked. 

“Heimlich first.” Jackie replied. 

Jackie started to pretend to be choking. Henrik was about to cringe at first because…you don’t need to act it out…but…he quickly jumped into gear when he realized he was ‘wasting time’. Plus, Henrik quickly took back his initial reaction when he noticed Jackie’s choking act was eerily realistic. Henrik placed his right fist on the diaphragm, and placed his left hand over the fist to stabilize his position. Then, he started pretending to do abdominal thrusts before leaning Jackie forward and giving him 5 back blows. 

Henrik continued this a couple more times before Jackie stopped him. “Okay, okay.” Jackie said. “I lost consciousness, and my lips are turning blue.” Jackie said, laying himself onto the ground. 

“Right into zhe CPR, huh?” Henrik asked. 

Jackie grabbed Henrik’s arm and pulled on it. “Dude, I’m gonna die!” Jackie reacted with a slight laugh.

“Okay, okay, mein Gott.” Henrik said before kneeling down and starting chest compressions. He did 30 of them, before pausing for a moment and starting another 30 chest compressions. 

When Henrik finished the third 30 chest compressions, Jackie sat up and patted his shoulder. “Okay. That’s enough. Good job.” Jackie said. 

Henrik rolled his eyes and shook his head with a small smile. “You’re a leetle bossypants.” Henrik teased. 

“Well, yeah. Someone’s gotta be the boss when the world’s in danger.” Jackie added. 

Henrik chuckled and helped Jackie up onto his feet. Henrik smiled and cleared his throat. “Okay. Your turn.” Henrik said. 

“You gotta act it out first.” Jackie told him. 

Henrik shook his head. “No can do.” He replied. 

Jackie rolled his eyes. “Fine.” He wrapped his arms around Henrik’s belly and felt around. “Okay. So where is-” 

“eEK! Jahackiestop-!” Henrik yelled. 

Jackie grumbled slightly. “Dude, stop wiggling around! I’m trying to save your life!” Jackie reacted. 

Henrik grunted and tried to pull himself together. “Okayokay. You got the posi-hihition- HAHAHahaha!” Henrik doubled over and started laughing. “Jesus christ, you’re ticklish. Are you sure you can handle this?” Jackie asked with a laugh. 

A few of the students had stopped practicing, and started giggling at the boys. Jackie quickly noticed this, and smiled a bit as he shrugged his shoulders. The man was going crazy, even though Jackie wasn’t even moving his fingers anymore. He was being all dramatic for no reason, and his drama was creating a crowd of gossipy women.  

“Okayokahay-” Henrik pushed himself out from Jackie’s hands and turned around. “You did zhat on purpose.” Henrik spat at him, clearly angry. 

Jackie chuckled. “I really didn’t. I was trying to make sure that my hands were in the right spot.” Jackie admitted. “And you’re just being a big baby about it.” Jackie added, crossing his arms. 

Henrik narrowed his eyes at him, before freezing when he heard giggles from the other side of the room. Henrik looked over, and noticed a few of the other students were watching him, and either whispering to each other or giggling at Henrik. 

Henrik quickly grunted and sighed. “Fine. Ve’ll try it again. But NO tickles.” Henrik ordered as he turned himself around. “I am embarrassed enough as it is.” Henrik added. 

Jackie wrapped his arms around Henrik. “No guarantees.” Jackie said. This just made Henrik roll his eyes. “But if you don’t wiggle around too much, we might get this done faster.” Jackie said. “Now…” Jackie placed the side of his fist on the upper abs. “Here?” Jackie asked. 

“Ja.” Henrik replied. 

Jackie started pretending to do the abdominal thrusts before bending Henrik over in front and doing the 5 back blows to the back. 

Jackie did this a couple more times before watching Henrik bring himself to the ground. “Okay. I passed out from lack of oxygen.” Henrik told him. 

Jackie knelt down and interlocked his fingers before placing his palms in the middle of Henrik’s upper chest. Jackie focused more on placement instead of how deep he was going, and pretended to do 30 chest compressions. When he was done, Jackie paused for a moment before starting up another 30 chest compressions. 

“Not bad, Yackie.” Henrik said. 

Jackie chuckled. “You’re supposed to be unconscious.” He reacted. 

“Eeeh.” Henrik waved his hand. “It’s yust a demonstration.” Henrik mentioned. 

Jackie smirked and poked Henrik’s belly in response. 

This just made Henrik jump and sit up super quickly. “HeY-” Henrik lightly punched Jackie’s shoulder, which made the superhero laugh. 

“Sorry, sorry. Couldn’t resist.” Jackie admitted with a giggle. 

“Alright everyone, stop what you’re doing.” The teacher said. 

“Aw man…” Jackie muttered. 

Henrik got up onto his feet. “It’s time to go back to your seats and begin learning about medical conditions and assistive devices like inhalers and EpiPens.” She told the class. 

Jackie and Henrik sat at their tables again, and continued to pay attention as the teacher moved onto the next thing. The teacher went over the assistive devices before telling them what they would learn the next day. After the class, the teacher gave the students all tests. If they pass the test, then they earn their first part of the certificate. And once they finished the test, they were free to go. Jackie and a few others finished their tests early, meaning they could go home early. When Henrik finished his test, he handed it to the teacher and let her mark it. “Thank you, Henrik.” She said before going over the test. It didn’t take long for the teacher to mark it, and tell Henrik that he passed. “Congratulations, Henrik. You can go home now. See you tomorrow.” She said with a smile. 

Henrik nodded and waved to her before leaving the room. He left the building through the front door, and started to walk to his car. But the man paused when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see who it was, but found there was no one. But Henrik wasn’t stupid. He looked up and turned around enough to find Jackie flying in the air above him. “Vell look who it is.” Henrik said. 

“Finally finished, doc?” Jackie teased. 

“Ja. Vhy are you still here?” Henrik asked. 

“Because maybe I wanted to wait for my new friend!” Jackie reacted. 

Henrik raised an eyebrow. “You…vant me to be your friend?” Henrik asked. 

Jackie shrugged his shoulders. “Only if you want to be.” Jackie explained. 

Henrik slowly smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “Okay.” Henrik replied. “See you tomorrow?” He asked. 

“Right-o!” Jackie replied. 

“Okay.” Henrik hopped into his car and closed the door. “Tschüss.” Henrik said. 

“Gute Heimfahrt!” Jackie replied before flying away. 

Henrik had to do a double-take when he heard Jackie. Did he just speak almost-perfect German?! 

Henrik quickly looked out the window, and opened his car door, hoping to catch him again. But he was gone…Completely gone. Nowhere to be found. It was…a little freaky, to be honest. 

Henrik blinked and looked down. How did Jackie know German?! And…how much German did he know?! Does he know the basics? Or a lot more than that? And why did he wait until NOW to speak his native tongue?! Henrik now had to wait until tomorrow to ask these questions. 

[littleelectric]

Y'all go look at how to do the self Heimlich maneuver please. Just so you know. Or better yet get yourself one of those choking rescue devices. Just had a scare with my mother and I am not tall enough to do the Heimlich on her and she didn't understand when I was trying to get her to do it herself in the middle of choking. Because ya know she was busy not having air so it's understandable. My sister came to the rescue and we didn't break any ribs but jesus it was scary.

[megankoumori]

Took a First Aid Class for work

[kme-2020]

11 (Holly’s Perspective, Rescuer #2)

(Third of three parts, each with a different perspective in the same story)

I noticed Lauren suddenly became very still. Perplexed, I kept an eye on her, but soon a pained look crossed her face and she closed her eyes, inhaling sharply. “Lauren?” Ava asked. I shot a look to Ava and we both frowned, confused at Lauren’s sudden change in demeanour. Lauren gripped the edge of the table and opened her eyes. “Lauren, are you okay?” I asked, leaning over to examine her closer. Lauren remained still and appeared to gag, a wheeze escaping her. Her mouth opened wide but no sound came out. Something’s wrong I thought as I felt my body tensing up, when a realization dawned on me.

“Is she choking?!” I asked, just as Ava got to her feet and hurried to Lauren’s side, calling out to her. “Lauren, can you breathe? Lauren? Hey, talk me to me…”. But Lauren remained seated and didn’t respond, her face growing red, her eyes still closed. “Lauren!” Ava cried out as she slammed her open palm against Lauren’s back. Lauren rocked forward and her eyes flew open, meeting my gaze. I could see panic in her face as Ava pounded her back, unable to dislodge the food from her airway.

Fear kept me frozen in place, and I watched as Ava bent down to Lauren’s height and wrapped her arms around Lauren’s athletic frame. Ava fumbled a bit, struggling to find the right position for the Heimlich Maneuver through Lauren’s thick knitted sweater. Ava pulled the sweater’s hem up, exposing Lauren’s toned stomach. Ava’s fingers scrambled to find the spot just above Lauren’s belly button. Ava made a fist and grasped it with her other hand. She thrust aggressively up and into Lauren’s diaphragm, trying to force her lungs to cough. Lauren jolted with each thrust, a pained look on her face now. Lauren gripped the table and shook her head, indicating she was still choking. Ava thrust again and again, Lauren’s body lurching in her seat with each thrust. I watched as Lauren attempted to cough and gag, clutching at her throat and pounding her chest in desperation.

I shook my head and focused, I need to help, it’s not working I thought as I rushed to Lauren and Ava’s side. “Get her on her feet” I suggested. Ava nodded, “stand up!” she demanded Lauren as she dragged her to her feet. I moved the chair out of the way as Ava restarted back blows. I grabbed Lauren’s shoulders and steadied her as Ava again violently stuck her between her shoulder blades. Lauren’s face and chest were flushed, and the panic was evident in her eyes.

Ava switched back to abdominal thrusts, Lauren’s body doubling over from the force. I could tell the abdominal thrusts were more powerful with Lauren standing up. “Come on, Lauren, cough!” I called to her, meeting her frightened eyes, “Cough!” I yelled, noticing her face growing even redder than before and her eyes were watering.

Ava paused to quickly reposition her hands before sending another violent barrage of thrusts into Lauren’s abdomen. I watched as her toned belly was assaulted and beaten by Ava’s hands performing the Heimlich Maneuver. A retching noise suddenly escaped from Lauren’s throat and a soggy mass slid from Lauren’s mouth. “It’s out!” I announced, smiling with relief. I crouched and examined the blockage on the floor and laugh, “it was a grape” I said.

“Lauren? Lauren are you okay?”, Ava’s voice calls out. There’s no response. I frowned and looked back up. Ava’s arms remained around Lauren’s waist, and Lauren’s shaky hands were gripping Ava’s hands, still in position for the Heimlich. Lauren’s eyes were unfocused and she appeared to still be struggling to breathe. Ava looked to me, equally concerned. “Lauren? Hey Lauren! Can you hear us?” I asked, peering closer at Lauren, grasping her face in my hands. Lauren’s body slips in Ava’s arms. Shit, she’s not okay! I think. “She’s passing out, get her to the ground!” I say.

We work together and lay Lauren’s disheveled figure on her back, kneeling on either side of her. Her sweater is bunched up and exposing the top of her leggings and abdomen. Startled by Lauren’s stillness I grab her shoulders and shake them. “Lauren! Lauren, can you hear me?” Lauren doesn’t respond but her mouth gasps open, a wheeze escapes her lips. I tilt her head back and open her airway, leaning in to listen. I glance at her chest and see her breasts rising and falling in shallow, irregular breaths.

“Her respirations are really shallow, she’s barely breathing…” I said, concentrating as I press my fingers into the side of Lauren’s neck, searching for a pulse which I feel beating rapidly. I pulled Lauren’s sweater up and laid my ear against her chest, listening. “Her hearts beating quick but she struggling to move air properly…” I said to Ava. I need to breathe for her I think as I straighten up and return to Lauren’s face.

I placed my hand under Lauren’s chin and tipped her head back again and pinched her nose shut. I opened her mouth wide and glanced in quickly- no remaining blockage- and inhaled deeply before sealing my lips over hers. I exhaled my breathe into her lungs until I felt resistance. I turned my head to watch as Lauren’s chest deflated and a whoosh of my breathe was exhaled against my cheek.

I continued rescue breathing, Lauren’s breasts rising and falling under her bunched up sweater. I watched as Ava reached for Lauren’s wrist and monitored her pulse. “Stay with us Lauren!” she begged, a tear trickling down her cheek.

I pause my mouth-to-mouth respirations momentarily and we both stared at Lauren whose mouth remained open and a grunt emanated from her throat. “Breathe Lauren, come on…” I encouraged her, vigorously rubbing my fist against her sternum. Another grunt escapes Lauren’s mouth. “Is she coming around?” Ava asked. I shook my head. “Not yet” I sighed as I resumed resuscitation efforts. I pressed my lips over Lauren’s mouth and delivered another breath, my face flushing from the effort of breathing for two. I continued rythym for another five breaths when Lauren let out a low groan.

I paused again and I watched Lauren’s chest rise without my breath assisting her. She’s breathing!! I realize and I tap Lauren’s cheek, hoping to rouse her. I placed a hand firmly against Lauren’s chest and leaned in, feeling the rise and fall of her chest and gentle exhales against my cheek. “She’s breathing!” I exclaimed, as Lauren groggily tried to open her eyes.

I sit up as Ava leans in and calls out, “Lauren, can you hear me?”. Lauren struggles to focus on our faces but weakly nods her head. Relief rushed through me for a second time, and I press my fingers into Lauren’s neck again. Her pulse is strong and steady. “I’m going to put you in the recovery position” I said, gesturing to Ava for assistance. Ava pulls Lauren’s sweater back down to cover her stomach and I brush her blond hair out of her face. We gently rolled Lauren onto her side and I leaned in close to Lauren, checking her breathing. Her chest rises and falls regularly. I placed a comforting hand on Lauren’s shoulder and kneel in front of her. Lauren’s tired and confused eyes meet mine. “Focus on breathing” I said in a gentle voice, rubbing her back soothingly. Lauren didn’t reply but she gave a small nod. “You’re okay now, you’re going to be fine” I said, “we’ve got you”.

[nyc-uws]

How to Survive Choking When Alone

*

[allthegoodbobdylanlyricsaretaken]

Just recently got my own BLS license renewed, this question came up! If the person is too large for you to wrap your arms around their waist, you wrap their arms around their chest and perform chest thrusts instead. This goes double for pregnant women.

I'm not sure what the protocol is if you cannot wrap your arms around their chest either. I would assume back slaps, its not as effective but at least you're helping somehow.

What I do know is that, in the worst case scenario, if a choking patient falls unconscious you will begin chest compressions immediately, and check the airway for visible blockage.

I'm saddened your BLS trainers didn't tell you about this, but not entirely surprised. When I was getting my renewal after working at volunteer EMS organization, I was really shocked how lax they were about stuff. They really should have higher standards.

This is not like a fully completed thought but yk

So I've done my first aid + CPR a few times. And every single time I try and bring up scenarios for fat folks

Specifically like 'what if someone is too large for me to wrap my arms around then to do the heimleich'

And its incredibly rare I get a decent answer.

How absolutely insane is it that me, as a fat person, is asking how to have MY life saved or to save ANOTHER life, is an impossible feat if someone is fat.

Most of the time they tell me to 'just try anyways uwu'

There has got to be a better option.

Edit: as this post is huge now, I'm begging you all to check the notes!!! There's tons of visuals, videos and even sources in there

It's been great seeing everyone band together with their own tips and tricks so it's really worth it to check the notes

[themovementgeneration]

Man i miss minecraft... me & steve go way back

quik maeths

I still dont get it, but they look like chalkolate so by default either im dying or lying, either way white chalkolate still chocolate. I get that 2 piece at popeyes, with a pair of skull candies.

I ask for peazza they give me applejuice and Cranberrie juice. These footnotes are disgusting bleh.Jak 3 was crayz though back in the day

I still dont get Charlotte's Web or the Color Purple. my grandmother got type 2 diabetes with O negative blood while im AB positive shiet doesnt add up smh...what is the kaws

EA SPORTZ ITS IN DA GAME. OH NO LOOK IT MAYO. mhmm turkey sandwhiches have a nigga remminiscing bout collagen/thanksgiving & boomerangs...

Mhmm when life gives you apples make limeade

Venom fiendin for candy like numbah 5 from kids next door

[alarminglybad]

YOUR NEW HEAVYWEIGHT MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION

[bigcatbulges]

Source - Komboochie (CursedMark)

(Artist's Patreon and Telegram for art)

[noisyghost]

hey dude u look tense

[itsrainingbubbles]

Law and Luffy meeting in a modern au because Luffy choked on a piece of food and law did the heimlich maneuver on him

Idk where it goes from there I just know that's how it starts

[hospitalhelper]

Great force on the pull, should place hands a bit lower below the ribcage but that is small when good force is applied.

Good alternating between abdominal thrusts and back blows.

Good striking location for back blows and good amount. Use more force, you're not comforting a buddy who breathed a little of his drink you're trying to save a life. Wind up and hit like you mean to knock a vertebra forward.

All in all anything that works works though. Save a life and worry about efficiency and technique once breathing starts up again.

Man saves a kid's life at work with the Heimlich Maneuver. (VIA)

Learn to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.