Death from choking: Lives could have been saved using 'Heimlich' maneuver

Eid means joy. Children's happiness multiplies around the sacrificial animal. Of course, the moment the animal is slaughtered brings some sadness. However, the taste of the meat soothes the heart. On the first day of this year's holy Eid-ul-Adha, two children died in separate incidents after meat became lodged in their throats.

The incidents occurred on Thursday, May 28, in Jamalpur's Islamupur and Chuadanga's Damurhuda. Doctors said the children died from lack of oxygen after food became trapped in their windpipes. Both children died before reaching the hospital.

Health experts say food can become lodged in the throat of anyone, young or old. Such accidents typically happen when eating too quickly or talking while eating. In such situations, using the 'Heimlich' maneuver or several other methods can save a life.

In Jamalpur's Islampur Upazila, a 14-year-old boy named Yasin Hossain died on the day of Eid when a piece of meat got stuck in his throat. Relatives said the sixth-grader died before being taken to the hospital.

Family members said Yasin was eating with family members after noon when suddenly a piece of meat got stuck in his throat. Yasin was struggling, unable to breathe. Later, when he was taken to the local Upazila Health Complex, the doctor on duty declared him dead.
On the same day, 11-year-old Ankhitara Khatun died in Damurhuda, Chuadanga, after meat got stuck in her throat while eating lunch. The child's relatives said Ankhitara was sitting and eating with her family amid the festive spirit of Eid. Due to carelessness while eating, a piece of meat lodged in her throat. The child could not breathe. The fifth-grader died before reaching the hospital. In an instant, the family's Eid joy turned to sorrow. Mourning descended upon the entire area.
Professor Sanjay Kumar Dey of the Neonatal Department at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) believes that both children could have survived if immediate measures had been taken. He said, "If the Heimlich maneuver is used correctly, the lodged food can be expelled. There is one set of rules for children up to two years old, and different rules for those older. However, sometimes a forceful cough can also dislodge the food."

He added, "The Heimlich maneuver must be repeated until the food comes out, and the person should be taken to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment as quickly as possible."

Health experts also said that while knowing the Heimlich maneuver is not mandatory for the general public, it is an extremely important life-saving first-aid technique. They suggested that teaching it in schools and communities would benefit people and help prevent untimely deaths. They also noted that anyone interested can learn it by watching YouTube videos.

How to apply the Heimlich maneuver

To apply the Heimlich maneuver, stand behind the affected person and wrap your arms around their waist. Then, make a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel and below the ribcage. Grasp the fist firmly with your other hand and press quickly inward and upward. Continue this process until the lodged object comes out or the affected person begins breathing or coughing normally.