Pressure changes during Heimlich manoeuvres – an observational study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pressure changes during Heimlich manoeuvres – an observational study
IRAS ID
200606
Contact name
Nicholas Hopkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
The study involves making some additional measurements in staff participants who are already taking part in other studies which involve swallowing balloon catheters.
Choking on inhaled food is a significant cause of death. The Heimlich manoeuvre is used to dislodge material obstructing the airway when someone is choking after a piece of food has obstructed the airway. The individual is grasped around the middle, and an upward directed thrust is applied with the maximum force capable from the operator. This produces a pressure surge which acts to dislodge the piece of food and allow the person choking to breathe again.
The study will compare different ways of delivering the manoeuvre in 6 experienced adult subjects who have already swallowed pressure catheters (as part of other physiological studies) so the effectiveness of horizontal and upwards thrusting can be compared.
The study will take about half an hour for the individual and in total about 1 year to complete.REC name
N/A
REC reference
N/A