Fast-Acting 10-Year-Old Saves Mother’s Life
According to security camera footage from a house in Tế Nam City, Shandong Province, China, the incident occurred on January 17 when the mother continuously coughed and spat after swallowing a grape.
Hearing his mother’s distress, the two children—a 10-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl—rushed over to check on her. The boy quickly put down his phone and administered back slaps to help his mother expel the foreign object. However, the mother was unable to drink water due to persistent coughing.
Mom Choked on a Grape, and Her 10-Year-Old Son’s Swift Reaction Saved Her (Video Source: Newsflare).
The boy then performed the Heimlich maneuver behind his mother, eventually prompting her to vomit up the object, saving her from a life-threatening situation. After taking deep breaths, she was still trembling from the ordeal.
The prompt action of the 10-year-old boy impressed the Chinese online community.
“One must admit that this boy is mentally stronger than many adults, being able to save his mother in such a dangerous situation,” wrote one user.
“The child managed to play with his phone while saving his mother; truly admirable,” commented another.
Mom Choked on a Grape, and Her 10-Year-Old Son’s Swift Reaction Saved Her (Screenshot from Video).
What is the Heimlich Maneuver?
The Heimlich maneuver, invented by American doctor Henry Judah Heimlich, is a method used to clear the airway of someone choking on food or other foreign objects. This technique is commonly employed in emergency situations where a person’s airway is blocked, posing a serious threat to their life.
Airway obstructions are common emergencies that can be life-threatening due to the blockage causing oxygen deprivation.
Common choking hazards include seeds (watermelon seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, etc.), certain foods, fruits, and small toy parts.
Illustration of the Heimlich Maneuver for Adults (Image: GXM).
For Adults: The rescuer stands behind the victim, wraps their arms around the victim’s waist, forms a fist with the right hand, and places it just above the navel, below the rib cage. Then, they pull their fist inward and upward in a quick, forceful motion four to five times.
This action must be performed decisively without compressing the chest to be effective. The pressure from this maneuver can dislodge the foreign object, clearing the airway.
Repeat if necessary, but if ineffective, call emergency services immediately.
Doctor Demonstrates Back Slap and Chest Thrust Technique for Children (Image: Hospital Provided).
For Children Under 2 Years Old: Parents should perform the back slap and chest thrust technique:
Lay the child face down on your left forearm, holding their head and neck securely with your left hand. Use your left thumb and middle finger to lift the child’s chin, ensuring the airway is open. Then, use the heel of your right hand to deliver five firm back slaps between the shoulder blades.
If the child continues to struggle to breathe, turn them onto their back and use two fingers to give five sharp chest thrusts at the center of the sternum.
Continue alternating back slaps and chest thrusts until the foreign object is expelled or the child begins crying.
Doctor Demonstrates Back Slap and Chest Thrust Technique (Image: Hospital Provided).
For Children Over 2 Years Old: Parents should use the Heimlich Maneuver:
Position yourself behind the child, either sitting or standing, so you can comfortably wrap your arms around them.
Form a fist with your left hand and place it just above the navel, under the rib cage, and cover it with your right hand.
Apply quick, upward and inward pressure until the foreign object is expelled.
After performing these actions, even if the child has expelled the object, parents should take them to the hospital for medical evaluation.
