Darryl Clare is not surprised that a new survey has found one in three people have no idea how to administer first aid. The St John Ambulance first aid training officer says "Dr Google" and Hollywood blockbuster movies are increasingly misleading the public on what to do when things go wrong.From worksheet for 2010 ILCOR Evidence-Based Review of Science for Emergency Cardiac Care (p.7-8):
"The most common mistake made is thinking the Heimlich manoeuvre is the best way to treat someone who is choking," he said. " This is incorrect. The correct method is to give the patient five back blows between the shoulder blades.
"The Heimlich manoeuvre has been widely criticised, even by the founder's son.
"It can work it some cases, but it can lead to serious consequences...even death."
The survey revealed 36% of 1134 respondents would immediately think of the Heimlich manoeuvre when someone was choking.
Case reports of complications from abdominal thrusts
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