The doctors say that prompt intervention in case a person suffers an accident similar to the one that killed Silviu Prigoană, is essential. Whether it’s a blocked airway with a foreign body or a heart attack, there are a few simple actions that can save a life.
The Heimlich maneuver is essential when airway obstruction occurs PHOTO Shutterstock
The death of Silviu Prigoană in a restaurant in the town of Șimon, Brașov county, once again shows the importance of knowing first aid measures, but also of quick reaction when a person suffers a potentially fatal accident. Whether it’s drowning with a foreign body blocking the airway or a heart attack, emergency physicians say there are some clear, highly effective, and most importantly, actionable methods of intervention by everyone.
The three lifesaving methods in case of blocked airways
One of the hypotheses regarding the cause of Silviu Prigoană’s death or one of the aggravating factors of the accident suffered by the well-known businessman is the blockage of the airways with a foreign body. Or, more precisely, he choked on food during a coughing fit. Doctors say that in this situation you need to intervene quickly and that there are three quick procedures. “The first time we encourage that person to cough hard. Then we apply strong punches between the shoulder blades, and then the Heimlich maneuver“, states doctor Corneliu Saradan. Doctor Ramona Guraliuc, head of the Emergency Reception Unit from Botoșani, a doctor with experience in emergency situations, explained to Adevărul how to proceed correctly to save the life of a person who choked on food, for example.
“The most effective are the interscapular strokes, with the patient’s positioning, slightly, with the trunk forward, but with a very firm point of support. Then there is the Heimlich maneuver. That is, the fist that is dominant is placed halfway between the navel and the xiphoid appendix, where the sternum ends. The patient, likewise, in an inclined position, supported with both arms. It is done with movements from the bottom up, like a propulsion, and the chest forward so that we manage to dislodge the food body. That is until the moment when the respiratory arrest intervenes and falls into a state of cerebral hypoxia. Then we start the resuscitation maneuvers. But if the first methods are applied correctly, then the results are very good”says doctor Ramona Guraliuc.
How we act in case of myocardial infarction
The second hypothesis taken into account in the case of Silviu Prigoană’s death is myocardial infarction. And this despite the fact that the businessman was known to have severe heart problems, having stents in his heart. In the case of a heart attack, things are a little more complicated, if the patient does not show any visible symptoms. And this in conditions where the heart does not hurt. But the pain is felt in other areas of the body. For example, the imminence of a heart attack can be announced by a pain in the shoulder, arm, back or sternum. Then there may be pain in the chest, with a tightening sensation, like a claw. Those who notice that a person is suffering and suspect that it may be a heart attack must, first of all, call 112.
Then they can offer, if they have it on hand, until the ambulance arrives, nitroglycerin or beta-blockers. If they do not have such, the patient should lie on his back with his head elevated. We need to make sure nothing is blocking his airway. It is possible for the person having a heart attack to choke on food during the attack, for example. After the patient has been seated, cardiac massage can begin. It consists in placing the bridge of the palms one over the other and then over the patient’s sternum, in the cavity area. Then he presses with his palms, with force, so that the sternum descends about 4-5 centimeters. Perform these pressures rhythmically, about 100 contractions per minute. Maneuvers continue until the ambulance arrives. Doctors say that a good knowledge of these methods and involvement in the event of an accident can save lives.
