Every year, mostly older Japanese suffer from suffocating attacks from O-Mochi. In order to prevent this from happening, Japanese media such as the television station NHK will be providing information again this year on practical emergency tips for household use before an alarmed doctor appears.
Hit on the back
This includes the “Haibu Kou Dahou”, the “back hit method”: If the lump does not come out by coughing, put your left arm under the armpit of the victim and hold his stretched chin with your hand, then hit the ball of your right hand between the shoulder blades – This is how NHK quotes a recommendation from Japan’s «Resuscitation Council».
The Heimlich method
If that doesn’t help either, the “Fukubu Tsukiage-Hou”, the “stomach-up-pushing method” – also known as “Heimlich-Griff” in Germany: grasp the affected person, who is slightly bent forward, with a clenched fist Apply near the navel and press firmly with a jerk. Grab your own fist with the other hand and push it up at an angle with every jerk. Repeat this several times, if necessary, until the lump comes out.
Vacuum cleaners are not recommended
The method of getting rid of the lump in the throat with a vacuum cleaner, however, is not officially recommended because of possible damage to health – but it can be done if necessary. It has already saved many lives.