He therefore developed a technique that, according to him, works quite well. Its origin is unexpected: it dates back to the 1980s, when he practiced boxing. His coach had him repeat this exercise to strengthen and toughen his abdominal muscles. Decades later, he felt it could be used for a much more practical purpose and adapted it to his work as a first responder.
The maneuver explained step by step
The principle relies on the force of the impact of the torso on the ground, which violently expels air from the lungs upwards. Here’s how to do it, as Raymond demonstrates:
Get on your knees. The situation is desperate: you can no longer breathe, you must act quickly.
Position yourself in a push-up position, with your hands (or fists) on the ground. Raymond explains that he is supporting himself on his fists due to an old boxing injury in his right hand.
Then let your arms swing completely forward, towards the top of your body, so that they are completely removed from under you.
You then let yourself fall, landing on your chest and stomach.
The sound produced by the expulsion of air during the demonstration is revealing: the amount of air propelled upwards is clearly audible. According to Raymond, this force is sufficient to dislodge almost any foreign object from a person whose airways are obstructed.
