Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a life-threatining event. Knowing universal choking signs and applying the Heimlich Maneuver correctly and in a timely manner can be life-saving. We evaulated the reliability and quality of Youtube videos describing the Heimlich Maneuver.
This study is a cross-sectional study. Between 5-7 May 2025, we evaluated Heimlich Maneuver videos uploaded to Youtube in one year. In total, 525 videos were detected. 79 videos were included based on inclusion criterias. We evaulated the explanation of the Heimlich Maneuver and the correct application of first aid steps in FBA with Global Quality Scale (GQS).
A total of 79 videos about the Heimlich maneuver were included in the study. The majority of the videos were uploaded by unknown individuals (43.0%). The maneuver was most frequently performed on humans (32.9%). All videos had a Heimlich maneuver steps’ point of 4. The median GQS score was 3. A negative significant correlation was found between video duration and number of likes (r=-0.283, p=0.011) and number of views (r=-0.292, p=0.009). A positive and strong correlation was found between video duration and GQS score (r=0.672, p<0.001). A negative significant correlation was observed between the number of likes and GQS score (r=-0.308, p=0.006) and between the number of views and GQS score (r=-0.305, p=0.006). In addition, a weak but significant positive correlation was determined between the Heimlich maneuver steps’ point and GQS score (r=0.242, p=0.031).
Although all 79 videos of 525 correctly described the application of the Heimlich maneuver, it was determined that these videos were at an intermediate level in terms of first aid steps to be applied during FBA.