How to perform the Heimlich Maneuver

When someone is choking, it is crucial to know how to assist the victim. The Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) is a life-saving technique that can help within seconds. This simple motion helps to expel food or foreign objects from the airway of a choking person by increasing pressure in the abdomen and chest to force out the obstruction.

Check if the person is truly choking. The victim will often clutch their throat. If you observe this, look for other signs indicating that they are choking. The Heimlich maneuver should only be performed on someone who is indeed choking. Watch for the following signs in the victim:

• Unable to breathe or having difficulty breathing with wheezing
• Unable to speak
• Unable to cough normally
• Blue or gray lips and nails
• Unconsciousness

Inform the victim that you are about to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Let the choking person know that you are here to help, tell them that you know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, and that you are about to do it to assist them.

Wrap both arms around the victim's waist. Stand firm with your legs apart for stability. Gently place both arms around the victim's waist, encouraging them to slightly lean forward.

Position your hands correctly. Make a fist with one hand, either hand will do. Place the fist just below the victim's rib cage and above their navel, then wrap your other hand around the fist.

Perform a series of abdominal thrusts. To expel the obstruction, apply a firm and rapid pressure to the diaphragm, as if you are trying to lift the victim off the ground.

• Push quickly and strongly.
• Complete a series of 5 quick thrusts. If the object has not been dislodged, repeat with 5 more thrusts.

Perform back blows. If the obstruction has not been expelled after performing the Heimlich maneuver, administer back blows. Deliver 5 forceful back blows between the victim's shoulder blades using the bottom of your palm.

• Press firmly if necessary to dislodge the object. However, be cautious to avoid applying excessive pressure to the victim's ribs or abdomen.

Call emergency services. You should contact emergency services if the object cannot be expelled. It's best to have someone else call for help after the Heimlich maneuver has failed and you are performing another round of back blows. When the emergency responders arrive, they will have the tools to dislodge the obstruction. At that point, step aside.

Place the victim on their back. If you're unable to wrap your arms around the victim or if they have fallen, gently help them lie on their back. Assist them in lying flat if necessary.

Kneel beside the victim's waist. Kneel down and position yourself above the victim, at their waist level.

Position your hands correctly. Place one hand on top of the other. Position the bottom of your palm just above the victim's navel and below their rib cage.

Press both hands onto the victim's diaphragm. Use your body weight to press both hands firmly into the victim's diaphragm, moving upward slightly. Repeat this motion until the object is expelled from the victim's throat.

Call emergency services. Immediately contact emergency services if you are unable to expel the object using the Heimlich maneuver. If you see someone choking and are unable to help, seek medical personnel to assist in removing the object. When emergency responders arrive, answer their questions and allow them to assist the victim.

Place the infant face down. First, find a solid surface. Lay the infant face down on the surface, ensuring their head is turned to the side to allow breathing. Kneel close to the infant's feet.

• You may also place the infant face down on your lap.

Give 5 quick back blows to the infant. Use the bottom of your palm to deliver 5 firm back blows between the infant's shoulder blades. Ideally, the object will be dislodged quickly.

• For infants, deliver the blows firmly but not with excessive force. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as infants are vulnerable to injury from harsh blows. The combined force of gravity and the back blows will be sufficient to expel the object.

Flip the infant over. If the object has not been expelled, turn the infant over. Support the infant's head with one hand, ensuring that their head is slightly lower than their feet.

Perform 5 chest compressions. Place your fingers on the lower half of the infant's sternum. Ensure your hand is positioned at the center of the sternum, avoiding any shift to the sides. Press down 5 times in succession. Stop the compressions once the object is expelled.

Call emergency services if the object is not expelled. Immediately dial the emergency number 115 if the object remains lodged. While waiting for assistance, continue repeating the back blows and chest compressions. If you are fortunate, the object may be expelled during these repeated actions while waiting for the emergency responders to arrive.

Make a fist with your hand. Start by forming a fist with one of your hands, it doesn't matter which one.

Place your fist on your diaphragm. Position your fist on your abdomen with your thumb pressed against your belly. The hand should be placed below the rib cage and above the navel. Enclose the fist with the other hand.

Apply pressure to the diaphragm. Press both hands into your diaphragm repeatedly until the object is dislodged. Apply quick upward pressure to help expel the object.

See a doctor. It's advisable to visit a doctor after saving yourself from choking. A doctor will examine you to ensure there is no damage. If you cannot expel the object, dial emergency services at 115 or go to the emergency room immediately.