How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver

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If someone appears to be choking but still can gasp for air, do not perform the Heimlich maneuver. However, if the person cannot speak or breathe, act immediately:
» From behind, wrap your arms around the victim’s waist.
 
» Make a fist, positioning your thumb against the victim’s upper abdomen, below the ribcage and above the navel. (Tip: Locate yours now, so you’ll know the approximate location.)
 
» Grasp your fist with your other hand and press inward with a quick upward thrust. Try not to squeeze the ribcage as you thrust.
 
» Repeat until the object blocking the throat is expelled.
 
» If the victim is unconscious, place him on his back and straddle him. Place the heel of one hand in the maneuver spot, cover it with your other hand, and press with a quick upward thrust. Repeat until the object is expelled; if the victim remains unconscious, perform CPR and call 911.
 
If you are alone and choking, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself. Using your fist, make the same upward thrust to your own upper abdomen that you would make on another person. Or, lean over a fixed horizontal object, such as the back of a straight-back chair, and make the “thrust” by quickly pressing your upper abdomen against the straight edge.
 
Important: Never slap a choking victim on his or her back. Doing so can cause the object to lodge deeper in the victim’s throat.

Health Monitor 

Dec. 2009/Jan. 2010


Update: June 30, 2010