Heimlich Maneuver

Procedure Details

When should you use the Heimlich maneuver?

You should use the Heimlich maneuver if a person is conscious but choking. You can usually tell a person is choking if they can’t speak, breathe or cough. Ask the person, “Are you choking?” They may be able to cough but can’t speak to ask for help. Sometimes, their breathing and speaking becomes weaker and weaker until only gasping sounds come out. The universal choking symbol — holding your hands up and clutching your throat — is often used.

If a person is able to speak, cough or breathe, don’t attempt the Heimlich maneuver. Encourage the person to keep coughing. Sometimes a strong cough can free the foreign object. Only perform the Heimlich maneuver if a person’s life is in danger.

How do you perform the Heimlich maneuver?

To perform the Heimlich maneuver, follow these steps:

1. Stand behind the person, and put your arms around their abdomen.
2. Make a fist with one hand, and clasp your other hand tightly around it.
3. Place the thumb side of your fist just below their ribcage and about two inches above their belly button (navel).
4. Sharply and quickly thrust your hands inward and upward five times.
5. Repeat this process until the object is freed (dislodged) or the person becomes unconscious. If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR.

Can you perform the Heimlich maneuver on children?

The Heimlich maneuver can be performed on children. If the child is younger than 5 years old or weighs less than 45 pounds, the method should be slightly altered. The rescuer should kneel behind the child to get down to their level. Then, they should use less forceful thrusts than the typical Heimlich maneuver requires.

Can you perform the Heimlich maneuver on babies?

The Heimlich maneuver is not recommended for use on infants 12 months or younger. Instead, babies should receive backslaps (back blows).

To perform this method, follow these steps:

1. Turn the infant face down with their chest resting on your forearm. Make sure their head is lower than their body.
2. Using the heel of your hand, strike the infant between their shoulder blades five times. The strikes should be firm but not so hard that you cause injury.
3. Check the infant’s mouth and remove any visible objects.
4. If their airway remains blocked, turn the infant face up with their head down. Using your second and third fingers, give five inward and upward chest thrusts about ½ to 1½ inches into the infant’s breastbone (sternum).
5. Check the infant’s mouth for visible objects again. Repeat this process until the object is freed (dislodged) or the infant becomes unconscious. If the infant becomes unconscious, start CPR.

How do you perform the Heimlich maneuver on people who are pregnant or obese?

People who are pregnant or obese can receive the Heimlich maneuver in a slightly altered way. Instead of thrusting on the abdomen, the thrusts should be placed on the breastbone (sternum).

Can you perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself?

If you’re alone and choking, you can try to free the item by performing the Heimlich maneuver on yourself.

To perform this method, follow these steps:

1. Make a fist with one hand, and clasp your other hand tightly around it.
2. Place the thumb side of your fist just below your ribcage and about two inches above your belly button (navel).
3. Sharply and quickly thrust your hands inward and upward five times.
4. Repeat this process until the object is freed (dislodged).

You can also try leaning over a railing, chair or table edge. Then, sharply and quickly thrust your upper abdominal area against the edge.

Who should not receive the Heimlich maneuver?

Infants shouldn’t receive the Heimlich maneuver. In addition, if a person is unconscious, they should not receive the Heimlich maneuver. Instead, you should perform CPR.