Quick Answer
A person in need of the Heimlich may exhibit signs such as unable to speak or cough, gagging, or a visible obstruction in the throat. They may also make high-pitched sounds or attempt to push an object out of their mouth. If you suspect someone is choking, act quickly.
Recognizing Choking Symptoms
Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing and speech. A person choking may try to cough or make loud sounds, but these attempts often fail. Look for visible signs such as the person’s hands trying to push the object out of their mouth or throat. Other indicators include a loss of speech, a blue or pale complexion, and a silent or weak cough.
Performing the Heimlich Maneuver
To perform the Heimlich maneuver, stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand, placing it just above the person’s navel and below their ribcage. Grasp your fist with your other hand and give a quick upward thrust, aiming to dislodge the object. Repeat this motion 5-10 times, or until the object is dislodged and the person can breathe normally.
Administering Back Slaps
For infants and young children, back slaps are often the preferred method for dislodging an object. To perform back slaps, sit the child on your lap and support their head. Place the heel of your hand on the middle of their back and give 5 quick slaps, checking after each slap if the object has been dislodged. If the child remains unable to breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver as described above.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.