Quick Answer
Bystanders should know that the Heimlich maneuver is a lifesaving technique used to dislodge an object from a person's airway when they are choking. It involves abdominal thrusts to create pressure, allowing the object to be expelled. The maneuver should be performed quickly and firmly.
Performing the Heimlich Maneuver
To perform the Heimlich maneuver, stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand, with your thumb side in and your fingers wrapped around your fist. Grasp your fist with your other hand, placing it just above the person’s navel and below their ribcage.
Techniques for Specific Situations
When performing the Heimlich maneuver on an infant under one year old, use the backslap technique instead. Stand over the infant and support their head and back with one hand. Use the heel of your other hand to deliver five quick backslaps between the infant’s shoulder blades. If this does not work, turn the infant over on their back and perform five rapid chest thrusts by placing the heel of your hand on the center of the infant’s chest and pushing down about one-third of the way into the chest.
Key Points for Effective Action
When using the Heimlich maneuver, make sure the person is standing and not sitting or lying down, as this will make it easier to perform the abdominal thrusts. If you are performing the Heimlich maneuver on a pregnant woman, be careful not to push too hard, as this can cause injury to her unborn child. The American Heart Association recommends that you continue to perform the Heimlich maneuver until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unresponsive, in which case you should start CPR.
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