Should You Attempt The Heimlich If The Victim Is Unconscious?

Don’t Risk Further Injury

The Heimlich maneuver is effective for conscious individuals who are choking on an object or food. However, when a victim is unconscious, the situation may be more complex. The risk of causing further injury or death increases if you attempt the Heimlich maneuver on an unconscious person. An unconscious person may have a compromised airway or other underlying medical conditions that can make the Heimlich maneuver unsafe.

Use the Proper Technique for Unconscious Choking Victims

For choking victims who are unconscious, you should call 911 or your local emergency number and start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) according to the American Heart Association’s guidelines. The proper technique involves 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths. Continue this cycle until medical help arrives.

Know When to Act

If the unconscious choking victim starts to regain consciousness, you can attempt the Heimlich maneuver. However, if the person remains unconscious, the focus should be on maintaining CPR until medical professionals arrive. In any situation where a person is choking, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek medical help, especially if the victim is unconscious.