How do you give yourself the Heimlich maneuver?

The Heimlich maneuver is a first-aid procedure used to help someone who is choking. It involves using abdominal thrusts to dislodge a foreign object from the person's airway. If you are choking and alone, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself by following these steps:

1. Fist

Bend over and rest your abdomen against the back of a chair or other sturdy object.

2. Grip

Close one hand into a fist and place the thumb side against your abdomen, slightly above your belly button.

3. Hug

Grab your fist with your other hand and pull it inward forcefully, as if trying to hug yourself tightly.

4. Thrust

Continue to thrust your abdomen inward and upward until the dislodged obstruction comes out of your airway or until you start to breathe.

If the obstruction does not come out after several abdominal thrusts, try alternating between the Heimlich maneuver and back blows. To perform back blows:

- Stand or kneel behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.

- Give five forceful blows to the person's back, between the shoulder blades.

Repeat the Heimlich maneuver and back blows until the obstruction is dislodged or until emergency help arrives.

If you are unconscious and unable to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself, seek emergency medical attention immediately.