Heimlich Instructions

Credit the Heimlich maneuver for countless, saved lives that may have otherwise been lost to choking. A technique that utilizes abdominal thrusts, the Heimlich maneuver forces sharp coughs from the lungs that serve to force out objects trapped in someone's airway. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver gives people the power to help others in need, and is an especially vital tool for caretakers such as parents, schoolteachers, nurses and lifeguards.

Instructions

Children Over One and Adults

• 1

  Make sure the person is conscious, responsive and aware. If possible, call out to another person to start dialing 911 while your perform the Heimlich maneuver, in case emergency assistance is needed.

• 2

  Stand with your front to the choking person's back. Create a firm stance with one foot in front of the other. Reach around and hug the person's waist, squatting slightly if necessary.

• 3

  Create a fist, with your thumb against the point just above the center of the person's stomach. Use your other hand to firmly grip your fist.

• 4

  Pull your fist backward, into the person's abdomen at an upward angle, in five successive short, sharp thrusts. The thrusts will push air out of the airways, which will help force the lodged object up and out. When thrusting, use moderate force for children and stronger force for adults. If the object remains lodged, wait a second then apply five more successive thrusts.

Infants Under One

• 5

  Ensure that the child is fully choking, and is not coughing or crying. If the infant is coughing and crying from something that is stuck but not fully choking the infant, wait a second to see if a lodged object comes up naturally.

• 6

  Lay the baby face down over your knees in a position where the head is slightly lower than the body. Support the baby's chest and chin in one hand.

• 7

  Strike the baby five times firmly between the shoulder blades with the butt of the palm of your other hand.

• 8

  Call out to someone to call 911, if the baby continues to choke. Turn the baby over and position two fingers at the lower end of the chest. Press down firmly with five thrusts to reattempt to release the lodged object. Rotate the baby, performing alternating back and front thrusts, until the object releases. Stop and allow for professional, medical assistance if the baby loses consciousness.