The Heimlich Maneuver, also known as the abdominal thrust maneuver or abdominal thrusts, is a simple yet effective method to dislodge an obstruction from a person’s airway when they are choking. Whether you’re a concerned parent, a fitness instructor, or just a responsible individual looking to be prepared, learning the Heimlich Maneuver is one of the most valuable skills you can acquire. This maneuver can be performed by anyone with the proper training, and in some cases, even on yourself.
In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into what the Heimlich Maneuver is, how it works, when it should be used, and some key variations for different situations. We’ll also discuss how you can learn this life-saving technique through Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification courses online.
What is the Heimlich Maneuver?
The Heimlich Maneuver, first introduced by Dr. Henry Heimlich in 1974, is a method used to clear a blockage in a choking person’s airway. This technique involves abdominal thrusts just below the rib cage to create pressure in the diaphragm, forcing air from the lungs to expel the foreign object causing the obstruction.
Without timely intervention, choking can lead to severe complications such as brain damage or even death due to the lack of oxygen. The Heimlich Maneuver is an essential first aid skill because it gives bystanders the ability to assist until professional help arrives.
When Should You Use the Heimlich Maneuver?
The Heimlich Maneuver should be administered only when a person is genuinely choking, meaning their airway is blocked and they cannot breathe. Signs that someone is choking include:
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Inability to speak, breathe, or cough
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Clutching the throat (universal choking sign)
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A high-pitched wheezing sound or silence while trying to inhale
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Turning blue due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
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Panicked or distressed expression
In cases where the airway is only partially obstructed, and the individual can still cough or speak, encourage them to continue coughing to expel the object. If the person cannot do this and is in visible distress, you should act immediately. Call 911 or the local emergency number to seek professional help during a choking emergency.
Symptoms of Choking
Choking can manifest in various ways, and recognizing the symptoms quickly is crucial for effective intervention. Common signs that someone is choking include:
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Inability to Speak or Make Sounds: If the person cannot talk or make any noise, it indicates a severe airway obstruction.
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Inability to Cough or Make a Noise: A choking person may be unable to cough or produce any sound, signaling a complete blockage.
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Clutching at the Throat or Chest: Often referred to as the universal choking sign, this gesture is a clear indication that the person is in distress.
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Turning Blue or Purple: A lack of oxygen can cause the skin, especially around the lips and face, to turn blue or purple (cyanosis).
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Unconsciousness: If the obstruction is not cleared, the person may lose consciousness due to the lack of oxygen.
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Seizures or Convulsions: In severe cases, the lack of oxygen can lead to seizures or convulsions.
Recognizing these symptoms promptly allows you to take immediate action to help the choking person, potentially saving their life.
Steps to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver
Performing the Heimlich Maneuver is relatively straightforward if done correctly. However, it’s crucial to act fast and maintain proper form to avoid causing harm while trying to help. Here’s how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a choking adult:
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Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
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Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the person's belly button.
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Grasp your fist with your other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts.
1. Ask for Permission
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Before touching or assisting someone, always ask for permission.
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If they are unable to respond (e.g., unconscious or cannot speak), it’s generally assumed that consent is implied.
2. Position Yourself Behind the Person
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Stand behind the choking individual and angle your stance for stability, placing one foot slightly ahead of the other.
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This positioning helps maintain balance, especially if the person becomes unconscious or needs further assistance.
3. Form a Fist
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Make a fist with one hand and position it slightly above the person’s navel, but below the ribcage.
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Your thumb side should be facing the person's body.
4. Grab Your Fist
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Use your other hand to grasp your fist tightly. This will ensure you can generate enough force with the abdominal thrusts.
5. Perform Abdominal Thrusts
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Pull your hands inward and upward in a quick, forceful motion.
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Perform this motion between 6 and 10 times or until the obstruction is dislodged.
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The goal is to generate enough pressure to force the object out of the airway.
6. Continue Until Help Arrives
Continue administering abdominal thrusts until the person coughs up the object or loses consciousness.
If they lose consciousness, you should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately and continue until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on Yourself
One of the lesser-known aspects of the Heimlich Maneuver is that it can be performed on oneself in cases of self-choking. This is a vital skill to know, especially if you are alone when choking occurs. Understanding how to do the Heimlich maneuver on yourself can be lifesaving. Here’s how you can apply the Heimlich Maneuver on yourself:
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Option 1: Use a Chair
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Find a sturdy chair and position its back just above your navel.
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Forcefully bend over the chair while pressing your abdomen against the edge to create pressure and help expel the object.
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Option 2: Use Your Hands
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Make a fist with one hand and place it above your navel.
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Grasp your fist with your other hand and perform quick upward thrusts until the object is expelled.
Variations of the Heimlich Maneuver
While the standard Heimlich Maneuver works effectively on adults, there are important variations for different groups, including children, infants, pregnant women, and obese individuals.
1. Heimlich Maneuver for Children
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For children over one year old, the steps are similar to adults, but the force of the thrusts should be gentler.
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Stand or kneel behind the child, depending on their height.
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Perform the same abdominal thrusts as you would with an adult, but use less force to avoid injuring the child’s internal organs.
2. Heimlich Maneuver for Infants
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Infants under one year old require a completely different technique, known as back blows and chest thrusts.
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Place the infant face-down on your forearm, supporting their head and neck.
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Administer five firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
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If the object doesn’t come out, turn the infant face-up and give five gentle chest thrusts using two fingers, just below the nipple line.
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Repeat this cycle until the object is expelled or emergency help arrives.
3. Heimlich Maneuver for Pregnant or Obese Individuals
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Performing abdominal thrusts on pregnant or obese individuals may not be feasible due to the position of their stomachs.
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Instead, perform chest thrusts by placing your hands on the center of their chest, just above the sternum.
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Apply the same upward thrusts toward the chest cavity until the object is expelled.
Contraindications and Precautions
While the Heimlich maneuver is a lifesaving technique, there are specific situations where it should be performed with caution or not at all. Understanding these contraindications and precautions ensures the safe and effective use of the maneuver:
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Infants Under 12 Months Old: The Heimlich maneuver is not recommended for infants. Instead, use back blows and chest thrusts to clear the airway.
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Unconscious Person: If the person is unconscious, do not perform the Heimlich maneuver. Instead, begin CPR immediately to maintain circulation and oxygenation.
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Pregnant Women: For pregnant women, the Heimlich maneuver should be modified. Place your hands a bit higher on the torso, around the base of the breastbone, to avoid putting pressure on the abdomen.
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People with Obesity: For individuals with obesity, perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. Place your hands on the center of the chest, just above the sternum, and apply upward thrusts.
Being aware of these precautions helps ensure that you perform the Heimlich maneuver safely and effectively, adapting the technique as needed for different individuals.
After the Heimlich Maneuver: What to Do Next
Successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver is just the first step in addressing a choking emergency. Here’s what you should do next:
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Check if the Object Has Been Dislodged: Ensure that the person can breathe and speak normally. If the object has been expelled, they should be able to do so.
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Call for Medical Help: Even if the object has been dislodged, it’s crucial to call for medical assistance. The person may need further evaluation to ensure no residual damage or complications.
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Provide CPR if Necessary: If the person is unconscious or not breathing, begin CPR immediately. This involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain circulation and oxygenation.
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Monitor the Person’s Condition: Keep a close watch on the person’s condition. Look for any signs of distress or complications, and be prepared to provide additional assistance if needed.
Remember, the Heimlich maneuver is a temporary solution to clear an airway obstruction. Professional medical evaluation and care are essential to ensure the person’s safety and well-being after the incident.
Why Everyone Should Learn the Heimlich Maneuver
Choking is a common emergency that can occur in any setting—at home, at work, or in public. Learning the Heimlich Maneuver gives you the confidence and ability to act when it matters most. In fact, many workplaces, fitness professionals, and schools now require basic life-saving skills like the Heimlich Maneuver to ensure a safer environment for everyone. Additionally, learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial as it can significantly improve patient outcomes during emergency situations when a person becomes unconscious.
How to Get Certified in CPR and First Aid
How to do the Heimlich maneuver is a crucial skill taught in certification courses, emphasizing its importance as a lifesaving method for treating choking in both adults and infants. Whether you’re learning the Heimlich Maneuver, CPR, or other first aid skills, certification is essential to ensure you are performing these techniques correctly and safely. Today, online courses make it easier than ever to gain these critical skills from the comfort of your home.
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Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: This course covers the Heimlich Maneuver, CPR, and other essential life-saving techniques.
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Pediatric First Aid Certification: Specialized courses teach the variations of the Heimlich Maneuver for infants and children.
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CPR Certification: Learning CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver can be done online, offering interactive videos, real-time feedback, and certification exams.
By taking these online courses, you’ll be equipped to handle choking emergencies and more. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing you can potentially save a life when needed.
Final Thoughts: A Life-Saving Skill for Everyone
The Heimlich Maneuver is one of the most vital skills anyone can learn, and it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Whether you're a parent, a personal trainer, or simply someone who wants to be prepared, knowing how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver can help you respond effectively to choking emergencies.
When combined with CPR and first aid knowledge, you'll have the confidence and tools to take charge in a medical emergency, potentially saving someone's life. Make sure to practice regularly and stay updated on life-saving techniques by enrolling in BLS, CPR, and first aid courses. Learning these skills may one day allow you to become someone’s hero.
