The Heimlich Maneuver: A Life-Saving First Aid Technique for Choking Emergencies

Choking is a common emergency that can occur at any age, often due to food, small objects, or even saliva. If not addressed quickly, it can lead to severe injury or death. One of the most effective techniques to dislodge an object blocking a person’s airway is the Heimlich maneuver, a first aid method developed by Dr. Henry Heimlich in the 1970s. This blog post explains how to perform the Heimlich maneuver correctly for adults, children, and infants, ensuring you’re prepared for such situations.

Understanding the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, uses focused pressure on the abdomen to expel air from the lungs. This sudden rush of air can dislodge an object blocking the airway. It is only intended for conscious individuals who are choking and unable to breathe, cough, or speak. If the person is unconscious, CPR should be initiated instead.

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

1. For Adults or Older Children (Ages 1 and Up)

1. Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around their waist and tilt them slightly forward to help the object exit.
2. Make a fist. Place the thumb side of your fist just above the person’s navel, below the ribs.
3. Apply upward and inward pressure. Press forcefully into the abdomen with quick, upward thrusts.
4. Repeat until the object is expelled. Continue until the obstruction is removed or the person becomes unconscious.

2. For Infants (Under 1 Year Old)

Infants require a gentler approach to avoid injury:

1. Position the infant. Hold the baby face-down along your forearm, supporting their head and neck.
2. Give 5 back blows. Place the baby’s chest on your forearm and deliver up to five firm slaps between their shoulder blades.
3. If the object hasn’t been dislodged:
   • Turn the baby face-up, holding their head and neck.
   • Place two or three fingers just below the breastbone.
   • Give up to five gentle chest thrusts (press inward about 1.5 inches).
4. Repeat cycles of back blows and chest thrusts until the object is out or the infant loses consciousness (in which case, begin infant CPR).

When to Call for Help

• If the person becomes unconscious, stop the maneuver and begin CPR while calling your local emergency number (e.g., 911).
• If you’re alone with a choking infant or adult, perform five cycles of back blows/chest thrusts (for infants) or abdominal thrusts (for adults) before calling emergency services.

Note: Never perform the Heimlich maneuver on a person who is conscious and coughing forcefully—encourage them to continue coughing to clear the airway.

Important Safety Tips

• Avoid using abdominal thrusts on pregnant individuals or those with abdominal injuries. Instead, perform chest thrusts at the sternum level.
• Learn CPR and first aid certification. Many organizations (e.g., Red Cross, AHA) offer training to build confidence in emergency situations.
• Prevent choking in children by avoiding small, round, or hard foods like grapes, nuts, and candies for young kids.

Final Thoughts

The Heimlich maneuver is a critical skill that can save lives in minutes. By learning the correct technique for different age groups and practicing regularly, you can respond calmly and effectively during a choking emergency. While no substitute for professional training, understanding these steps empowers you to act until help arrives.

Take the time to refresh your first aid knowledge or enroll in a certified course. After all, being prepared can make all the difference in a life-or-death situation.