Heimlich maneuver

Definition

The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency technique for preventing suffocation when a person's airway (windpipe) becomes blocked by a piece of food or other object. It can be used safely on both adults and children, but most experts do not recommend it for infants less than 1 year old. You can also perform the maneuver on yourself.

For a conscious person who is sitting or standing, position yourself behind the person and reach your arms around his or her waist. Place your fist, thumb side in, just above the person's navel and grab the fist tightly with your other hand. Pull your fist abruptly upward and inward to increase airway pressure behind the obstructing object and force it from the windpipe. The procedure may need to be repeated several times before the object is dislodged.

If repeated attempts do not free the airway, an emergency cut in the windpipe (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy) may be necessary.

See also:

• Choking (for conscious infant under 1 year)
• Choking (for conscious adult or child over 1 year)
• Choking (for unconscious adult or child over 1 year)
• Heimlich maneuver on self

Alternative Names