How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver is a lifesaver. It helps someone when they're choking. It's like a super-important first aid skill that can mean the difference between life and death. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone who wants to be prepared, knowing the Heimlich is a must.

What is Choking and the Heimlich?

Choking happens when something, like food or a toy, gets stuck in your throat. It blocks your airway. This means you can't get air, and that's dangerous! The Heimlich maneuver is a set of special pushes to your belly. It makes you cough really hard, trying to get the thing out of your throat.

Signs of Choking

You need to know the signs of choking so you can act fast.

• Can't talk or make sounds: They might cough, but their voice will be weak or gone.
• Grabbing their throat: This is a clear sign of choking.
• Having trouble breathing: They might wheeze, gasp, or make strange noises.
• Turning blue: Their skin might turn blue because they aren't getting enough air.

How to Do the Heimlich on an Adult

Here's how to do the Heimlich on an adult:

1. Stand behind them: Put your arms around their waist, a little behind them.
2. Make a fist: Make a fist with one hand and put it just above their belly button, below their breastbone.
3. Grab your fist: Use your other hand to grab the fist, making it tight.
4. Push in and up: Quickly push your fist in and up, toward their chest. Do five strong pushes. Each push should be strong and clear.
5. Keep going if you need to: Keep pushing until the thing comes out or they can breathe again.
6. Call for help: While doing the Heimlich, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Things to Remember

• Don't give up: Keep doing the Heimlich until help arrives or they can breathe again.
• Be careful: Don't do belly pushes on a pregnant woman or someone with a weak or injured belly. Do chest pushes instead.
• Check for anything left behind: Once the thing is out, look in their mouth to see if anything is left. If so, take it out.

How to Do the Heimlich on a Child

Doing the Heimlich on a child is a little different:

1. Get behind the child: Kneel or stand behind the child, facing them.
2. Place one hand on top of the other: Put the heel of one hand just above their belly button, below their breastbone. Put your other hand on top of that hand.
3. Push in and up: Use your hands to push in and up, towards their chest. Do five strong pushes.
4. Keep going if you need to: Keep pushing until the thing comes out or they can breathe again.
5. Call for help: While doing the Heimlich, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

• Use the right amount of force: Use just enough pressure based on the child's size. It should be enough to get the thing out but not hurt them.
• Be careful: Don't do belly pushes on a child with a weak or injured belly. Do chest pushes instead.
• Don't do back blows: If the child is under one year old, do back blows to get the thing out.

How to Do the Heimlich on a Baby

Doing the Heimlich on a baby is special:

1. Hold the baby: Hold the baby face down on your forearm, with their head lower than their body.
2. Do back blows: Use the heel of your hand to give five firm back blows between the baby's shoulder blades. Make sure the blows are towards the baby's chest.
3. Turn the baby: Turn the baby face up, supporting their head and neck.
4. Do chest pushes: Place two fingers on the center of the baby's breastbone, just below their nipple line. Do five quick chest pushes with your fingers.
5. Keep going if you need to: Keep doing back blows and chest pushes until the thing comes out or the baby can breathe again.
6. Call for help: While doing the Heimlich, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Important Things to Remember

• Be gentle: When doing back blows and chest pushes, be gentle but firm.
• Don't shake them: Shaking the baby can hurt them.
• Never do belly pushes: Never do belly pushes on a baby.

More Things to Know

The Heimlich is a really helpful first aid skill that can save lives. But, it's not magic. Sometimes, the thing won't come out, and the person might need a doctor. That's why it's important to call for help right away.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

• Practice the Heimlich: Practice on a dummy or with a friend so you get used to it.
• Stay calm: It's easy to panic when someone is choking, but stay calm and act quickly.
• Learn other things: Learn about CPR and other first aid skills so you're ready for different emergencies.

The Bottom Line

Learning the Heimlich is a great way to be ready to help someone. Knowing the steps and being careful can help you handle choking emergencies. Remember to act fast, stay calm, and call for help immediately. Every second counts when someone is choking.