How to Perform Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich Maneuver: A Simple Guide

Choking is scary. It's a real emergency. That's why knowing the Heimlich maneuver is so important. It can save a life. This guide will teach you how to do it on adults, kids, and babies. Ready to learn?

Recognizing Choking

Before we get started, let's talk about the signs of choking. Spotting them fast is key. A blocked airway means no air to the lungs. What to look for?

• Can't talk or cough strongly
• Trouble breathing
• Grabbing their throat
• Skin turning blue or gray (that's cyanosis)
• Passing out

See any of these? Act fast. Every second counts.

The Heimlich on an Adult

The Heimlich helps clear a blocked airway. Here's how to do it on a grown-up:

1. Get in Position: Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around their waist.
2. Make a Fist: Make a fist and place it just above their belly button, below the rib cage.
3. Grab Your Fist: Grab your fist with your other hand.
4. Quick Upward Thrusts: Give quick, strong upward thrusts into their abdomen. Push hard, inward and upward. Keep going until the object comes out or they pass out.
5. Keep Going: Repeat until the object is out or help arrives. Be ready to do chest compressions if needed.

Important: Don't do the Heimlich if they're coughing strongly. A good cough often works. But if the cough isn't helping, then it's time for the Heimlich.

The Heimlich on a Child

It's a little different for kids. You need less force.

1. Position Yourself: Kneel behind the child.
2. Fist Placement: Find their belly button. Place your fist just above it.
3. Hand Placement: Grab your fist with your other hand.
4. Upward Thrusts: Give quick upward thrusts. Use less force than on an adult.
5. Keep Going: Continue until the blockage is gone or help arrives. Be ready for CPR.

The Heimlich on a Baby

Babies are tiny! Be extra gentle.

1. Hold the Baby: Support their head and neck. Lay them face down on your forearm.
2. Back Blows: Give five firm back blows between their shoulder blades. Use the heel of your hand. Push downwards.
3. Chest Thrusts: Turn them face up. Place two fingers in the center of their chest, below the nipple line. Give five chest thrusts, pressing inward and slightly upward.
4. Keep Repeating: Alternate back blows and chest thrusts until the object is out or they start breathing normally.

Not sure? Call emergency services before trying the Heimlich on a baby.

When to Call for Help

Even if you clear the airway, call emergency services (911 in the US) if:

• They pass out.
• They still can't breathe.
• They have other worrisome symptoms.

Getting immediate medical attention is always a good idea.

Preventing Choking

Prevention is best! Here's how to reduce the risk:

• Cut food into small pieces.
• Chew thoroughly.
• Don't eat while talking or laughing.
• Supervise kids closely while they eat.
• Keep small, hard foods (nuts, popcorn, hard candy) away from young children.
• Watch out for choking hazards!

First Aid Training

Learning the Heimlich is great, but a first aid and CPR class is even better. You'll learn so much more, and practice makes perfect! It's a valuable skill to have.

Conclusion

Knowing the Heimlich is a huge help. It's a powerful skill that can save lives. By learning the steps for adults, kids, and babies, and by following prevention tips, you can make a real difference. Take the time to learn. You might save a life.