How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

How to Do the Heimlich: A Simple Guide

Choking is scary. It's a real emergency. Knowing the Heimlich maneuver could save a life—maybe even your life! This guide shows you how to help adults, kids, and babies. Remember: speed matters.

Spotting a Choking Person

Before you start, you need to know if someone's choking. Here are some signs:

• Can't talk or cough hard.
• Trouble breathing, gasping.
• Grabbing their throat.
• Skin turning blue (this is serious).
• Passing out (worst case).

See these signs? Assume they're choking and act fast!

The Heimlich on an Adult

Here's how to do it on a grown-up: It's all about quick abdominal thrusts.

1. Get behind them: Stand behind the person.
2. Wrap your arms around: Make a fist above their belly button.
3. Grab your fist: Give quick, upward pushes into their stomach.
4. Keep going: Until the blockage is out, or they pass out. Then, call 911 immediately.
5. Call for help: Someone else should call 911.

Important stuff:

• Hand placement is key: Wrong place, serious injury.
• Push up and in: Not straight back!
• Push hard enough: You need to get that blockage out!

Helping a Child (Ages 1-8)

Kids are different: Their size changes things.

1. Get behind them: Support their chest and tummy.
2. Find their belly button: Place your hand just above it.
3. Quick upward pushes: Use the heel of your hand.
4. Keep going: Until it's out, or they pass out. Call 911 immediately!
5. Call for help: Call 911 while you help.

Remember: Gentler than with adults. Use less force.

Babies (Under 1 Year Old)

Babies are tiny and delicate: This is very different!

1. Hold them right: Face down on your forearm, supporting their head and neck.
2. Back blows: Up to five firm pats between their shoulder blades (use the heel of your hand).
3. Turn them over: Support their head and neck as you turn them onto your forearm.
4. Chest thrusts: Two fingers, just below the nipples. Up to five pushes.
5. Keep going: Alternate back blows and chest thrusts until the object is out or the baby is unresponsive. Call 911 immediately.
6. Call for help: Call 911!

Important: Be gentle but firm. Too much force can hurt them.

After the Blockage is Out

Check their breathing and pulse. No normal breathing? Start CPR. Even if they seem okay, get them to a doctor immediately. Learn more about CPR here.

When to Call 911

Call 911 right away if:

• They're unconscious.
• They can't breathe after the Heimlich.
• They have a bad cough or trouble breathing after.

Knowing the Heimlich is huge. It can save lives! This guide helps, but it’s not a replacement for a real first aid class. Take a class! Practice these steps, but a proper class is so important.

More Resources

Want to learn more? Check these out:

• American Red Cross
• American Heart Association
• St. John Ambulance

Learning the Heimlich is empowering. You could save a life. But remember—practice and take a real first aid class for the best skills.