proper way to do the heimlich maneuver

Mastering the Heimlich: The Right Way to Save a Life

By William SmithApril 4, 2026

Choking is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action. The Heimlich maneuver is a crucial skill that can save a life when someone is choking and unable to breathe. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to perform the Heimlich maneuver properly, ensuring you're prepared to act swiftly and effectively in an emergency.

Understanding Choking and the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid technique used to dislodge a blockage in a person's airway. It was developed by Dr. Henry Heimlich in 1974 and has since saved countless lives. Choking occurs when an object, such as food, a toy, or a piece of candy, becomes lodged in the throat, blocking the airway and preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs.

Recognizing the Signs of Choking

It's essential to recognize the signs of choking to act promptly. A person who is choking may:

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𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙍 𝙒𝘼𝙔 𝙄𝙉 𝘿𝙊𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙃𝙀𝙄𝙈𝙇𝙄𝘾𝙃 𝙈𝘼𝙉𝙀𝙐𝙑𝙀𝙍 𝙊𝙉 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍𝙎𝙀𝙇𝙁

Grab their throat with one or both hands
Wheeze or make high-pitched sounds while inhaling
Be unable to speak or cry
Panic or become distressed
Become weak or lose consciousness

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on an Adult

If you suspect someone is choking, act quickly and confidently. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing the Heimlich maneuver on an adult:

Approach the person from behind and wrap your arms around their waist.
Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the person's navel.
Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust.
Repeat these thrusts at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute, or about twice per second.
Continue until the object is dislodged, the person becomes unresponsive, or emergency services arrive.

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a Child

The Heimlich maneuver can also be performed on children, but the technique differs based on the child's age and size. Here's how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a child:

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Heimlich Maneuver Demonstration | Progress West Hospital

Heimlich Maneuver Step-by-Step Guide - Choking Emergency First Aid Infographic Illustration Stock - Illustration du aide, plat: 446320230

Child's Age/Size	Heimlich Maneuver Technique
Infants (less than 1 year old)	Lie the infant face down on your forearm, supporting their head and chest with your hand. Thump them gently on the back with the heel of your other hand. If the object doesn't dislodge, turn the infant over and perform chest compressions.
Children (1-8 years old)	Wrap your arms around the child and perform the Heimlich maneuver as you would on an adult, but use one or two hands, depending on the child's size.
Older Children and Adolescents (9-18 years old)	Perform the Heimlich maneuver as you would on an adult.

When to Call Emergency Services

If the person becomes unresponsive or loses consciousness, lower them to the ground and call emergency services immediately. If you're alone and the person becomes unresponsive, perform the Heimlich maneuver while on your knees, then call emergency services.

It's crucial to learn and practice the Heimlich maneuver regularly, as it's a skill that can save a life. Consider taking a first aid or CPR course to gain hands-on experience and learn other life-saving techniques. By being prepared and confident in your abilities, you can act swiftly and effectively in an emergency.