Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts) for Choking Adults: Illustrated Steps

1. Stand behind the person; wrap arms around waist.
2. Make a fist; place thumb side against abdomen, midline, just above navel, well below xiphoid.
3. Grasp fist with other hand; deliver quick, upward thrusts (6–10 per sequence).
4. Repeat until object expelled, person coughs forcefully, or becomes unresponsive.

If unresponsive: Lower to floor, begin CPR (chest compressions may dislodge object), check mouth between cycles. Call 911 immediately.

Pregnant/obese patients: Use chest thrusts (fist on lower sternum) instead.