Heimlich Maneuver: Step‑by‑Step Guide to Help Someone Choking

For a conscious adult/child >1 year with severe airway obstruction (cannot cough, speak, breathe):

1. Stand behind; wrap arms around waist.
2. Make a fist; thumb side against upper abdomen, just above navel, below rib cage.
3. Grasp fist with other hand; give quick, upward thrusts (6–10 per cycle).
4. Repeat until object expelled or person becomes unresponsive.

If person becomes unresponsive:

1. Call 911 / activate EMS.
2. Begin CPR (chest compressions). Each compression may expel the object.
3. Check mouth between cycles; remove visible object only.

Special populations:

• Pregnant/obese: Chest thrusts (hands on lower sternum) instead of abdominal.
• Infant <1 yr: 5 back blows + 5 chest thrusts (alternating).

Training and regular practice save lives.