Self-Heimlich Maneuver: A Guide to Clearing Your Airway When Alone

Nothing panics an individual more than choking. You can't breathe, your eyes water and you look around for someone to help. If you happen to choke while alone in your home, you can help yourself by keeping your head and performing the Heimlech maneuver on yourself. Learning how before an emergency arises is important. Read on to learn how to give yourself the Heimlech maneuver.

Things You'll Need

• A chair with a hard back on it (like a kitchen chair)

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep calm. When you feel yourself starting to choke try to remain calm so that you can perform the Heimlech maneuver successfully.

• 2

  Check to see if you can see the object that is stuck in your throat. If you can dislodge it easily, do so, but if it is far back in your throat you may push it in even farther so leave it alone and proceed to the next step.

• 3

  Make a fist with one hand and place it in the middle of your abdomen just below your ribs and above your belly button. Cover your fist with your other hand and press your fist into your abdomen with a quick upwards thrust. Keep your elbows out for the best position. If this does not work proceed to Step 4.

• 4

  Place your fist over your abdomen just below your ribs and above your navel and bend over a chair back or counter top. Forcefully press your fist against the hard surface in a thrusting motion. This should dislodge the object in your throat.

• 5

  If these maneuvers do not work for you, call 911 or get outside your home and run to a neighbors for help. Keep calm and you'll be fine.