How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on an Infant

The Heimlich Maneuver is the most commonly accepted method of treating a choking victim. With some minor modifications and a lot of care, you can perform the Heimlich Maneuver even on an infant.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Space to lay the infant down

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Instructions

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Choking Infant

• 1

  Check the infant's airway. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver only if the airway is completely obstructed.

• 2

  Lay the infant on her back on a table or other hard surface. Alternatively, you can sit the baby on your lap facing away from you.

• 3

  Stand or kneel in front of the infant. If the baby is sitting on your lap, skip this step.

• 4

  Place the first and middle fingers of both hands about one finger's width above the baby's navel.

• 5

  Use gentle but firm upward thrusts into the baby's upper abdomen. Repeat until the airway is cleared.

• 6

  Call for emergency medical help or take the infant to an emergency room for further treatment.

How to Perform a Modified Heimlich Maneuver on a Choking Infant

• 7

  Allow the infant to cough for as long as she is able.

• 8

  Sit down.

• 9

  Lay the infant face-down along your forearm, supporting his head.

• 10

  Support your forearm by laying it along your thigh or against a table or the floor.

• 11

  Use the heel of your free hand to give four or five firm, quick and controlled blows between the baby's shoulder blades.

• 12

  Place your free arm over the baby's body, using your hand to support his head.

• 13

  Turn the baby over so she is cradled face up on your free arm.

• 14

  Place your index and middle finger on the center of the baby's breastbone.

• 15

  Thrust your fingers four or five times quickly and firmly into the center of the baby's breastbone.

• 16

  Continue to alternate back blows and breastbone thrusts until the object is expelled.

• 17

  Call for emergency medical attention or take the baby to an emergency room.