Heimlich Manoeuvre for Adults and Children Older Than 1 Year

Heimlich Manoeuvre for Adults and Children Older Than 1 Year

Topic Overview

A person who is choking cannot talk, cough, or breathe, and may turn grey or blue. The Heimlich manoeuvre can help get the food or object out. WARNING: Do not try the Heimlich manoeuvre unless you are sure the person is choking.

If the person can cough or make sounds, let him or her cough to try to get the object out. If you are worried about the person's breathing, call 9-1-1.

If the person can't breathe, cough, or make sounds, then:

  • Stand or kneel behind the person and wrap your arms around his or her waist. If the person is standing, place one of your legs between his or her legs so you can support the person if he or she faints.
  • Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist against the person's belly, just above the belly button but well below the breastbone. See picture A.
  • Grasp your fist with the other hand. Give a quick upward thrust into the belly. This may cause the object to pop out. You may need to use more force for a large person and less for a child or small adult. See picture B.
  • Repeat thrusts until the object pops out or the person faints.
Choking rescue procedure (Heimlich manoeuvre) fist position

Picture A

Choking rescue procedure (Heimlich manoeuvre)

Picture B

Credits

Current as of: July 1, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
David Messenger MD