How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

On average 3,000 adults die per year as a result of accidentally
inhaling and choking on food. When food gets stuck in your
throat, it blocks your trachea making it very difficult to
breathe. Because the airway is blocked, it may take less than a
minute to die after the food is consumed. It is important to act
fast in these situations and a slight hesitation could mean the
difference between living and dying. The Heimlich maneuver is a
standard component of all first aid courses and is an effective
technique which all individuals should learn. 

When someone is choking the Heimlich maneuver is performed to
dislodge the obstruction which is blocking the trachea. By
compressing the abdomen just below the level of the diaphragm,
the air is forced out of the lungs removing the obstruction
which was blocking the air flow. At this point, the material
which was blocking the trachea will be brought back up into the
mouth.

Now that you’re aware of how important it is to know how to
perform the Heimlich maneuver, here is a brief explanation on
the steps involved in the process:

1.	Ask the person if they are choking. Performing the Heimlich
maneuver when not necessary can be harmful and can also waste
time in getting the victim the correct form of help.

2.	Stand behind the victim, make a fist with one hand and place
your thumb towards the victim below the rib cage and above the
waist. 

3.	Wrap your arms around the victim, placing your other hand on
top of your fist.

4.	Thrust upwards from 6-10 times. These thrusts should be
relatively hard but not so hard that they can damage the victim
further. Do not give up if the first attempt fails. It is very
unlikely that it will be effective the first time, keep trying
even if it takes 5 or more attempts.

Before you attempt to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a choking
victim, you should be aware of the precautions involved in this
technique. Improper application of the Heimlich maneuver can
potentially cause damage to the ribs, chest and internal organs
of the victim. If you are not completely sure of how to perform
this maneuver, take a first aid class which will outline the
exact techniques involved.

It is also important to note that when performing the Heimlich
maneuver on children the amount of force exuded is considerably
less than the amount for adults. Children are not as strongly
built as adults and for this reason the amount of force should
be decreased so they are not put in any additional danger.

Please be aware that these are just guidelines and they are in
no way meant to be taken in replace of a first aid or CPR
course. I strongly suggest taking first aid courses to ensure
you have the confidence required to successfully perform this
maneuver should your assistance be required.