Lifesaving technique: The Heimlich maneuver for choking emergencies

April 8, 2025

The Heimlich maneuver, or abdominal thrusts, is a lifesaving first aid technique that uses quick, upward thrusts to dislodge foreign objects from a choking person's airway.

Choking is a frightening experience that can happen to anyone, whether it's during a family dinner, a snack time, or even while playing. As parents, caregivers, or friends, it's crucial to know how to respond effectively in such situations. Understanding the signs of choking and the appropriate first aid techniques can make a significant difference and potentially save a life. Let’s break down what you need to know about choking and how to act swiftly and confidently.

Recognizing the signs of choking
When someone is choking, they may exhibit several alarming signs, including:

• Inability to talk, breathe, or cough
• Gasping for air while clutching their throat
• Distress and panic
• Pale or bluish skin (cyanosis) in later stages
• Loss of consciousness

First aid for adults and children over 1 year
If you suspect someone is choking, first ask if they are okay. If they can't respond, follow these steps:

1. Back slaps

• Get help: Shout for assistance but do not leave the person alone.
• Positioning: Bend the person forward at the waist, ensuring their head is lower than their chest. For young children, you can place them over your knee.
• Administer slaps: Firmly slap the area between the shoulder blades five times with the heel of your hand. Check between slaps to see if the obstruction has cleared.

2. Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)

• Position: Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
• Form your fist: Place your fist just below their ribs, thumb facing inward.
• Thrust: Grasp your fist with your other hand and pull sharply inward and upward. Repeat up to five times, checking for dislodgment between thrusts.
• Call for help: If the obstruction remains, shout for someone to call 999 for an ambulance, but continue the procedure if the person is conscious.

First aid for babies under 1 year
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Heimlich maneuver is not recommended for use on infants 12 months or younger. Instead, use backslaps (back blows) on babies.

​If a baby is choking, they may cough or cry, which can help clear the obstruction. If not, follow these steps:

1. Back slaps

• Get help: Immediately shout for assistance, but do not leave the baby alone.
• Positioning: Lay the baby face down on your forearm, ensuring their head is lower than their chest.
• Administer slaps: Use the heel of your hand to give up to five firm slaps between the shoulder blades. Check for dislodgment after each slap.

2. Chest thrusts

• Turn the baby: Carefully flip the baby onto their back, keeping their head lower than their chest.
• Thrust: Using two fingers, give up to five sharp chest thrusts, similar to CPR compressions. Again, check for dislodgment after each thrust.
• If the obstruction is not cleared, repeat the back slaps and chest thrusts. If the baby becomes unconscious, lay them on a flat surface and begin CPR. Ensure that help is on the way and continue CPR until assistance arrives.

Choking can happen in the blink of an eye, but being prepared with the right knowledge can make all the difference. By understanding the signs and knowing how to respond, you can help keep your loved ones safe. Remember, practice makes perfect—consider taking a first aid course to boost your confidence and skills.

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