Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)

If the choking patient is older than 1 year and is responsive, the rescuer performs abdominal thrusts to relieve choking:

1. The rescuer stands behind the person and maintains balance, stepping one foot in front of the other and wrapping their arms around the patient’s waist.
2. Making a fist with one hand, the rescuer places it slightly above the patient’s navel.
3. Then the rescuer grasps the fist with the other hand.
4. Pressing hard into the abdomen, the rescuer gives a quick, upward thrust as though attempting to lift the person.
5. Then they perform 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the patient becomes unresponsive. 
6. NOTE: If the patient is pregnant or obese, chest thrusts are used instead of abdominal thrusts.

Heimlich Maneuver Hand Positioning