{"id":52344,"date":"2022-11-03T17:27:30","date_gmt":"2022-11-03T17:27:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cprcare.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=52344"},"modified":"2026-02-09T11:19:36","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T11:19:36","slug":"complete-heimlich-maneuver-guide","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/es\/blog\/complete-heimlich-maneuver-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Heimlich maneuver involves performing inward and upward abdominal thrusts above the nave to remove a foreign object from a person\u2019s airway. Choking can turn a normal day into a critical emergency. It&#8217;s the fourth leading cause of unintentional death. Would you know what to do if someone cannot breathe? The Heimlich maneuver is a simple technique that everyone must know. It is easy to learn and can save a life when it matters the most. Let us assess the Heimlich Maneuver Guide<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">here below<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">to perform the technique better:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Steps to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The steps that you need to perform a Heimlich maneuver depend on who you are helping:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Another person who is not pregnant or an infant (under a year old)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A pregnant woman or an infant\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yourself<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irrespective of whom you perform the maneuver on, that person must get medical help afterward. This helps ensure that there is no physical damage to their throat or airways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Someone other than a pregnant woman\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Read the steps below to know<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> how to perform Heimlich<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on a pregnant woman:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check if they are really choking: If the person cannot breathe or talk, they are likely choking and need help.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Get behind them: Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make a fist: Place your fist just above the belly button.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Grab your fist with your other hand: Hold your fist tightly with your other hand and make sure that it stays in place.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thrust inward and upward: Push hard and fast into the abdomen of the patient. The goal is to force air up and remove the object.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Repeat if needed: Repeat the thrusts until they breathe, cough, and the object comes out.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do not hesitate to call help if necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. On pregnant women\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pregnant women are more at risk of choking due to pressure on the diaphragm from the growing baby. This makes <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">abdominal thrusts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> ineffective. So give chest thrusts, which are safer and more effective.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check the situation: If she cannot breathe or speak, she is choking. To act quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stand behind her: Place yourself behind the woman. Do not wrap your arms around her waist. Place your arms just under her rib cage.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Place your hands: Use your hands and create a fist. Place it above her diaphragm, near the middle of the chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Perform chest thrusts: Do quick chest thrusts by pushing inward and upward with both hands. Force air out of the lungs and remove the object effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Repeat the process: Continue performing chest thrusts until you remove the object successfully, or she starts breathing again.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Call for emergency help if the object is not removed successfully or she loses consciousness.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. On an infant\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/blog\/if-someone-is-choking-what-needs-to-be-done\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Choking emergency<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">is scary, especially when it involves a parent or caregiver. Babies are curious and often put objects in their mouths. When there are babies involved, it is best to know the process and perform it timely and effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here are steps to perform the Heimlich maneuver on an infant:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check the baby: If the baby is coughing weakly or cannot cry or breathe, they are choking.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Position the baby: Lay the baby face down on your forearm. It should offer support to their head and neck using your hand. Rest your arm on your thigh for stability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Give back blows: Use the heel of your hand to deliver five firm back blows between the baby\u2019s shoulder blades.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Flip the baby over: Turn the baby onto their back. Make sure that the head and neck receive support.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Perform chest thrusts: Place two fingers on the center of the baby\u2019s chest (just below the nipple line) and give five gentle but firm thrusts, pressing down about 1.5 inches.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Repeat if needed: Alternate between back blows and chest thrusts until you remove the object or the baby starts breathing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If the baby becomes unresponsive, call for emergency help immediately and start CPR.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. On yourself<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you are alone and choking, follow these steps:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make a fist and place it above your navel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Grab the fist using your other hand and push it inward and upward at the same time. Perform five of these abdominal thrusts.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Repeat the process until you successfully remove the object and you can breathe or cough on your own.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can also thrust your upper abdomen against a hard edge, such as the corner of a table or counter or the back of a chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><div class=\"saving-life-box\">\n<div class=\"d-flex\">\n\t<div class=\"title-box\">\n\t\t<h4>Everyday Skills That Matter<\/h4>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"btnbox\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/course\/firstaid\/\" class=\"btn btn-primary\">Enroll Today<\/a>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When Not to Use the Heimlich Maneuver?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Heimlich maneuver is a lifesaving technique but is not always the right choice for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/blog\/first-aid-for-choking\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">saving a choking victim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. If you use it at the wrong time, it can be harmful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here is when you should not use the Heimlich maneuver:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>If the person is coughing forcefully<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A strong cough often means they\u2019re still able to clear the airway on their own. Encourage them to keep coughing instead of intervening.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>On an infant under 1 year old<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Heimlich is not safe for babies. Use back blows and chest thrusts that are ideal for infants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>On a pregnant woman\u2019s abdomen<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Avoid abdominal thrusts to protect both the mother and baby. Use chest thrusts instead.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>If the person is unconscious<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Once someone becomes unresponsive, <\/span> perform CPR <span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> instead of the Heimlich. This focuses on chest compressions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>On someone not choking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Only use the Heimlich for choking. If there\u2019s no airway obstruction, performing it can cause internal injuries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What Should You Know About Choking?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To perform a Heimlich maneuver properly, you must know what is choking. It occurs when a piece of food, an object, or a liquid blocks the throat. Children choke when a foreign object gets obstructed into their mouths. Adults can choke from breathing in fumes or when eating too fast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most people choke at some point in their lives. It is short-lived and does not pose any danger. Choking can be dangerous and can be life-threatening. A person who is choking may cough continuously until they remove the food or liquid. A person who is choking may find it difficult to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Speak<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Breathe<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make noise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They may also develop a bluish tint on the lips, skin, and nails due to a lack of oxygen.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What Causes Choking?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Children choke when there are objects in their mouth. They do this out of curiosity. Here are common objects that children choke on:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popcorn<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Carrots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pencil erasers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chewing gum<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cherry tomatoes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hot dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Candy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Whole grapes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Large pieces of vegetables\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Large pieces of fruit\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Peanuts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/blog\/how-to-perform-cpr-and-first-aid-on-an-adult-choking-victim\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Adults choke<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> when swallowing food without chewing properly or when laughing while eating or drinking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are the Signs of Choking?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When someone is choking, you may see the following signs:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They may look confused\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They cannot talk\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They may cough weakly or forcefully\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They may lose consciousness\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Their hands may be clutched around the throat\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Signs of Choking in Babies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As babies cannot signal that they are choking, some of the symptoms may be different. A baby is choking if:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They cannot cry or make a sound\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Their skin may be a blue color.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What To Do When Someone is Choking?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use the Red Cross \u2018five-and-five\u2019 method to treat a person who is choking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hit the person\u2019s back with the heel of your hand five times between the shoulder blades. Next, perform the maneuver five times. Alternate between the two until the person is no longer choking. Do not perform the five-and-five method on a child. You must only give a child the Heimlich maneuver.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are the Complications Associated with Choking?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The complications include throat irritation, throat damage, and death from asphyxiation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How to Prevent Choking?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can prevent your child from choking by keeping their play area free of small objects such as erasers, coins, and building blocks. Make sure you chop your child\u2019s food into small pieces. This makes it easier for them to swallow. Discourage your child from talking while eating. Make sure that your child chews well while eating, and keep water handy to prevent choking.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When Should You Alert Your Doctor?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You should seek emergency help as soon as you suspect <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/acute-upper-airway-obstruction#:~:text=An%20acute%20upper%20airway%20obstruction%20(UAO)%20is%20a%20blockage%20that,body%20from%20getting%20enough%20oxygen.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">acute UAO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or acute upper airway obstruction. This includes the nose, throat, and trachea. The symptoms may vary, but some are common no matter what caused your obstruction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here are some of the most common symptoms of an obstruction:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agitation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Panic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Drooling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Difficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Swelling of the face and tongue<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Heimlich maneuver is a lifesaving <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/course\/firstaid\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">first aid method<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to treat someone who&#8217;s choking. It uses quick and hard thrusts with the fists on their abdomen to force stuck objects out of the airway. The Heimlich is only for people over 12 months old and pets who are conscious and choking. You can also perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself. This Heimlich Maneuver Guide helps you learn the common techniques to prepare yourself for choking emergencies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>What is the Heimlich maneuver used for?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Heimlich maneuver is used to help someone who is choking on something stuck in their airway. It works by forcing air from their lungs to push the object out and clear the blockage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you do if someone is choking?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First, check if they\u2019re choking by asking if they can breathe or speak. If they can cough, encourage them to keep coughing to clear the airway. If not, call 911 or have someone else call. Next, stand behind the person, bend them forward slightly, and deliver five firm back blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If the object still doesn\u2019t come out, wrap your arms around their waist and perform <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">abdominal thrusts <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(the Heimlich maneuver) by pulling inward and upward just below the ribcage. Alternate between back blows and thrusts until the airway is clear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What\u2019s the difference between CPR and the Heimlich maneuver?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Heimlich maneuver is used for someone who is choking but still conscious. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is for someone who is unconscious and not breathing. CPR focuses on chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen flowing when the heart and lungs stop working.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What\u2019s the BLS Heimlich maneuver?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The term \u00abBLS Heimlich maneuver\u00bb is another way to describe the Heimlich maneuver as part of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/course\/bls-certification\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">basic life support (BLS) techniques<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. It\u2019s a quick, simple method to help remove a blockage from someone\u2019s airway and prevent choking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Does the Heimlich maneuver work?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes, it\u2019s very effective in helping someone who is choking. When done correctly, it can save lives. However, if performed improperly, there\u2019s a risk of injury, so it\u2019s important to use the right technique.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><div class=\"receive-certification-box\">\n\t<div class=\"d-flex\">\n\t<div class=\"need-certification-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/receive-certification.png\" alt=\"Online CPR Certification\"\/><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"need-certification-txt\">\n\t    <p class=\"h4\">First Aid for Real Life Emergencies<\/p>\n\t\t<p class=\"h5\">Know What to Do When It Matters<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"need-certification-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/course\/firstaid\/\" class=\"btn btn-primary\">Enroll Today<\/a><\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also read:\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/blog\/cpr-certification-why-should-babysitters-get-certified\/\">CPR Certification: Why Should Babysitters Get Certified?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also read: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/blog\/recognizing-signs-of-respiratory-distress\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recognizing Signs Of Respiratory Distress<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":52346,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","blog_category":[312,322,330],"class_list":["post-52344","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog_category-cpr-certification","blog_category-first-aid-acca","blog_category-pals-certification"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/52344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52346"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cprcare.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_category?post=52344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}