What choking is
Choking happens when food or an object becomes stuck in the airway (windpipe) and blocks air from reaching the lungs. A person with a complete blockage cannot breathe, speak or cough, often clutches the throat, and may turn blue. Because the brain needs oxygen within minutes, choking is a life-threatening emergency that needs fast action.
How the Heimlich maneuver works
The Heimlich maneuver uses sharp abdominal thrusts to push up on the diaphragm. This suddenly forces air out of the lungs, and that burst of air acts like a cough to blow the blocking object out of the airway.
- Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist and place it just above the navel, below the ribs.
- Grasp the fist with your other hand and give quick, firm inward and upward thrusts.
- Repeat until the object comes out or the person can breathe.
Key idea
Abdominal thrusts are for a person who is conscious and has a complete or severe blockage. If the person can still cough forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing rather than thrusting, because coughing may clear it naturally.
Special cases
For a pregnant woman or a very large person, give chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. For a baby under one year, use gentle back blows and chest thrusts, never abdominal thrusts. If a choking person becomes unconscious, lower them carefully and begin CPR while help is called.
Example
During recess a student suddenly cannot speak and grips his throat after eating too fast. A friend stands behind him, places a fist above his navel, and gives firm upward thrusts until a piece of food pops out and he breathes again.
Remember
Always call 999 if the blockage does not clear quickly, and advise the person to see a doctor afterwards, as thrusts can occasionally bruise internal organs.