Heimlich maneuver technique

{{whyLabel}}: Quick recognition prevents brain damage, which can occur within 4 minutes of oxygen deprivation.

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• Look for the universal choking sign: hands clutched to the throat.
• Check if the person can speak, cough forcefully, or breathe; if they can only gasp or make high-pitched noises, the airway is severely blocked.
• Observe for skin color changes (bluish or greyish tint) around the lips and face.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have confirmed the person is unable to breathe or cough effectively.

{{whyLabel}}: Professional medical help must be en route even if you successfully dislodge the object, as internal injuries can occur.

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• Dial 112 (Europe) or 911 (US) or your local emergency number.
• Use speakerphone so you can keep your hands free to assist the victim.
• State clearly: "Choking emergency, conscious victim, [Location]."

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Emergency services are notified and the line is open on speakerphone.

{{whyLabel}}: Back blows use gravity and vibration to loosen the obstruction before applying pressure.

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• Stand to the side and slightly behind the person.
• Place one arm across their chest for support and bend them forward at the waist so their upper body is parallel to the ground.
• Use the heel of your hand to deliver 5 firm, separate strikes between the shoulder blades.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Five distinct back blows have been delivered.

{{whyLabel}}: This creates an artificial cough by forcing air out of the lungs to expel the object.

{{howLabel}}:

• Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
• Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side just above the navel (but below the ribs).
• Grasp your fist with the other hand and pull inward and upward with a quick, forceful motion.
• Repeat up to 5 times.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Five abdominal thrusts have been completed or the object is expelled.

{{whyLabel}}: Children require a different physical approach to ensure the correct angle of force.

{{howLabel}}:

• Kneel behind the child to get down to their height level.
• Use less force than you would for an adult to avoid injuring internal organs.
• Follow the same 5-and-5 cycle (5 back blows, 5 abdominal thrusts) until the object is cleared.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The maneuver is performed at the appropriate height and force for a child.

{{whyLabel}}: Standard abdominal thrusts are dangerous for pregnancy and ineffective if you cannot reach around the person's waist.

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• Stand behind the person and wrap your arms under their armpits.
• Place your fist on the center of their breastbone (sternum).
• Pull straight back with quick, forceful thrusts.
• Avoid any pressure on the ribs or the lower tip of the breastbone.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Chest thrusts are delivered instead of abdominal thrusts.

{{whyLabel}}: If you are alone, you must act as your own rescuer immediately.

{{howLabel}}:

• Make a fist and place it above your navel; grasp it with your other hand and thrust inward/upward.
• Alternatively, lean your abdomen over a hard, horizontal edge (like the back of a chair or a table edge).
• Drive your body against the edge to produce a forceful upward thrust.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have practiced the positioning for a self-rescue thrust.

{{whyLabel}}: Infants under 1 year have delicate organs; abdominal thrusts can cause severe internal damage.

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• Lay the infant face down along your forearm, resting on your thigh, with the head lower than the chest.
• Give 5 gentle but firm back slaps with the heel of your hand.
• If unsuccessful, turn the infant face up and give 5 chest thrusts using two fingers on the center of the chest (1.5 inches deep).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You understand the specific protocol for infants under 12 months.

{{whyLabel}}: If the person loses consciousness, the priority shifts to maintaining blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

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• Lower the person gently to the floor on their back.
• Start CPR with 30 chest compressions (push hard and fast in the center of the chest).
• Before giving rescue breaths, look in the mouth for the object; remove it ONLY if it is clearly visible and reachable.
• Do NOT perform a blind finger sweep.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You know the exact steps to take if the victim faints.

{{whyLabel}}: Hands-on practice with a manikin is the only way to gain the muscle memory needed for a real emergency.

{{howLabel}}:

• Search for a local provider (Red Cross, AHA, or St. John Ambulance).
• Ensure the course covers "Basic Life Support (BLS)" or "First Aid for Choking."
• Schedule the appointment within the next 30 days.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A course is booked and a confirmation is received.

{{whyLabel}}: Emergency skills degrade quickly if not reviewed; regular refreshers keep you ready to act without hesitation.

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• Open your digital calendar.
• Create a recurring event every 6 months titled "Review Heimlich & CPR Guidelines."
• Include a link to a reputable instructional video in the event description.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring reminder is active in your calendar.