How To Perform The Heimlich Maneuver When Someone Is Choking

Summary:
Let’s talk about how to do it on adults and children older than 1 year.
First determine if there is any severe airway obstruction. Look for signs such as inability to speak, cough, or breathe adequately. Look for hands clutching the throat, which is the Universal Distress Signal of severe airway obstruction. Ask: “Are you choking?” If the choking person nods yes and cannot speak, cough, or breathe adequately, that suggests severe airway obstruction and the need for assistance.

Now, onto the actual maneuver:
Wrap your arms around the choking person's waist. Bend them slightly forward at their waist.
Make a fist with one of your hands. Place the thumb side of your fist between the person's belly button and the lowest part of his ribs. Do not put your fist on the ribs.

Now let’s talk about how to do it for choking infants younger than 1 year:
Hold the infant face down, with his head slightly lower than their feet. Support his jaw and head with your hand. Support his weight with your knee if you are sitting, and on your forearm if you are standing.