The Heimlich maneuver, formally known as abdominal thrusts, is an emergency procedure designed to clear an obstruction from a person’s airway when they are choking. This technique rapidly compresses the lungs by applying force to the diaphragm, generating a sudden, powerful expulsion of air to dislodge the foreign object. Knowing how to perform this maneuver on oneself is a life-saving skill for situations where one is alone and cannot summon help. This self-administered technique prevents suffocation when the airway is completely blocked.
Identifying the Need for Intervention
Recognizing severe choking is the first step because the brain begins to suffer oxygen deprivation within minutes. The most definitive sign is the inability to speak, cough forcefully, or make any sound, indicating a complete airway obstruction. A person may exhibit the universal distress signal by instinctively clutching the hands to the throat. This indicates severe respiratory distress. As oxygen levels rapidly decrease, a visible sign called cyanosis may appear, causing the skin, especially around the lips, to take on a bluish or grayish tint.
Self-Application Using Your Hands
When alone, the quickest initial self-rescue attempt involves using your hands to create the necessary upward pressure. First, form one hand into a tight fist and place the thumb side directly against the upper abdomen, just above the navel and below the ribcage. This location allows the force to be most effectively transmitted to the diaphragm to compress the lungs. Grasp this fist firmly with your other hand, preparing to deliver a quick, substantial upward force.
To maximize the pressure generated, it is helpful to lean forward over a stable object. This could be a chair, a railing, or a countertop, even while using the hand technique. Use your body weight and the strength of your arms to drive the fist inward and upward in a sharp, distinct motion. Repeat this action quickly and rhythmically until the obstruction is cleared from the airway, restoring your ability to breathe or cough.
Alternative Method Using Furniture
If the hand technique fails to generate enough force, or if an individual is physically unable to execute the hand movements, an alternative method uses a stable object for leverage. Locate a piece of stable furniture, such as the back of a sturdy chair, a solid railing, or the edge of a countertop. The object should be at a height that allows the edge to press directly into the upper abdomen, just above the navel.
Lean forward, quickly thrusting the abdomen down and inward against this edge with significant force. The body weight provides the necessary pressure to compress the abdomen and diaphragm, mimicking external abdominal thrusts. Continue to repeatedly drive the upper abdomen onto the object until the air pressure successfully expels the blockage.
Post-Maneuver Steps and Medical Attention
Even after a successful self-administered maneuver, seeking immediate medical evaluation is required. The forceful, sudden pressure applied to the upper abdomen carries a risk of internal injury. Potential complications include cracked or fractured ribs, or damage to internal organs such as the spleen, liver, or stomach.
These injuries may not be immediately apparent, so a physician needs to assess the abdominal area and internal organs for any trauma. Call emergency services or go to an emergency room immediately to be checked for complications like internal bleeding or residual airway damage. Any persistent symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or a lingering cough, require professional medical attention.