Got something stuck in your throat and no doctor nearby? The Heimlich maneuver will save the life of both an adult and a child

The Heimlich maneuver is a life-saving technique for dislodging an object obstructing someone’s airway. However, it’s essential to understand the correct procedure for adults and children, as they differ.

Adults (and Children Over 1 Year Old):

1. Recognize the Signs:
   • The person is choking and cannot speak, cough forcefully, or breathe.
   • They may clutch their throat (the universal sign for choking).
   • They may turn blue.
2. Ask for Consent:
   • If the person is conscious, ask, “Are you choking?”
   • If they nod yes or cannot respond, proceed.
3. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver:
   • Stand behind the person.
   • Wrap your arms around their waist.
   • Make a fist with one hand.
   • Place the thumb side of your fist slightly above their navel (belly button) and well below the breastbone.
   • Grasp your fist with your other hand.
   • Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust—as if trying to lift the person.
   • Repeat these thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.
4. If the Person Becomes Unconscious:
   • Carefully lower the person to the ground.
   • Call emergency services immediately.
   • Begin CPR, and each time you open the airway to give breaths, look for the object and remove it if visible.

Children (1 Year to Puberty):

• The general procedure is the same as for adults, but you’ll need to use less force.
• Kneel behind a smaller child.

Infants (Under 1 Year Old):

• Infants require a different technique.
• Back Blows and Chest Thrusts:
  • Sit with the infant face down on your forearm, which rests on your thigh. Support the infant’s head and neck.
  • Give five firm back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades using the heel of your free hand.
  • If the object is not dislodged, turn the infant face up on your forearm, supporting the head and neck.
  • Give five quick chest thrusts in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line, using two fingers.
  • Repeat back blows and chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the infant becomes unconscious.
• If the Infant Becomes Unconscious:
  • Call emergency services immediately.
  • Begin infant CPR, and each time you open the airway to give breaths, look for the object and remove it if visible.

Important Considerations:

• Training:
  • It’s highly recommended to take a certified first-aid and CPR course to learn these techniques properly.
• Self-Heimlich:
  • If you’re choking and alone, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself by pressing your fist against a hard surface, such as a countertop or chair.
• Medical Attention:
  • Even if the object is dislodged, it’s advisable to seek medical attention afterward to ensure there are no injuries.
• Prevention:
  • Cut food into small pieces.
  • Chew food thoroughly.
  • Avoid talking or laughing while eating.
  • Keep small objects out of reach of children.