Choking Rescue Procedure (Heimlich Maneuver)

Adult or Child Older Than 1 Year

If a person older than 1 year is choking:

• Stand or kneel behind the person and wrap your arms around his or her waist. If the person is standing, place one of your feet between his or her legs so you can support the person if he or she faints.
• Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist against the person's belly, just above the belly button but well below the breastbone. See Illustration A.
• Grasp your fist with the other hand. Give a quick upward thrust into the belly. This may cause the object to pop out. You may need to use more force for a large person and less for a child or small adult. See Illustration B.
• Repeat thrusts until the object pops out or the person faints.

Illustration A

Illustration B

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Author:	Katy E. Magee, MA Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: May 19, 2006
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
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