Definition The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency method of removing food or other foreign objects from the airwayto prevent suffocation.
Who is a candidate for the procedure? A person who is choking when no other people who can perform the procedure are around can perform aHeimlich maneuver on himself or herself.
How is the procedure performed? The Heimlich maneuver can be performed on oneself using several different methods. One method is toplace the thumb side of the fist below the rib cage and above the navel, grasp the fist with the otherhand, and press the fist into the abdomen with an upward thrusting motion, repeating this motion untilthe object is expelled. Another method is to lean over a table edge, chair, or railing and press theupper abdomen against the edge with a quick thrust, repeating this motion until the object is expelled.
What happens right after the procedure?
Most individuals are fine after the object is removed from the airway. Occasionally, however, the objectwill go into one of the lungs. If there is a possibility that the foreign body was not expelled, anindividual should seek medical care.
In most instances, the Heimlich maneuver will take care of the problem. However, if the object cannot beremoved completely, immediate medical care should be sought by consulting a healthcare provider,proceeding to the local emergency department, or calling 911.
What are the potential complications after the procedure? Complications can include injury to the abdominal wall, ribs or muscles. Rib fracturesoccasionally occur, sometimes causing injury to internal organs.
Author: James Broomfield, MD Reviewer: William M. Boggs, MD Last Updated: 02/18/00 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
