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Heimlich maneuver on self
If you are choking on something, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself. Follow these steps:
- Make a fist with one hand. Place your thumb of this hand below your rib cage and above your navel.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand. Press your fist into the area with a quick upward movement.
You can also lean over a table edge, chair, or railing. Quickly thrust your upper belly area (upper abdomen) against the edge.
If you need to, you should repeat this motion until the object blocking your airway comes out.
See also: Choking first aid
Choking first aid
Choking is when someone is having a very hard time breathing because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the throat or windpipe (airway). A cho...
References
Braithwaite SA, Perina D. Dyspnea. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 25.
Cukor J, Manno M. Pediatric respiratory emergencies: upper airway obstruction and infections. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 168.
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Heimlich maneuver on oneself - illustration
Choking is fairly common. Choking deaths occur most commonly in children less than 3 years and in senior citizens, but can occur at any age. The Heimlich maneuver has been valuable in saving lives and can be administered by anyone who has learned the technique. When no one else is around, the Heimlich maneuver can be performed as shown.
Heimlich maneuver on oneself
illustration
-
Heimlich maneuver on oneself - illustration
Choking is fairly common. Choking deaths occur most commonly in children less than 3 years and in senior citizens, but can occur at any age. The Heimlich maneuver has been valuable in saving lives and can be administered by anyone who has learned the technique. When no one else is around, the Heimlich maneuver can be performed as shown.
Heimlich maneuver on oneself
illustration
Review Date: 4/21/2015
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
