The Power of the Heimlich Maneuver: Dos, Don’ts, and Myths

Choking can happen at any time without warning. Whether it’s during a meal at home or at a restaurant, at a picnic, or even while children are playing with toys, choking can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation if not handled swiftly and correctly. The Heimlich maneuver (or abdominal thrust) is the most well-known and effective technique for resolving a choking incident. This blog will explore myths surrounding the Heimlich maneuver, unraveling these misconceptions and providing clear guidance on effectively executing this life-saving technique when faced with choking emergencies. 

Why is it So Important to Learn the Heimlich Maneuver?

Every year, thousands of people die from choking incidents. While most choking episodes are minor, some can be severe and lead to full airway obstruction, which may result in brain damage or death within minutes if untreated. The Heimlich maneuver was developed in the 1970s by Dr. Henry Heimlich and has since saved countless lives. It works by using the air in the lungs to push the object out of the airway, restoring normal breathing.

Recognizing a Choking Emergency

The first step in saving a life is recognizing the signs of choking. When someone is choking, they will often:

• Be unable to speak or breathe
• Clutch their throat with their hands (universal choking sign)
• Turn red or blue, particularly around the face
• Appear panicked or confused
• Make high-pitched sounds or no sound at all
• Begin to lose consciousness if the blockage is not quickly cleared

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Heimlich Maneuver

Step 1: Stay Calm and Call for Help

• First, assess the situation to ensure the person is indeed choking. If they can cough or speak, encourage them to clear the obstruction independently. However, if they cannot make any noise or are struggling, it’s time to act.
• Quickly alert others nearby to call 911, but don’t wait for help to arrive—proceed with the Heimlich maneuver immediately.

Step 2: Get into Position

• Stand behind the choking person placing one foot between their legs, this allows you to counter-balance if they lose consciousness. For children or shorter individuals, kneel behind them if necessary.
• Wrap your arms around their waist, approximately two inches above the belly button. Your hands should be in front of the abdomen but below the rib cage.

Step 3: Form a Fist

• Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist against the middle of the person’s abdomen.
• Position your fist approximately two inches above the navel but well below the rib cage. 

Step 4: Perform Quick, Upward Thrusts

• With your other hand, grasp your closed fist tightly.
• Use a quick, forceful motion to thrust inward and upward. This motion mimics a “J” shape as you push up toward the person’s diaphragm. The amount of pressure in should be enough to get under the ribs and the amount of force up should be enough to lift the persons heels off the ground.
• Continue to perform these abdominal thrusts until either the object expels or the person becomes unconscious. Each thrust should be delivered with firm pressure but not so forceful that it causes harm. If the person loses consciousness, make sure 911 has been called and start CPR… make sure to check the mouth for the object before administering breaths.

Step 5: After the Object Is Expelled

• Once the object is expelled, check to make sure the person can breathe normally. Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths to recover. Encourage the person to get checked out by their doctor after the event to ensure no damage was caused by either the object or the abdominal thrusts.

Common Myths About Heimlich Maneuver

Myth 1: The Heimlich Maneuver Is Only for Adults

For children over one, the Heimlich maneuver can be used in much the same way as with adults, but with gentler pressure to avoid injury. For infants under the age of one, the Heimlich maneuver is not recommended. Instead, rescuers should perform a combination of back slaps and chest thrusts. Hold the baby face down along your forearm and deliver five firm back slaps between the shoulder blades. If this doesn’t work, turn the baby over and perform five chest thrusts using two fingers placed on the center of the breastbone. Repeat this process until either the object is dislodged or the child goes unconscious.

Myth 2: Slapping the Person’s Back Helps Dislodge the Object

Slapping someone on the back while they are actively choking is one of the most persistent myths and can lead to further complications. It can force the object deeper down into the airway, making it more difficult to dislodge. Instead of instinctively reaching for the back, stay calm and immediately begin the Heimlich maneuver if the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe.

Myth 3: Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Someone Who Is Coughing

If the choking person is coughing forcefully, it’s a sign that their airway is not completely obstructed. In these cases, you should not immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver. Instead, encourage the person to continue coughing to expel the object on their own. The coughing creates pressure in the airway that may dislodge the obstruction without external intervention.

Myth 4: The Heimlich Maneuver Should Be Used for Drowning Victims

Contrary to what some believe, the Heimlich maneuver is not appropriate for drowning victims. Its purpose is to remove a solid object obstructing the airway, not water in the lungs. In drowning cases, focus on restoring breathing and circulation with rescue breathing and chest compressions until emergency medical help arrives.

Myth 5: The Heimlich Maneuver Can Be Done with Any Kind of Force

Applying excessive force during the Heimlich maneuver can cause injury, such as broken ribs or damage to internal organs. It’s important to apply enough pressure to create a strong upward force in the diaphragm but not so much that you cause harm. A good rule of thumb is enough in to get under the ribs and diaphragm and enough up to pick the persons heels off the ground. 

Myth 7: You Can Only Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Another Person

It’s a common belief that the Heimlich maneuver requires someone else to perform it on the choking victim. However, in cases where you are alone and choking, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself. Here’s how:

• Make a fist and place approximately two inches above your navel.
• Use your other hand to grab your fist and perform sharp, upward thrusts.
• If that doesn’t work, you can use the back of a chair or a countertop to press into your abdomen, pushing upward to try to dislodge the object.

Myth 8: Once the Object Is Expelled, No Further Action Is Needed

Even after the object has been successfully dislodged, the choking victim may still need medical attention. It’s always a good idea to have the person evaluated by a medical professional, even if they seem fine after the incident.

The Power of Preparedness

Preparedness is the antidote to panic. At the Rescue Training Institute, we emphasize the importance of being trained in life-saving skills like the Heimlich maneuver. Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, a teacher, or just a concerned citizen, having these skills empowers you to make a critical difference when it matters most.

At Rescue Training Institute, we offer training beyond just knowing the Heimlich maneuver. Our courses cover a wide range of life-saving techniques, including adult and pediatric first aid/CPR/AED, so you’ll be prepared to handle a variety of emergencies. Being well-trained means you’ll have the confidence to act swiftly and effectively when every second counts.

If you’re interested in further training or certifications and live in the Sacramento or Roseville area, consider taking one of our first aid and CPR classes. Remember, it only takes a moment to save a life, but it requires knowledge and action to make that moment count.