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Heimlich maneuver

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Heimlich maneuver on adult
Heimlich maneuver on adult
Heimlich maneuver on infant
Heimlich maneuver on infant
Choking
Choking
Heimlich maneuver on an adult
Heimlich maneuver on an adult
Heimlich maneuver on conscious child
Heimlich maneuver on conscious child
Heimlich maneuver on conscious child
Heimlich maneuver on conscious child
Heimlich maneuver on infant
Heimlich maneuver on infant
Heimlich maneuver on infant
Heimlich maneuver on infant

Alternative Names    Return to top

Choking - Heimlich maneuver; Abdominal thrusts

Definition    Return to top

The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency technique for preventing suffocation when a person's airway (windpipe) becomes blocked by a piece of food or other object.

See also:

Considerations    Return to top

The Heimlich maneuver can be used safely on both adults and children, but most experts do not recommend it for infants less than 1 year old. You can also perform the maneuver on yourself.

First Aid    Return to top

You may need to repeat the procedure several times before the object is dislodged. If repeated attempts do not free the airway, an emergency cut in the windpipe (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy) may be necessary.

Update Date: 10/1/2008

Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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