When something foreign—typically food—gets lodged in the windpipe and obstructs breathing, it can cause choking. Serious harm can occur within minutes of choking, and it can cause death or brain damage. The most popular method for saving someone who is choking is the Heimlich maneuver. You can save yourself if you’re choking and no one else is there to help. Dial 911 or your local emergency number before proceeding. The Heimlich maneuver can then be performed on yourself by following a few easy steps.
1 Attempt to cough the foreign material out. First, attempt to cough out anything feels like it might be lodged in your throat. You shouldn’t need to use the Heimlich maneuver if you can cough hard enough to clear it out. It is imperative that you take immediate action, particularly if you are alone, if you are coughing up the object and are having difficulty breathing.
Before you pass out, it is imperative that you remove the impediment.
If you can, try to deliberately cough while performing the Heimlich maneuver.
2 Squeeze your fist into a position right over your abdominal button. Prepare your hands correctly before doing the Heimlich technique on yourself. Using your strongest hand, form a fist. With your thumb pressed against your tummy, position it on your abdomen slightly above your navel and below your ribs.
To prevent rib injuries and to put yourself in the best possible position to push the object out of your airway, make sure your hand is in the proper position.
The Heimlich maneuver uses the same hand location as this one.
3 Use the other hand to hold the fist. Add your second hand for leverage after your fist is in position. Spread open the other hand and cover the fist on your abdomen with it. Ensure that your fist is positioned in the middle of your hand.
This will enable you to initiate the Heimlich technique with more force.
4 Press your fist upward and in. Put your hand and fist into your stomach or diaphragm to try to expel the foreign item. Make a fast j-shape movement by going in and then up. If needed, repeat this motion many times.
Try applying greater force with a steady object if this does not immediately remove the alien object.
5 If your hands are insufficient, apply more force using a steady object. Find a stable, waist-high object that you can bend over in your close vicinity. This is a good place for a countertop, table, chair, or railing. Bend over the solid item while maintaining your hands clasped in front of you. Drive your body against the object and place your fists between the chair and your abdomen.
By doing this, you will be exerting a lot more strain on your diaphragm, which can make the object easier to remove.
6 If the maneuver does not work immediately, try it again. It’s possible that you won’t be able to remove the item on your first attempt. If not, swiftly push yourself back onto the sturdy object and repeat the process until the thing is gone. Once it’s removed, you should resume your regular breathing pattern.
Choking is frightening, but it’s best to remain composed. Your pulse rate and breathing will only increase if you panic, making the situation worse.
After the thing has been removed, take a seat and gather your thoughts.
You might need to visit your doctor if you start to feel uncomfortable or have pain in your throat, abdomen, or ribs.
In case you are unable to remove the object, dial 911 or the emergency services number in your area.
