First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

Chest Pain
Difficulty Breathing
Severe Bleeding

Sudden Weakness or Numbness
A Medical Emergency

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Choking Rescue Procedure (Heimlich Maneuver) - Adult or Child Older Than 1 Year

If the person can cough or make sounds, let him or her cough to try to get the object out. If you are worried about the person's breathing, call 911.

If the person can't breathe, cough, or make sounds, then:

Stand or kneel behind the person and wrap your arms around his or her waist. If the person is standing, place one of your legs between his or her legs so you can support the person if he or she faints.
Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist against the person's belly, just above the belly button but well below the breastbone. See picture A.
Grasp your fist with the other hand. Give a quick upward thrust into the belly. This may cause the object to pop out. You may need to use more force for a large person and less for a child or small adult. See picture B.
Repeat thrusts until the object pops out or the person faints.

Picture A

Picture B

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 20, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.