Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library

•	Encyclopedia Home
•	Special Topics A-Z
•	Read Spanish version

Images

Heimlich maneuver on oneself

Heimlich maneuve...

More Features

•	Printer-friendly version

Heimlich maneuver on self

Information

If you are choking on something, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself:

Make a fist. Place the thumb below your rib cage and above your navel.
Grasp your fist with your other hand. Press it into your abdomen with a quick upward thrust.

You can also lean over a table edge, chair, or railing. Press your upper abdomen against the edge with a quick thrust.

If you need to, you should repeat this motion until the object blocking the airway is expelled. See also choking first aid.

Review Date: 11/4/2005
Reviewed By: Williamds D. Whetstone, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.