In any case of a choking emergency, call 9-1-1 or any medical emergency service to help manage the situation.

Step One

Step Two

Stand behind the person, or kneel behind if it is a child. Place one foot slightly in front of the other for balance and wrap your arms around their waist and lean the person forward slightly.

Step Three

Make a fist with one hand and put it slightly above the person’s navel. With your other hand, hold your fist and press into their stomach or abdomen.

Step Four

Quickly thrust upward (as if you were trying to lift the person up.) When performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a child, use gentle but firm pressure to avoid damaging the internal organs.

Step Five

Repeat this action five times (five abdominal thrusts), checking whether the blockage has been removed after each interval.