Removal of Airway Obstruction - Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency method of removing food or other foreign objects from the airway to prevent suffocation. It is done by grasping the choking person from behind, placing a fist, thumb side in, just below the person's breastbone (sternum), wrapping the other hand firmly over this fist, and then pulling the fist firmly and abruptly into the top of the stomach.

It is important to keep the fist below the chest bones and above the naval (belly button). The procedure should be repeated until the airway is free from obstruction or until the person who is choking loses consciousness.

For more information on procedures used to aid an unconscious person, consult the following articles: choking for the conscious adult, choking for the unconscious adult, choking for the conscious infant, or choking for the unconscious infant.

What happens right after the procedure?

Most individuals are fine after the object is removed from the airway. Occasionally, however, the object will go into one of the lungs. If there is a possibility that the foreign body was not expelled, an individual should seek medical care.

In most instances, the Heimlich maneuver will take care of the problem. However, if the object cannot be removed completely, immediate medical care should be sought by consulting a healthcare provider, proceeding to the local emergency department, or calling 911.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Complications can include injury to the abdominal wall, ribs or muscles. Rib fractures occasionally occur, sometimes causing injury to internal organs.

Author:James Broomfield, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Keefe, Sandy, RN, MSN
Edit Date:05/22/00
Reviewer:William M. Boggs, MD
Date Reviewed:09/04/01