➡️ What is the Heimlich Maneuver?

The Heimlich Maneuver is an emergency technique used to help someone who is choking — when something (like food) is blocking their airway and they cannot breathe.

The goal is to force the object out by using quick pushes (thrusts) into the abdomen (belly).

🆘 When do you need to use the Heimlich Maneuver?

• The person cannot breathe

• The person cannot talk or cough

• The person may be holding their throat (universal choking sign)

• The person's face may turn blue

🛠️ How to perform the Heimlich Maneuver? (Simple steps)

1. Ask: "Are you choking?"

   • If they nod yes but cannot talk or cough, act quickly.

2. Stand behind the person.

   • Wrap your arms around their waist.

3. Make a fist with one hand.

   • Place the fist just above their belly button (navel).

4. Grab your fist with your other hand.

5. Perform quick, hard thrusts.

   • Pull inward and upward toward their chest.

   • Continue until the object comes out or they can breathe/cough.

❗ Important notes:

• If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR immediately.

• If the person is pregnant or obese, push on the chest instead of the abdomen.

🧒 For children over 1 year old:

• Same steps, but be more gentle.

👶 For babies under 1 year old:

• Do not do the Heimlich Maneuver.

• Instead, give 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts (special infant technique).

📌 Quick Summary:

• Check if they are choking

• Stand behind them

• Fist above the navel

• Quick inward and upward thrusts

• Repeat until airway is clear

🧠 Easy to remember:

"Up and In" — Upward and Inward Thrusts