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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed October 19, 2026Editorial policy
First Aid15 min read

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Adults

Published: October 19, 2026Updated: October 19, 2026

The Heimlich maneuver, or abdominal thrusts, is an emergency first-aid procedure used to clear an obstructed airway in a conscious choking adult. Recognizing the signs of choking and delivering rapid, correctly placed thrusts can restore airflow within seconds. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to manage a choking emergency effectively.

Quick Summary

Stand behind the choking person, place a fist just above their navel, and deliver quick, upward abdominal thrusts until the airway is cleared.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Recognize Severe Choking and Ask for Consent

Check for universal signs of choking, such as clutching the throat, an inability to speak or breathe, a silent cough, or cyanosis (turning blue). Ask loudly, 'Are you choking? Can you speak?' If the person can cough forcefully or speak, encourage them to keep coughing and do not intervene with thrusts.

Important: Do not perform abdominal thrusts if the person can speak, breathe, or cough effectively, as physical intervention may wedge the object deeper.

2

Call for Emergency Medical Help

Instruct a bystander to call 911 or your local emergency number immediately while you prepare to assist. If you are alone with the victim, begin delivering emergency assistance immediately, pausing after the initial cycle to call if the obstruction does not clear. Emergency medical services are necessary even if the obstruction is dislodged.

3

Position Yourself Behind the Victim

Stand firmly behind the person and position one foot forward between their feet to create a stable base of support in case they faint. Wrap both arms around their waist from behind. Lean the person slightly forward so that the dislodged object can fall out of the mouth rather than slip back down the throat.

4

Form a Fist and Position Your Hands

Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side flat against the middle of the victim's abdomen, just above their navel and well below the lower tip of the breastbone. Grasp your fist firmly with your other hand. Keep your elbows slightly outward to maximize leverage.

Important: Do not place your hands on the ribs or directly over the breastbone, as this can fracture bones and cause internal organ trauma.

5

Deliver Rapid Inward and Upward Thrusts

Pull sharply inward and upward into the abdomen with a quick, forceful motion, as if attempting to lift the person off the ground. Each thrust must be a separate, distinct effort aimed at expelling air from the lungs through the airway to pop the object free. Continue thrusts until the obstruction is relieved or the person loses consciousness.

6

Transition to CPR if the Person Becomes Unresponsive

If the person becomes unresponsive, carefully lower them to their back on a firm, flat surface and shout for someone to bring an automated external defibrillator (AED). Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately, starting with 30 chest compressions. Look inside the mouth before providing rescue breaths, and only remove an object if it is clearly visible.

Important: Never perform a blind finger sweep in the victim's mouth, as this can push a foreign object back into the trachea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the choking person is pregnant or severely obese?
Perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. Stand behind the person, place your arms under their armpits, position your fist against the center of their breastbone (sternum), and pull straight back with rapid, forceful thrusts.
How can I perform the Heimlich maneuver on myself if I am alone?
Place a fist thumb-side in just above your navel, grasp it with your other hand, and lean over a rigid, waist-high surface such as a chair back, counter, or railing. Drive your fist inward and upward against the edge to force air out of your lungs.
Does someone who received the Heimlich maneuver need medical attention?
Yes. Even if the object is successfully cleared and the person feels fine, forceful abdominal thrusts can cause internal injuries, cracked ribs, or ruptured abdominal organs that require medical evaluation.
Should I use back blows along with abdominal thrusts?
Yes, many organizations, including the American Red Cross and the UK NHS, recommend alternating five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with five abdominal thrusts until the object clears.
  1. 1
    Mayo ClinicSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus (National Institutes of Health)Source
  3. 3
    National Health Service (NHS)Source

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed October 19, 2026. · Read our editorial policy