How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Yourself

The Heimlich maneuver was adopted by the American Red Cross in the mid-1970s as the preferred way to rescue a choking victim whose airway has become completely blocked. A commonly known procedure, you can usually find someone to perform it on you in a crowd. But if you are alone and can't get help, you will have to perform it on yourself. Read on to learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make a fist with one hand and place it against your abdomen, just above the navel, with the thumb facing in toward your body.

2. Place your other hand over your closed fist.

3. Push your fist into your abdomen, using a quick, hard, thrusting motion. The direction of movement should be up and in.

4. Repeat the thrusts several times, trying to dislodge the obstruction. If this doesn't work, you will want to use a flat-edged object instead of your fist.

5. Find a hard, flat-edged surface such as a chair back or the edge of a table. A counter top or railing may also work.

6. Place your abdomen against the surface edge, again just above the navel. Bend your upper body over the hard edge to get better leverage.

7. Thrust your abdomen against the surface, hard and fast. If you are using a chair back, you can pull yourself down against the chair to increase the force of your thrusts.

8. Call 911. If the object is still lodged in your throat, leave the phone off the hook and continue performing the Heimlich on yourself until help arrives.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you are really choking before attempting to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself. If you can cough or talk, continue trying to cough out the obstruction.
• Avoid thrusting anything against your rib cage or sternum. You could crack bones and do more harm than good.
• Be especially careful when eating alone with no one else in the house. It is preferable to have another person perform the Heimlich maneuver on you.
• If you are in a group and no one is responding to your signs of choking, don't waste time. Begin the procedure on yourself. This may alert others to your situation and signal them to respond.

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[brigette001]

on 1/18/2009 This just saved my life a minute ago! Thanks and if u can try to, tell as many people how to do this!