How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Person in a Wheelchair

The Heimlich Maneuver was introduced in 1974 as an alternative to other, less-effective methods of helping a choking victim. A standard part of first-aid training, the Heimlich Maneuver is easy enough that it can be performed immediately after learning it. There are variations that can be used in special circumstances, such as when the choking victim is in a wheelchair.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Person in a Wheelchair

1. Ask, "Are you choking?" to a person who is coughing, able to speak and not turning blue.
2. Remain calm and encourage the victim to do the same. Try speaking to him or rubbing his back or arm to calm him.
3. Look for signs that the person is suffering from total airway obstruction. These signs include the victim being unable to make any sounds above a wheeze, the face turning blue and hands clutching the throat in the universal symbol for choking.
4. Engage the wheelchair's brake if it's not already on.
5. Stand or kneel behind the victim's wheelchair. If the back of the wheelchair is too high, turn the person 90 degrees or support her in a standing position.
6. Lean the victim forward, moving her head and torso down at a slight tilt.
7. Make a fist with one hand.
8. Place your fist about a finger's width above the victim's navel with your thumb in contact with his body.
9. Grab hold of your fist firmly with your other hand.
10. Make a quick in-and-up thrust against the victim's diaphragm. You may need to repeat thrusting several times before the object is expelled.
11. Repeat until the choking person can breathe, the object is expelled or the victim loses consciousness.
12. Call for medical help using 911 or another emergency number if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Give the victim a chance to dislodge the stuck item himself before proceeding with the Heimlich Maneuver.
• Be sure to place your hands low enough to avoid damaging the victim's ribs or xyphoid process.
• Do not perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a person who is able to speak or is coughing strenuously.
• Don't smack a choking person on the back, as you can force the stuck food further into her throat and actually make matters worse.
• Don't perform the standard Heimlich Maneuver on babies or pregnant women, as you can seriously injure them.
• Avoid squeezing the ribcage when performing the Maneuver, which can break ribs or even puncture the victim's lungs.