How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on an Infant

The Heimlich Maneuver is the most commonly accepted method of treating a choking victim. With some minor modifications and a lot of care, you can perform the Heimlich Maneuver even on an infant.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Space to lay the infant down

Instructions

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Choking Infant

1. Check the infant's airway. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver only if the airway is completely obstructed.

2. Lay the infant on her back on a table or other hard surface. Alternatively, you can sit the baby on your lap facing away from you.

3. Stand or kneel in front of the infant. If the baby is sitting on your lap, skip this step.

4. Place the first and middle fingers of both hands about one finger's width above the baby's navel.

5. Use gentle but firm upward thrusts into the baby's upper abdomen. Repeat until the airway is cleared.

6. Call for emergency medical help or take the infant to an emergency room for further treatment.

How to Perform a Modified Heimlich Maneuver on a Choking Infant

1. Allow the infant to cough for as long as she is able.

2. Sit down.

3. Lay the infant face-down along your forearm, supporting his head.

4. Support your forearm by laying it along your thigh or against a table or the floor.

5. Use the heel of your free hand to give four or five firm, quick and controlled blows between the baby's shoulder blades.

6. Place your free arm over the baby's body, using your hand to support his head.

7. Turn the baby over so she is cradled face up on your free arm.

8. Place your index and middle finger on the center of the baby's breastbone.

9. Thrust your fingers four or five times quickly and firmly into the center of the baby's breastbone.

10. Continue to alternate back blows and breastbone thrusts until the object is expelled.

11. Call for emergency medical attention or take the baby to an emergency room.

Tips & Warnings

• You must be very gentle when performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a infant to keep from injuring her.

• If the infant is coughing hard, wait to see whether he can expel the object himself.

• If the baby loses consciousness, abort the maneuver and begin CPR.

• There are two methods you can use to aid a choking infant. Be careful to use only one or the other, as wavering between them makes the treatment ineffective.

• When applying back blows, be sure the infant's head is positioned downward, allowing gravity to help remove any stuck object.