Comments on: How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver

on 6/9/2008 Should I not be actually trained by a paramedic or first aid trainer? How do I assume I know the procedure merely by reading what is given in your narrative?

on 3/14/2008 If someone really wants to know how to do the heimlich maneuver, classes are your best bet to get practice and learn the exact way to do it. This way your not learning while someones choking, they may not have time for you to figure it out correctly.

on 3/14/2008 If someone really wants to learn the heimlich maneuver, you should really take classes to learn it 100% correctly. Also it's probably better to look up a known medical web site to learn this type of information. But taking classes is the best way to go.

on 3/3/2008 The way I was taught, the landmark is two finger widths above the belly button.

on 3/3/2008 I was taught that the landmark is two finger widths above the belly button.

on 12/11/2007 I'm sure everyone out there would rather be alive with a broken rib instead of dead with all your ribs in-tact. Of course, everyone should educate themselves on how to do the Heimlich properly, but even if you are not "well trained", for heaven's sake, don't just watch the person die. Belly button, rib cage, whatever.....just get in there and do the best you can. There are "good samaritan" laws that protect you from lawsuits if you hurt someone while trying to save their life.
But, for the record, I was taught that thrusting 1 or 2 inches above the belly-button should work for any average size (and non-pregnant) person.

on 10/28/2007 When I was taught, you have to find the spot 1 inch below the bottom rib cage. If you don't know how to do the Heimlich,you could kill the patient. Make sure you are well trained & know how. Read everything about how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. I believe every man & woman should be taught the right way. Being down near the belly button on fat or skinny people is worthless. If you can locate the air tube, that is when you perform the Heimlich Maneuver. And do not do any thrust on the rib's, you will break them.

on 9/10/2007 Desertgal, in response:
While you are correct that the heimlich should be done at the chest for an overweight person, this article is not about overweight people. It is about the general procedures for doing the heimlich. The person in the illustrations is not overweight, so the hands should be placed lower. I am glad your husband is ok, but as a certified trainer in first aid/CPR, I will say it again...the demonstration photos are wrong.

on 8/23/2007 In addressing the statement of jpeagle21 on the "wrong" in this manuver, I've never done it before less than an hour ago. My husband was choking and gasping for air and is overweight. He weighs over 2ce as much as I. Had I gone for the "belly button" area, I could not have reached my arms around him. I've had no formal training (having only read briefly about this and seen it on TV)I was terrified that I could'nt do it. But I, saying a prayer to God to help me, got him to stand up, was on my knees on the couch behind him and forced all the stregnth out that I possibly could...he is alive and breathing. I'd rather take him in for a broken rib than to be a widow. Therefore, I think that the exact area depends on the height and weight proportion of the two parties involved. S. King

on 7/23/2007 The demonstration photos are wrong. He has his hands way too high. You are supposed to put your hands just above the belly button. He is almost grabbing the guy around his chest.

on 1/9/2007 Note: You should ALWAYS phone for an ambulance after performing the "Heimlich manoeuvre" because of the possibility of causing damage to internal organs.

on 11/22/2005 If the victom is too big for you to get your arms around OR if you are the victom and are alone, use the high back of a chair and lean over it, using the weight of victom's body to thrust, as you would a fist. This may hurt the ribs, but it's worth it.

on 11/22/2005 Have used this & it works well. My tip is this if you are choking for God's sake don't run off to the bathroom or be embarrassed. My wife was choking and went to the bathroom to hide embarrassed. Luckly I noticed and followed her.