Health
Heimlich Maneuver: How to Help Someone Who Is Choking (2026 Guide)
The Heimlich maneuver, commonly known as abdominal thrusts, is a first-aid technique used to help someone experiencing severe choking when a foreign object blocks their airway. Choking can become life-threatening within minutes because the person may be unable to breathe, speak, or cough effectively. Knowing how to recognize an airway emergency and respond correctly can make a critical difference.
In 2026, first-aid guidance emphasizes identifying whether the choking is mild or severe, calling emergency services when needed, and using the correct technique for the person’s age and condition. Although many people use the term “Heimlich maneuver” for all choking assistance, abdominal thrusts are not appropriate for every person or every situation. Infants require a different approach, and pregnant people or people whose abdomen cannot be encircled require chest thrusts instead.
This guide explains what the Heimlich maneuver is, when to use it, how to perform it safely, and what to do after a choking incident. It is educational information, not a substitute for certified first-aid training.
What Is the Heimlich Maneuver?
The Heimlich maneuver is a choking-response technique developed by American physician Henry Heimlich. It uses controlled upward abdominal thrusts to create pressure that may help force an obstruction out of the airway.
Food, small objects, or other foreign materials can become lodged in the throat and interfere with breathing. A person with a partially blocked airway may still be able to cough, speak, or breathe. Someone with a severe obstruction may be unable to speak, make sounds, breathe normally, or cough effectively.
Recognizing the difference is essential. Encourage a person with mild choking to keep coughing, because a strong cough may clear the obstruction naturally. Do not perform abdominal thrusts while the person is coughing forcefully and moving air effectively.
If the person cannot speak, has a weak or silent cough, struggles to breathe, or shows signs of severe choking, act immediately and get emergency help. The exact response depends on the person’s age and circumstances.
How to Recognize Severe Choking and When to Act
A person who is choking may suddenly grab their throat, appear frightened, or struggle to breathe. Other warning signs include an inability to speak, noisy or absent breathing, a weak cough, or bluish or gray discoloration around the lips or face.
Severe choking is an emergency. Ask the person, “Are you choking?” If they cannot answer or cough effectively, tell someone nearby to call the local emergency number and obtain an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available. If you are alone with the person, use a phone on speaker when possible so you can begin first aid without unnecessary delay.
For a responsive adult or child older than one year with severe choking, current first-aid guidance commonly recommends alternating five back blows with five abdominal thrusts. Continue until the obstruction comes out or the person becomes unresponsive. Follow the instructions of the emergency dispatcher if they provide real-time guidance.
Do not give food or drink to someone who is choking, and do not blindly sweep your fingers inside the mouth. You could push the object farther into the airway.
How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on an Adult or Child
For a responsive adult or child older than one year with severe choking, the 2025 American Heart Association guidance recommends alternating five back blows with five abdominal thrusts. <Cite refs={[“turn124165search9″,”turn124165search0”]} />
Step 1: Give five back blows
- Stand slightly behind and to one side of the person.
- Support their chest with one arm and bend them forward at the waist.
- Using the heel of your other hand, deliver five firm, separate blows between the shoulder blades.
- Check whether the obstruction clears before continuing.
Step 2: Give five abdominal thrusts
If the person is still choking:
- Stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and position the thumb side against the abdomen, just above the belly button and below the breastbone.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand.
- Give five distinct inward-and-upward thrusts, checking whether the obstruction clears.
Alternate five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object comes out, the person can breathe and cough effectively, or they become unresponsive. Have someone contact emergency services as soon as possible.
How to Help a Choking Infant or Pregnant Person
The standard Heimlich maneuver is not appropriate for infants under one year old. Abdominal thrusts can seriously injure a baby’s internal organs.
For a severely choking infant, alternate five back blows and five chest thrusts. Support the infant’s head and neck, hold the baby face-down along your forearm with the head lower than the body, and give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Turn the infant face-up while supporting the head and neck, then give five chest thrusts using the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. Repeat the cycle until the obstruction clears or the infant becomes unresponsive. <Cite refs={[“turn124165search1″,”turn124165search9”]} />
For a pregnant person or someone whose abdomen cannot be encircled, use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. Follow current first-aid training and emergency-dispatch instructions.
What to Do If the Person Becomes Unresponsive
If the choking person collapses and becomes unresponsive, lower them carefully onto a firm, flat surface and call emergency services if this has not already been done. Ask someone to bring an AED if one is available.
Begin CPR, starting with chest compressions, following your training and the emergency dispatcher’s instructions. Each time you open the person’s mouth to give rescue breaths, look for the obstructing object. Remove it only if you can clearly see it; never perform a blind finger sweep. <Cite refs={[“turn124165search2″,”turn124165search3”]} />
If you are alone and choking, call your local emergency number if possible and attempt abdominal thrusts on yourself. You can also press your upper abdomen against a firm, appropriately positioned surface, such as the back of a sturdy chair, while avoiding sharp edges.
Risks, Aftercare, and Preventing Choking
Abdominal thrusts can cause injuries, including bruising or damage to internal organs. Anyone who has received abdominal or chest thrusts should receive medical assessment, particularly if they experience pain, difficulty breathing, swallowing problems, or other concerning symptoms. Medical evaluation is also important if the obstruction may not have been completely cleared.
To reduce choking risks, chew food thoroughly, eat slowly, avoid talking or laughing with food in your mouth, and keep small objects away from young children. Cut age-appropriate foods into safe sizes and supervise young children during meals. People with swallowing difficulties should follow their healthcare professional’s advice about food textures and eating techniques.
The most reliable way to prepare is to take a certified first-aid and CPR course. Hands-on training helps you recognize severe choking and practise the correct technique for adults, children, and infants.
Conclusion:
The Heimlich maneuver can help save a life during severe choking, but the correct response depends on the person’s age and condition. For responsive adults and children older than one year, current guidance recommends five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts. Infants need back blows and chest thrusts instead. Recognize the emergency, summon professional help, and learn practical first aid before you need it.