- Grab the fist with the other hand and give a
sharp pull inward and upward.
- For an infant or small child, hold the infant in a
sitting position. Use two or three fingers placed
just above the belly button and jab sharply.
- Repeat until the force of air pressure in the air-
way expels the object.
Rapid response is essential. Most people are
fine once the object dislodges and they can
breathe again. An object that does not come out
with the Heimlich maneuver, or a person who
loses CONSCIOUSNESS, requires further emergency
care from trained medical personnel.
See also CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR);
COUGH; RESCUE BREATHING; SWALLOWING DISORDERS.
Cardiac Arrest 373
