MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Heimlich maneuver on self

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Heimlich maneuver on self

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Illustrations	Information

Illustrations

Heimlich maneuver on oneself

Information Return to top

If you are choking on something, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself:

Make a fist. Place the thumb below your rib cage and above your navel.
Grasp your fist with your other hand. Press it into your abdomen with a quick upward thrust.

You can also lean over a table edge, chair, or railing. Press your upper abdomen against the edge with a quick thrust.

If you need to, you should repeat this motion until the object blocking the airway is expelled. See also choking first aid.

Update Date: 12/10/2003

Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial.

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