Download The Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich Maneuver
Choking
Choking is the body’s way of
trying to remove a foreign object
Causes of Choking
Eating (especially eating and laughing at the same time,
eating too fast, and failing to chew food well enough.)
Alcohol and drug consumption (even a small amount affects
awareness.)
Trauma to the head and face (bleeding can cause choking)
Small objects swallowed by children (beads, toys)
Lack of Oxygen
Without oxygen the brain can begin to die within 4 to 6
minutes.
By learning the Heimlich Maneuver-a simple life-saving
technique-you may literally save the life of a choking victim.
Heimlich Maneuver
The Heimlich Maneuver is the most effective way to remove
something stuck in an adult’s or older child’s throat. (Note: another
technique is used for an infant, small child, or when someone
becomes unconscious.)
It lifts the diaphragm and forces enough air from the lungs to remove
the obstruction.
When Do I Use The Heimlich?
• The person is grabbing the throat with the
hand (the universal sign for choking)
• You notice they are gagging
• You hear a weak ineffective cough, noisy
breathing, or high-pitched sounds
• The person is starting to look blue