How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

On average 3,000 adults die per year as a result of accidentally inhaling and choking on food. When food gets stuck in your throat, it blocks your trachea making it very difficult to breathe. Because the airway is blocked, it may take less than a minute to die after the food is consumed. It is important to act fast in these situations and a slight hesitation could mean the difference between living and dying. The Heimlich maneuver is a standard component of all first aid courses and is an effective technique which all individuals should learn. When someone is choking the Heimlich maneuver is performed to dislodge the obstruction which is blocking the trachea. By compressing the abdomen just below the level of the diaphragm, the air is forced out of the lungs removing the obstruction which was blocking the air flow. At this point, the material which was blocking the trachea will be brought back up into the mouth. Now that you