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Heimlich maneuver on self

Heimlich maneuver on self

Information

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

  1. Make a fist. Place the thumb below your rib cage and above your navel.
  2. Grasp your fist with your other hand. Press it into the area with a quick upward movement.

You can also lean over a table edge, chair, or railing. Quickly thrust your upper belly area (upper abdomen) against the edge.

If you need to, you should repeat this motion until the object blocking the airway comes out.

See also: Choking first aid

Review Date: 7/18/2007
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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