Heimlich procedure

Last reviewed 01/2018

The Heimlich procedure is performed upon the choking patient who is conscious.

The patient in the upright position leans forward and the operator encircles the patient's body with his arms underneath those of the patient.

The operator clasps his hands firmly together and holds them firmly positioned over the patient's epigastrium.

The operator gives three to four sharp thrusts in an upwards and backwards direction. These movements are designed to force the glottis.

Note that an operator who carries out this procedure too vigorously may cause damage to the sternum, liver or stomach.