Abdominal thrusts, or the Heimlich maneuver, are performed on a conscious person who is choking to dislodge an obstruction in the airway. If back slaps fail to remove the blockage, the Heimlich maneuver is the next step; if unsuccessful, seek immediate emergency medical care.
Abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, are performed on a conscious child or adult experiencing a severe upper airway obstruction to dislodge the object causing the blockage. When an individual is choking and unable to cough, speak, or breathe effectively, abdominal thrusts can be a life-saving technique. In such a situation, quick action is crucial; if back slaps fail to clear the obstruction, the Heimlich maneuver is the next step. It involves standing behind the person, wrapping your arms around their waist, making a fist with one hand, placing the thumb side of the fist just above the navel and below the ribcage, and then giving quick, upward thrusts. If the obstruction is not cleared and the person becomes unconscious, emergency medical care must be called immediately.
In the case of infants, the approach is different; one should hold the infant face down on their forearm supported by the thigh and administer firm back slaps. If these remedies fail or the person is unable to perform these maneuvers safely, endotracheal intubation by medical professionals may be necessary to maintain an open airway, especially in clinical settings like during general anesthesia. In contrast, during forced breathing, such as in hyperpnea or during exercise, multiple muscle groups are activated to facilitate the deeper or more rapid breathing necessary for the increased oxygen demand.