Heimlich Maneuver

Correct Intervention Saves Lives

One bite… one moment of panic… and a person who can’t breathe.

An object that enters the windpipe can become life-threatening within seconds. In such a situation, knowing the correct response can mean the difference between life and death.

The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency first-aid technique used to remove a foreign object blocking the airway.

What Is the Heimlich Maneuver?

Developed by Henry Heimlich, the Heimlich maneuver works by applying pressure to the abdomen, pushing the diaphragm upward so the air in the lungs forces the object out.

But the Heimlich maneuver is not performed on everyone who is coughing. The presence of coughing indicates a partial obstruction.

If the person can cough forcefully, they should be encouraged to keep coughing rather than being intervened on. In this case, it’s important not to leave the person alone and to monitor them closely.

How to Recognize True Choking

The person may have a complete obstruction if they:

- Cannot speak

- Cannot cough

- Cannot breathe

- Start turning blue/purple

- Bring their hands to their throat

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Adults

1. Stand behind the person.

2. Make a fist and place it slightly above the navel.

3. Grasp your fist with your other hand.

4. Deliver quick thrusts inward and upward.

Continue until the object comes out or the person can breathe.

An important situation is what to do if the person is alone and develops a complete obstruction. While still conscious, they should not waste any time and press their upper abdomen (three finger-widths above the navel) forcefully against a firm edge such as the corner of a chair or couch by leaning forward or dropping onto it.

What to Do After the Intervention

Even if the object comes out, the person should still be evaluated by a healthcare facility.

Why Training Matters

In choking cases, panic is the biggest enemy. Correct knowledge builds the right reflexes.

At Bir Adım Sağlık, we prioritize training so families and caregivers can respond to emergencies consciously—because in some situations, the time until an ambulance arrives can be the most critical minutes of life.

Remember: The right technique, applied at the right time, can save a life.