Find a Doctor Employment at WakeMed Events & Education For Physicians For Employees Contact Us

Health Care Encyclopedia

Health Information Encyclopedia - Special Topic

Heimlich maneuver on oneself
Heimlich maneuver on oneself

Heimlich maneuver on self

Definition:



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 your abdomen with a quick upward thrust.

You can also lean over a table edge, chair, or railing. Press your upper abdomen against the edge with a quick thrust.

If you need to, you should repeat this motion until the object blocking the airway is expelled. See also choking first aid.




Review Date: 11/4/2005
Reviewed By: Williamds D. Whetstone, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Heart Center
Women's Pavilion & Birthplace
Children's Center
Center for Patient Safety
Emergency Services/Trauma
Rehab


To read our disclaimer, click here