Heimlich Maneuver On Self

A person who is choking when no other people who can perform the procedure are around can perform a Heimlich maneuver on himself or herself.

The Heimlich maneuver can be performed on oneself using several different methods. One method is to place the thumb side of the fist below the rib cage and above the navel, grasp the fist with the other hand, and press the fist into the abdomen with an upward thrusting motion, repeating this motion until the object is expelled. Another method is to lean over a table edge, chair, or railing and press the upper abdomen against the edge with a quick thrust, repeating this motion until the object is expelled.

• Most individuals are fine after the object is removed from the airway. Occasionally, however, the object will go into one of the lungs. If there is a possibility that the foreign body was not expelled, an individual should seek medical care.
• In most instances, the Heimlich maneuver will take care of the problem. However, if the object cannot be removed completely, immediate medical care should be sought by consulting a healthcare professional, proceeding to the local emergency department, or calling emergency medical services.

Complications can include injury to the abdominal wall, ribs or muscles. Rib fractures occasionally occur, sometimes causing injury to internal organs.