Emergencies happen when we least expect them. One moment, someone is enjoying a meal, and the next, they’re gasping for air, unable to breathe. Choking can occur in seconds, and without immediate intervention, it can be fatal. That’s why learning abdominal thrusts — previously known as the Heimlich maneuver — is a skill everyone should have. It’s simple, effective and could mean the difference between life and death.
What is an abdominal thrust?
Abdominal thrusts are a first-aid technique used to help someone who is choking on food or another object. It works by applying pressure to the diaphragm, forcing air from the lungs to expel the blockage from the airway.
Why is this skill so important?
1. Choking happens more often than you think.
Choking is a leading cause of accidental death, especially among children and older adults. According to the National Safety Council, choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States. Foods like hot dogs, grapes and hard candies are common choking hazards for children, while adults — particularly seniors — are at risk due to swallowing difficulties or certain medical conditions.
2. Emergency response time matters.
When someone is choking, you have only a few minutes to act before the lack of oxygen causes brain damage or worse. While calling 911 is always recommended in a medical emergency, waiting for paramedics might take too long. Knowing how to perform the abdominal thrust maneuver allows you to step in and help immediately.
3. It’s easy to learn.
Unlike CPR — which requires chest compressions and rescue breaths — abdominal thrusts are a simple technique that anyone can learn and perform. With just a few minutes of instruction, you can be prepared to help in an emergency.
4. It saves lives.
Thousands of people have been saved by quick-thinking bystanders who performed abdominal thrusts in a crisis. From restaurants to family gatherings, this skill has been used countless times to prevent tragic outcomes.
How to perform an abdominal thrust
If someone is choking and unable to breathe, follow these steps:
For adults
- Assess the situation. Ask, “Are you choking?” If they cannot speak, cough or breathe, they need immediate help.
- Position yourself. Stand slightly to the side of and behind the person. Put your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist. Place your fist just above their belly button, but below the ribcage.
- Grip your fist. Use your other hand to grasp your fist firmly.
- Perform quick, upward thrusts. Push in and up forcefully five times, aiming to dislodge the object. Continue until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious. *
For children (ages 1 and older)
The technique for children is similar to adults but with gentler force:
- Kneel behind the child if they are small or stand if they are bigger.
- Wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist and place it just above their belly button.
- Perform five gentle but firm upward thrusts. Use less force than you would for an adult.
- Continue thrusts until the object is expelled or the child becomes unconscious. *
For infants (under age 1)
Infants require a different technique because their bodies are more delicate:
- Lay the baby face down on your forearm and support their head with your hand.
- Give five firm back blows between their shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
- If the object doesn’t come out, turn the baby face-up and rest them on your forearm.
- Give five chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of their chest.
- Repeat until the object is expelled or the baby becomes unresponsive. *
For pregnant or extremely obese individuals, apply thrusts to the breastbone (sternum) instead of the abdomen.
*If the person loses consciousness, lower them to the ground, call 911 and perform CPR until emergency responders arrive.
Take the time to learn.
The best way to prepare for a choking emergency is to learn and practice abdominal thrusts. Many local organizations, including fire departments and the American Red Cross, offer first-aid training courses where you can learn this and other life-saving skills.
Be ready to save a life.
You never know when you might need to help someone who is choking. By taking just a few minutes to learn abdominal thrusts, you could save the life of a friend, family member or even a stranger.