How to Perform Abdominal Thrusts Often referred to as the Heimlich Maneuver
Choking can happen anywhere — in a restaurant, at home, or even in a classroom. It’s quick, silent, and often terrifying. Fortunately, knowing how to perform abdominal thrusts can turn a life-threatening emergency into a life-saving moment.
At Health Solutions of America, we believe everyone should know how to respond when someone is choking. In this guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions on how to perform abdominal thrusts safely and effectively for adults, children, and even yourself.
What Are Abdominal Thrusts?
Abdominal thrusts, often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver, are a first aid technique used to help a choking person. By applying quick, upward pressure to the abdomen, the maneuver forces air from the lungs and can dislodge the object blocking the airway.
This simple, fast action has saved countless lives, which is why learning it is so important.
How to Recognize Choking
Before using abdominal thrusts, confirm that the person is actually choking and not just coughing or gagging.
Signs of choking include:
- Inability to speak or breathe
- Hands clutched to the throat (universal choking sign)
- Silent coughing or wheezing
- Panicked expression
- Skin turning blue or red in the face
👉 If the person can still cough forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing. Abdominal thrusts are only for severe airway obstructions when the person cannot breathe or speak.
How to Perform Abdominal Thrusts on an Adult or Child (Over 1 Year Old)
Follow these steps if someone over the age of one is choking:
- Ask if they are choking.
- If they nod or cannot speak, take action immediately.
- Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist and place the thumb side just above the belly button, below the ribcage.
- Grab your fist with your other hand.
- Deliver quick, upward thrusts — a motion shaped like the letter “J” (in and up).
- Continue until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.
How to Help a Choking Infant (Under 1 Year Old)
Abdominal thrusts are not safe for babies. Instead, use back blows and chest thrusts:
- Lay the infant face down on your forearm, supporting their head.
- Deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
- Turn the baby face up and give 5 chest thrusts using two fingers.
- Alternate back blows and chest thrusts until the object comes out or the infant becomes unresponsive.
How to Perform Abdominal Thrusts on Yourself
If you’re alone and choking:
- Place your fist just above your navel, grab it with your other hand, and thrust inward and upward forcefully.
- Alternatively, lean over the back of a chair or countertop and press your abdomen into it with quick, upward thrusts until the object is expelled.
What to Do If the Person Becomes Unresponsive
If the person loses consciousness:
- Lower them gently to the ground.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Begin CPR, starting with chest compressions.
- If trained, check the mouth between compressions and remove the object if visible.
If you are not trained in CPR, our online certification courses can teach you these skills — from choking response to full resuscitation.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared to Act Fast
Knowing how to perform abdominal thrusts is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to save a life. Whether it’s your child, a coworker, a partner, or even a stranger, being prepared to act when seconds count makes all the difference.
Get Trained. Get Certified. Be the Difference.
Want to feel confident in emergencies? At Health Solutions of America, we offer affordable online CPR and First Aid certification courses you can complete at your own pace. You’ll gain the knowledge to respond to choking, cardiac arrest, and more.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to enroll and become the difference when it matters most.