The Heimlich Maneuver is perhaps the most well known technique in CPR. The maneuver is also referred to as an abdominal thrust. The maneuver should be performed only on a conscious person who is choking. If the person is unconscious, perform CPR.

Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around his or her waist.

Place the side of your thumb just above the person’s bellybutton and make a fist.

Wrap your other hand around your fist and press sharply into the victim’s abdomen.

Thrust upward and inward. This will force air from the lungs as if the person were coughing. This often helps dislodge an object.

Continue thrusts until the object is dislodges and coughed up. If the object isn’t dislodged, the person will pass out.

If the person becomes unconscious, begin CPR.

We also offer a free certificate of completion. To receive the certificate you must pass a 50-question test with a score of 70 or higher. Check our Basic First Aid Certificate of Completion page for more information.