From the Research
Yes, you should perform self-administered abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) if you're choking and alone. According to the most recent and highest quality study, 1, self-administered abdominal thrusts can be effective in relieving airway obstruction. To perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself, first, make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against your abdomen, just above your navel and below your ribcage. Then, grasp your fist with your other hand and press inward and upward with quick, forceful thrusts. Alternatively, you can lean forward over a firm object like the back of a chair, a countertop, or railing, and press your abdomen against it with quick upward thrusts.
Some key points to consider:
- The Heimlich maneuver is a lifesaving technique that can help relieve airway obstruction caused by foreign bodies [ 2 ].
- While the Heimlich maneuver is generally safe, there are potential complications, such as gastric rupture [ 2 ] or splenic rupture [ 3 ].
- It's essential to perform the Heimlich maneuver correctly to minimize the risk of complications [ 2 ].
- If possible, call emergency services (911) before attempting self-rescue, even if you can't speak, as the dispatcher may hear your attempts to clear the airway [ 1 ].
- If you lose consciousness, emergency medical personnel will need to assist you immediately [ 1 ].
In terms of the technique, 1 found that self-administered abdominal thrusts produced similar pressures to those performed by another person, and chair thrusts, where the subject pushed their upper abdomen against a chair back, produced higher pressures than other maneuvers. Therefore, both approaches should be included in basic life support teaching.
Overall, while there are potential risks associated with the Heimlich maneuver, the benefits of performing self-administered abdominal thrusts if you're choking and alone outweigh the risks, and it's essential to perform the technique correctly to minimize complications.