If you are alone and suddenly start to choke or suffocate because an object or piece of food is completely blocking your airway, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself to dislodge the obstruction.
Step 1: Call Emergency Services Immediately
If you can still make noise or press buttons, dial emergency services right away on speakerphone. Even if you cannot speak, leave the line open so emergency responders can trace your location.
Step 2: Perform the Self-Heimlich Maneuver
Method A: Using Your Hands
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Form a Fist: Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against your abdomen, just above your navel (belly button) and well below your rib cage and breastbone.
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Grasp Your Fist: Grasp that fist firmly with your other hand.
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Thrust Inward and Upward: Press your fist into your abdomen with a quick, hard, upward thrusting motion. Repeat forcefully until the object is expelled.
Method B: Using a Chair or Countertop (Most Effective)
If manual thrusts do not dislodge the object, use a sturdy, fixed object for extra leverage:
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Find a Hard Surface: Position yourself behind a sturdy chair back, the edge of a table, or a kitchen countertop.
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Lean Over the Edge: Position the firm edge against your upper abdomen (just above your navel and below your ribs).
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Drive Upward: Bend over the edge and thrust your body forcefully downward and inward against the back of the chair or counter. This sudden burst of air forced up from your lungs acts like an artificial cough to pop the obstruction out of your trachea.
Key Points to Remember
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Do Not Panic: Panic increases your oxygen demand. Focus entirely on delivering quick, strong thrusts to your abdomen.
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Keep Thrusting: Continue repeating the abdominal thrusts until the object pops free or help arrives.
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Get Medical Evaluation After: Once the object is dislodged and you can breathe again, seek immediate medical attention—even if you feel fine—to ensure your airway is clear and that no internal bruising or injury occurred from the thrusts.
