Can you do the Heimlich maneuver while sitting?

Answer 1

It is more difficult to use the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) while sitting or on a sitting person. But the same technique is used:

From behind the victim, reach around to the abdomen, placing one fist in the middle of the abdomen and the other hand forcing it inward. Press in and lift upward sharply to compress the lungs.

For a person lying down, crouch over while facing them and press inward and forward from the abdomen.

Answer 2

The Heimlich maneuver is best performed from a standing position, behind and above the person whose airway is obstructed.

To perform the manuever, put your arms around the person's waist. Clench your fist and place it just above their belly button, then put your other hand on top. Then thrust both hands backwards into their stomach with an upwards movement.

The object of the Heimlich manuever (also called abdominal thrusts) is to create an artificial cough by forcing air out of the person's lungs. This can effectively dislodge food or other items that is blocking the opening of the trachea.

It can be performed, although less effectively, from a position directly behind a seated person. It will be more difficult to exert upward pressure from this position. A similar maneuver can be done on a person lying down by pressing inward and upward from the abdominal area.

For a child, the maneuver should be done less forcefully so as not to cause damage to the sternum or ribcage. For a baby, face the infant and use one hand, placing it below the breastbone and pushing upward 5 times quickly.