Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Practice 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Master Your CPR Skills!

The Heimlich maneuver is specifically designed to assist someone who is choking due to a foreign object blocking their airway, preventing them from breathing effectively. This technique involves abdominal thrusts that create pressure in the abdomen, enabling a forceful expulsion of air that can dislodge the obstruction. It is an essential lifesaving skill, as airway obstruction can lead to severe complications or death within moments if not addressed promptly.

In situations where a person has fainted, is experiencing heartburn, or is having a seizure, the Heimlich maneuver is not appropriate. Fainting typically requires different supportive care, while heartburn may need antacids or other treatments rather than a physical intervention like the Heimlich. Additionally, seizures need to be managed according to specific protocols that prioritize safety and comfort, not the Heimlich maneuver. Therefore, the Heimlich maneuver is clearly indicated only in cases of choking where the person cannot breathe.