Heimlich Maneuver Day: Choking Care Has Changed in 2025

kelly young
3 days ago
2 min read

Every year, Heimlich Maneuver Day reminds us that choking emergencies can happen anywhere — at restaurants, backyard cookouts, family dinners, schools, sporting events, and even at home with young children.

The good news?A few simple first aid skills can save a life.

But this year, there’s an important update everyone should know.

The 2025 Choking Care Guidelines Have Changed

For years, many of us were taught to immediately begin abdominal thrusts (commonly called the Heimlich maneuver) when someone was choking.

As of the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines, the recommended first aid for a conscious choking adult or child (over 1 year old) has changed.

The NEW sequence is:

✅ 5 Back Blows

THEN✅ 5 Abdominal Thrusts

Continue alternating:➡️ 5 back blows➡️ 5 abdominal thrusts

…until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.

This update reflects growing evidence that combining back blows with abdominal thrusts may be more effective at removing airway obstructions.

How to Give Back Blows

Stand slightly behind and to the side of the person.
Support their chest with one hand.
Lean them forward slightly.
Deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

The goal is to create enough force to dislodge the object.

How to Give Abdominal Thrusts

Stand behind the person.
Place your fist just above the belly button and below the ribs.
Grasp your fist with your other hand.
Give 5 quick upward thrusts.

Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object comes out.

If the person can cough forcefully or speak, encourage them to continue coughing.

Do not interfere unless their breathing becomes severely blocked.

Signs of severe choking include:

Inability to speak
Silent coughing
Blue lips or face
Panic or clutching the throat
Trouble breathing

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately if:

The choking is severe
The object does not come out quickly
The person becomes unresponsive

If they become unresponsive, begin CPR immediately.

Infant Choking Is DIFFERENT

For infants under 1 year old:

✅ Give 5 back blows✅ Followed by 5 chest thrusts

🚫 Never perform abdominal thrusts on an infant.

Infant choking care requires different techniques because of their size and anatomy.

Why Learning CPR and First Aid Matters

Most choking emergencies happen at home and involve someone we know and love.

Knowing what to do in those first few seconds can mean the difference between life and death while waiting for EMS to arrive.

At Live & Learn CPR, we believe confidence saves lives. Our classes are hands-on, relaxed, and designed to help everyday people feel prepared in real emergencies.

Because emergencies don’t wait for perfect timing.

Ready to Learn Life-Saving Skills?

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, healthcare provider, coach, babysitter, or just someone who wants to be prepared, CPR and First Aid training can make all the difference.