Heimlich maneuver

American  

[hahym-lik] / ˈhaɪm lɪk /

noun

1. an emergency rescue procedure for application to someone choking on a foreign object, in which the rescuer places a fist between the victim's lower ribs or upper abdomen from behind and exerts sudden pressure in the form of thrusts of sufficient force to help eject the object from the windpipe.

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Etymology

Origin of Heimlich maneuver

An Americanism first recorded in 1970–75; named after H. J. Heimlich (1920–2016), U.S. physician, who devised it

Example Sentences

Performing abdominal thrusts or the Heimlich maneuver can force the item out of the body.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2024

In response to an X post revealing that Sen. Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican, administered the Heimlich maneuver to the Iowa Republican during their weekly lunch, Ms. Ernst thanked Mr. Paul.

From Washington Times • Nov. 30, 2023

He performed the Heimlich maneuver on the woman, twice thrusting his fists into her abdomen before whatever was choking her dislodged.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2023

She was concerned that Cardi D might eat too fast and choke, but McWilliams was prepared — she had learned a version of the Heimlich maneuver for ducks on YouTube.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2022

I thought I might have to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him, but his son smacked him on the back and he stopped gagging.

From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman