Are back blows still recommended for choking?

Yes, back blows are still a key component of the recommended first-aid protocol for treating severe choking in conscious adults and children. Guidelines from major health organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend a sequence that combines back blows and abdominal thrusts.

Do you still do back blows for choking?

A series of back blows and under-the-diaphragm abdominal thrusts are advised for adults and children over age one year who are choking on a piece of food or a foreign object and are conscious. Choking is when a person can't speak, cough, or breathe because something is blocking (obstructing) the airway.

Are back blows better than Heimlich?

Most studies have found airway pressures generated by back blows to be higher than those produced by chest or abdominal thrusts. However, chest and abdominal thrusts produce their effects over a more sustained time period.

Why is Heimlich maneuver not called that anymore?

It's not called the "Heimlich maneuver" anymore because medical organizations like the American Red Cross and American Heart Association updated their guidelines in 2006 to use the more descriptive term "abdominal thrusts," recommending a "five-and-five" approach (five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts) and removing the name at Dr. Heimlich's request due to disagreements over the technique, with the name change promoting the broader technique over just his method.
 

What is the new choking technique?

New guidance on choking in conscious children and adults recommends alternating five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts, until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.

Children First Aid: Choking Baby | First Aid | British Red Cross

When did choking guidelines change?

In October 2025, the American Heart Association (AHA), in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), released its first major CPR and emergency care update since 2020. One of the most significant changes focuses on how to respond when an infant or child is choking.

Is the Heimlich maneuver still recommended?

Yes, the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) is still recommended for conscious adults and children who are choking and unable to breathe, speak, or cough, often in conjunction with back blows, though guidelines vary slightly by organization, with some (like Australia's) favoring back blows and chest thrusts due to potential complications from abdominal thrusts, while others teach both methods. The key is recognizing a true choking emergency where the person can't help themselves, and performing the maneuver (or recommended alternative) confidently. 

Why is Heimlich controversial?

2) Dr Heimlich produced controversial reports about the use of back blows being dangerous, some dicredited as lacking scientific evidence. Given the increasingly controversial nature of Dr Heimlich and some of his research the American Red Cross decided to rename the heimlich manoeuvre an abdominal thrust.

What is the 5 by 5 rule for choking?

Strike five separate times between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Give five abdominal thrusts. If back blows don't remove the stuck object, give five abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver. Alternate between five blows and five thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.

How did people stop choking before Heimlich?

Yet, one of the recommendations, before the Heimlich maneuver came along, for saving choking victims was to slit open the trachea in the neck with a knife.

When to switch from back blows to Heimlich?

Step 4: Alternate back blows and Heimlich maneuver if choking continues. If the person still can't breathe, talk, or cough, continue giving 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts until you clear the blockage or help arrives.

How many back blows should you give when choking?

If coughing fails to work, you need to give five sharp back blows. To do this, help them to lean forwards, supporting their upper body with one hand. With the heel of your other hand, give them five sharp back blows between their shoulder blades. After each back blow, check to see if there's anything in their mouth.

What to do if you're choking alone?

If you're choking alone, stay calm, call 911 (even if you can't speak), and immediately perform the self-Heimlich maneuver by thrusting your fist inward and upward in your abdomen or by thrusting your upper abdomen forcefully against a firm object like a chair or countertop until the blockage clears. Avoid reaching into your throat as it can push the object further in.
 

Why did the Heimlich name change?

The Heimlich maneuver was renamed "abdominal thrusts" and its use downgraded by the American Heart Association and American Red Cross around 2006 to clarify the proper technique and incorporate back blows, as some believed the maneuver alone was insufficient or could be misused, especially for conditions like drowning. The change reflects a shift to a "five-and-five" approach (five back blows, then five abdominal thrusts) and reflects concerns about its effectiveness and safety for all situations, plus controversies surrounding Dr. Heimlich's other unproven medical claims. 

What is the new method of CPR?

The newest development in the CPR guideline is a change in the basic life support sequence of steps from "A-B-C" (Airway, Breathing, Chest compressions) to "C-A-B" (Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing) for adults. Also, "Hands-Only (compression only) CPR" is emphasized for the untrained lay rescuer.

Should I call 911 while doing Heimlich?

Ask someone to call 911 before you perform the Heimlich maneuver. That person should also be the one to inform 911 of the progress of the Heimlich. This also helps ensure a rescue team is on the way if the Heimlich doesn't remove the obstruction.

Why don't we call it Heimlich maneuver anymore?

It's not called the "Heimlich maneuver" anymore because medical organizations like the American Red Cross and American Heart Association updated their guidelines in 2006 to use the more descriptive term "abdominal thrusts," recommending a "five-and-five" approach (five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts) and removing the name at Dr. Heimlich's request due to disagreements over the technique, with the name change promoting the broader technique over just his method.
 

What not to do when someone is choking?

What NOT To Do For Choking First Aid

1. Don't ask them if they're ok – if they're struggling to breathe, they are not ok. ...
2. Don't attempt to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre (i.e. a big thrust to the abdominal area) as it can break ribs and damage internal organs.

Is infant CPR 15 to 2 or 30 to 2?

Repeat rescue breathing and chest compressions until the infant recovers or help arrives. Infants and children undergoing CPR should receive two breaths after every 30 chest compressions if there is a single rescuer. If there are two rescuers, the child should receive the two breaths after every 15 chest compressions.

Why did the Heimlich family sue?

The Heimlich family sued due to an intense, long-standing feud, primarily driven by Dr. Henry Heimlich's son, Peter, who alleged his father's promotion of discredited medical practices, like using the maneuver for drowning and malariotherapy for cancer, was fraudulent and dangerous, leading Peter to sue parties, including news outlets and foundations, for defamation after they reported on these controversies or his father's actions, with the family rift exposing deep disagreements over the maneuver's application and his father's broader medical claims. 

Can you break ribs during Heimlich?

Yes, the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) can break ribs, as well as cause other internal injuries, because it uses significant force to compress the diaphragm; however, it's still recommended in life-threatening choking situations because saving a life takes precedence over potential injury. Applying excessive force is a risk, but proper technique aims for enough pressure to lift the person's heels off the ground, not to cause harm, with injuries like rib fractures being a known complication, especially in older adults or those with weakened bones.
 

What is the new word for the Heimlich maneuver?

The Heimlich maneuver is still widely known and used but is officially called abdominal thrusts, with modern protocols often recommending a sequence of back blows followed by abdominal thrusts (the "5 and 5" approach) for choking emergencies, alternating between the two until the obstruction is cleared, notes Penn State University and Wikipedia. Organizations like the American Red Cross and Mayo Clinic teach this combined method, though the term "Heimlich maneuver" remains common in public use.
 

What is better than Heimlich?

The LifeVac® device generated significantly lower intracavitary pressure differentials compared to the Heimlich maneuver (p < 0.000).

Why is the Heimlich maneuver not recommended in Australia?

The Heimlich Manoeuvre has never been used as a standard practice in Australia. Despite the claims of its inventor, Dr Heimlich, Australian resuscitation experts believe that there isn't enough scientific evidence to support its use, which they consider unproven and potentially dangerous.

What is the first thing you should do if a person is choking?

What to do if someone is choking:

1. What to do if someone is choking: ...
2. Bend them forwards and give up to 5 back blows to try and dislodge the blockage. ...
3. If they are still choking, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts: hold around the waist and pull inwards and upwards above their belly button. ...
4. If they are still choking call 999.