Heimlich maneuver

noun

Heim·​lich maneuver ˈhīm-lik- 

: the manual application of sudden upward pressure on the upper abdomen of a choking victim to force a foreign object from the trachea

Examples of Heimlich maneuver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What to do when a baby is choking Mass General Brigham warned that the Heimlich maneuver should not be used on infants younger than 12 months. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024

Schools will also be mandated to provide information regarding emergency procedures and lifesaving techniques, including AED use, hands-only CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. —Jim Talamonti | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Dec. 2024

But if the Bucs stumble in the next five weeks — or someone saves the Falcons with the Heimlich maneuver — this would be Exhibit A in the case against the head coach. —John Romano, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Dec. 2024

If a child swallows a battery, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also warns against trying to induce vomiting, giving any medication, drinking milk or water or trying the Heimlich maneuver. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Henry J. Heimlich born1920 American surgeon

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Heimlich maneuver

noun

Heim·​lich maneuver ˈhīm-lik- 

: a method for forcing an object out the airway of a choking person that involves standing behind the person with arms wrapped about the person's waist and applying sudden upward pressure with the fist to the area directly above the navel

Etymology

named after Henry J. Heimlich, an American surgeon born in 1920

Medical Definition

Heimlich maneuver

noun

Heim·​lich maneuver

ˈhīm-lik-

: the manual application of sudden upward pressure on the upper abdomen of a choking victim to force a foreign object from the trachea