How is the Heimlich maneuver performed?
The victim raised to his feet. The first–abider stands behind him and places both arms about the victim’s waist at a level just below the rib cage. The right fist is placed high up in the abdomen, just below the breastbone. The right fist is firmly grasped with the left hand. The victim is held tightly. With a sudden inward and upward thrust, the grip on the victim is tightened as forcefully as possible. This will cause a sudden, tremendous increase of pressure within the victim’s chest cavity and will force air–along with the foreign body or food–out of the windpipe. If the first thrust fails to clear the windpipe, repeat the maneuver. Remember the thrust must be a quick & instantaneousness. Release your grip once the thrust has been carried out.

Does the Heimlich maneuver work?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases.

Is a tracheotomy ever indicated if all other methods fail to relieve the choking?
Yes, but it should not be done by an inexperienced layman. If a physician is available, or an experienced paramedic is the only one available, it may be performed on a victim who is obviously choking to death.

How can one tell if a victim is choking to death?
If he is unable to breathe at all, has turned blue, and his heart action becomes irregular, he will probably die within a few minutes.

What is done when the patient can breathe but has not expelled the obstructing food or other object?
He should be transported as soon as possible, is a semi–sitting position, to the nearest doctor or hospital.