Helpful hints for Heimlich how-to

The website estimates that since doctor Henry Heimlich introduced his maneuver in 1974, it has saved the lives of nearly 50,000 individuals.

Freshman Jordan Johnson, for example, became all too familiar with this procedure when he once had to perform the Heimlich on himself after he began to choke on a piece of carrot.

Because of Johnson's rigorous training in CPR, he knew the proper way to react to his emergency. The American Red Cross Association recommends that all people take CPR training classes, which include instruction on how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver correctly.

In the case of an emergency, here are some step-by-step instructions from the Heimlich Institute's website on how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.

If an adult is choking:
1. From behind, wrap your arms around the victim's waist.
2. Make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist against the victim's upper abdomen, which is below the ribcage and above the navel.
3. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into the victim's upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Do not squeeze the ribcage; confine the force of the thrust to your hands.
4. Repeat until the object is expelled.

The Heimlich should be performed only on a choking individual who is not breathing, speaking or coughing.
Go to www.Heimlichinstitute.org for more information.

Information compiled by Jennifer Breads