NREMT EMS Operations 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The Heimlich maneuver is specifically designed to relieve choking by dislodging an obstructed airway. When an individual is choking, it usually results from a foreign object blocking their airway, which can prevent them from breathing. The Heimlich maneuver involves a series of abdominal thrusts aimed at creating enough pressure to expel the obstruction, allowing the person to breathe again.

This emergency technique directly addresses the life-threatening situation of choking, emphasizing the importance of a clear airway for effective breathing. Understanding the Heimlich maneuver is crucial for anyone involved in emergency medical services, as timely intervention can save a person's life. In contrast, stopping external bleeding, managing cardiac arrest, or assisting with inhalation therapy focuses on different aspects of patient care and does not address the immediate need to relieve a blocked airway.