The Heimlich Maneuver® for DROWNING

"You can't get air into the lungs until you get the water out!"

VICTIM LYING ON GROUND

1. Place victim on back. Turn face to one side to allow water to drain from mouth.
2. Facing victim, kneel astride victim's hips.
3. With one of your hands on top of the other, place the heel of your bottom hand on the upper abdomen below the rib cage and above the navel.
4. Use your body weight to press into the victim's upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Repeat until water no longer flows from the mouth.
   

STANDING IN A POOL OR SHALLOW WATER

(Bouyancy of the Water Lightens Victims' Weight)

1. Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around victim's waist.
2. Make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist against the victim's upper abdomen, below the rib cage 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 water no longer flows from the mouth.

If the Victim has not recovered, proceed with CPR. The Victim should see a physician immediately after rescue.