CPR vs Heimlich Maneuver: When to Use Each Technique

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is CPR and how does it work?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when someone’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. Its purpose is to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives or the heart restarts. CPR combines chest compressions with rescue breaths to manually pump the heart and provide oxygen.

In practice, if you see someone collapse and they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, you should first call 911 or have someone else do it. Then begin CPR by placing the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (on the sternum), placing your other hand on top, and pushing down hard and fast—about 2 inches deep—at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, tilt the person’s head back slightly, lift their chin, pinch their nose shut, and give 2 slow rescue breaths by breathing into their mouth, watching for the chest to rise. Repeat these cycles until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

For example, if a person collapses at a grocery store, you could start chest compressions immediately after checking responsiveness and breathing, helping maintain circulation and oxygen delivery to prevent brain damage.

What is the Heimlich maneuver and how does it work?

The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid technique used to help someone who is choking on a food item or other object blocking their airway. Choking occurs when the airway is partially or fully obstructed, preventing normal breathing. Signs include inability to speak or cough, clutching the throat, or turning blue around the lips.

To perform the Heimlich, stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side just above the person’s navel but below the ribcage. Grasp your fist with the other hand and give quick, forceful upward and inward thrusts. These thrusts increase pressure inside the abdomen, pushing the diaphragm upward to expel the blockage from the windpipe.

For instance, if a parent sees their child choking on a piece of hot dog and unable to breathe or speak, they can perform abdominal thrusts to try to clear the airway. If the person becomes unconscious, lower them to the ground and call 911 immediately. Then start CPR, checking the mouth for the object between compressions.

Why do these techniques matter for everyone?

Cardiac arrest and choking are emergencies that can happen to anyone, anywhere—from home to public places. Knowing when and how to use CPR or the Heimlich maneuver equips you to act quickly and confidently to save a life while waiting for emergency responders. Immediate action can prevent brain injury, death, or severe complications.

Even if you are not a healthcare professional, learning these skills can help family members, coworkers, or strangers. For example, at a family dinner, a relative might choke on food; performing the Heimlich could prevent a tragedy. Or if a neighbor collapses during exercise, CPR can keep their brain oxygenated until an ambulance arrives.

Preparedness also reduces panic and hesitation. Being trained in these techniques builds confidence, making it more likely you will intervene effectively during a crisis rather than freeze or wait passively.

What are common terms people confuse with CPR or Heimlich?

Many confuse CPR with chest compressions only, or assume CPR always requires mouth-to-mouth breathing. In reality, hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breaths) is recommended for untrained bystanders to simplify the process and reduce hesitation. However, trained individuals should use both compressions and breaths when possible.

The Heimlich maneuver is sometimes mixed up with back blows, which involve striking the back between the shoulder blades to dislodge an airway obstruction. Back blows are generally recommended for infants or young children before abdominal thrusts are attempted. For adults or older children, abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) are the primary method.

Another common confusion is between CPR and using an AED (automated external defibrillator). An AED is a device that analyzes heart rhythm and can deliver electric shocks to restore normal heartbeat, used alongside CPR but not a replacement.

Understanding these differences helps you choose the correct response in an emergency, increasing the chance of a positive outcome.

How do you decide when to use CPR versus the Heimlich maneuver?

The decision depends on the person’s condition:

• Use the Heimlich maneuver if the person is choking, which means they cannot breathe, cough, or speak and may be clutching their throat.
• Use CPR if the person is unresponsive, not breathing, or has no pulse.

If someone is choking but can cough forcefully or speak, encourage them to keep coughing to try to clear the obstruction naturally. Do not perform the Heimlich immediately in this case. If they worsen and can’t breathe, use abdominal thrusts.

If a choking person becomes unconscious, call 911 and begin CPR immediately. After each set of compressions, open the mouth to check if the object can be removed safely.

In all emergencies, calling 911 or emergency services early is essential to get professional help quickly.

What are the steps to perform CPR safely and effectively?

Performing CPR correctly requires a clear step-by-step approach:

1. Check responsiveness: Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?”
2. Call for help: If no response and no normal breathing, call 911 or ask someone else to call.
3. Position the person: Lay them flat on their back on a firm surface.
4. Begin chest compressions: Place hands on the center of the chest and compress hard and fast, 2 inches deep at 100-120 compressions per minute.
5. Give rescue breaths: After 30 compressions, tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and give 2 breaths watching for chest rise.
6. Repeat cycles: Continue 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths until help arrives or the person starts breathing.

If you are untrained or uncomfortable giving breaths, perform hands-only CPR (compressions only) continuously.

Avoid common mistakes like interrupting compressions for too long, pushing too shallow or too hard, or not calling emergency services promptly. For detailed tips, see Common CPR Mistakes to Avoid.

What are the detailed steps for performing the Heimlich maneuver?

When performing the Heimlich maneuver on a conscious adult or child over one year old:

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
2. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the middle of the abdomen, above the navel and below the ribcage.
3. Grasp the fist with your other hand.
4. Give quick, upward and inward thrusts to force air from the lungs, aiming to expel the blockage.
5. Repeat thrusts until the object is expelled or the person loses consciousness.

If the person becomes unconscious, gently lower them to the floor, call 911, and begin CPR. Check the mouth for the object before giving breaths.

For infants under one year, do not use the Heimlich maneuver. Instead, alternate 5 back blows with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades and 5 chest thrusts using two fingers on the breastbone.

How can you prepare yourself to respond confidently in emergencies?

Taking a certified first aid and CPR course from reputable organizations like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association is the best way to learn and practice these skills. Such courses provide hands-on training, teach you how to recognize emergencies, and update you on the latest guidelines.

Keep emergency numbers programmed in your phone and have a plan for emergencies at home, school, or work. Consider familiarizing yourself with AED operation and placement in your community.

Regularly review and practice these skills. Many people forget details over time, so renewing certification every two years helps maintain readiness.

Having a first aid kit and knowing how to use it also enhances your ability to act quickly and safely.

Frequently asked questions

Can CPR be performed on someone who is breathing but unconscious?

If the person is unconscious but still breathing normally, place them in the recovery position to keep the airway open and call 911. CPR is only for those who are unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally.

Is it possible to harm someone by performing the Heimlich maneuver incorrectly?

While rare, incorrect abdominal thrusts can cause bruising or injury. However, the risk of harm is outweighed by the need to clear a blocked airway, which is life-threatening.

What should you do if you are alone and need to perform the Heimlich on yourself?

You can try to perform abdominal thrusts on yourself by pressing your abdomen forcefully against a hard surface like the back of a chair or countertop to create upward pressure and expel the blockage.

Are rescue breaths always necessary during CPR?

Rescue breaths are recommended when possible, especially for children and drowning victims. However, hands-only CPR (compressions only) is effective and advised for untrained bystanders or adult victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

How do emergency responders use CPR and the Heimlich maneuver together?

If a choking victim becomes unconscious, emergency responders start CPR to maintain circulation and oxygenation, periodically checking the airway to remove the obstruction. Once the airway is cleared, they continue CPR as needed.