Perform it on yourself
Your first move is to call 911. Even though you can't speak, most 911 systems can trace you to your address. Leave the phone off the hook and perform one of the methods below. It requires some willpower to administer this painful technique on yourself, but your life may be at stake. You have a bit less than two minutes before you pass out.
Use your own hands
1. Make a fist with one hand, and place it thumb-first against your abdomen, just above the belly button.
2. Cover that fist with your other hand, and pull your fist inwards and upwards sharply, quickly and forcefully. Repeat several times if necessary.
Use a sharp-edged object
Use this method if Step 1 doesn't dislodge the object.
1. Locate a straight-backed chair and place it firmly against a wall or angle it in a corner.
2. If a chair isn't available, use a sharp counter top, deck railing, staircase railing, or the sharp edge of a table, stove, or piano.
3. Run into the object. Attempt to meet it at the spot just above your belly-button. Run at the object repeatedly and with as much force as you can muster until the object is dislodged.
The Heimlich maneuver is simple and effective on choking victims when used by itself. If you also know CPR, you'll have another powerful life-saving technique to use on an unconscious person. Your local hospital or city administration offices should be able to provide you with the location of CPR classes near you.
