When should you not perform the Heimlich maneuver?

The appropriate time to refrain from performing the Heimlich maneuver is when the victim is able to cough or talk. When someone is coughing or speaking, it indicates that their airway is not completely obstructed, and they are still able to breathe. Coughing is a natural reflex that can often dislodge the object causing the obstruction without requiring any intervention. Encouraging the person to continue coughing can help clear their airway.

In contrast, if the victim cannot cough or breathes in a strained manner, that would suggest a more serious blockage requiring immediate action, such as the Heimlich maneuver. The maneuver may also be necessary if the victim is unconscious, as they would not be able to expel the obstruction themselves. Similarly, pediatric considerations come into play for children under the age of 5, where specific techniques are recommended. Lastly, a history of choking does not influence the immediate action needed in the moment of a choking incident; rather, the current condition of the airway is what should guide intervention decisions.