When performing an abdominal thrust on an adult, where should you place your fist?

When performing an abdominal thrust, often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver, it is essential to position your fist correctly to maximize effectiveness while minimizing the risk of injury. The proper placement of your fist is in the middle of the belly, just above the belly button. This specific location is crucial because it allows for a forceful upward thrust that can compress the diaphragm and expel air from the lungs, which helps to dislodge an object blocking the airway.

Placing the fist in this area enables the lifeguard or first responder to generate enough pressure on the abdomen to create the necessary force for expulsion while avoiding contact with the ribcage, where forceful actions might lead to broken ribs or damage to internal organs. Hence, the positioning above the ribcage, at the base of the sternum, or in the lower abdomen would not provide the same mechanical advantage and could potentially cause harm. The key takeaway is that the effective execution of abdominal thrusts hinges on the correct fist placement, directly linked to achieving a successful dislodgement of the airway obstruction.