Where should your hands be placed to perform abdominal thrusts on a conscious adult?

Placing your hands on the middle of the abdomen, just above the navel, is the correct position for performing abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, on a conscious adult. This location is optimal because it allows for effective pressure to be applied to the diaphragm, which is crucial for expelling an obstruction from the airway.

When performed correctly, the thrusts create an increase in abdominal pressure that helps to force air from the lungs, effectively dislodging any object blocking the airway. This position is the most comfortable and effective for the person administering the thrusts and maximizes the chance of successful removal of the obstruction.

Other placements may not provide the same level of effectiveness—placing hands on the chest, lower abdomen, or even up by the rib cage may not generate the needed force or may be uncomfortable for the choking person. Therefore, ensuring the hands are above the navel and in the middle of the abdomen is fundamental in a high-pressure situation like choking.