Monte Huffstetler, age 13, of Kings Mountain, N.C., for his question:

WHAT IS HEIMLICH MANEUVER?

Heimlich maneuver is a first aid procedure that is used on a person who is choking and cannot breathe or speak. If the object is not removed within four to six minutes, the person choking will die.

The Heimlich maneuver is performed by standing behind the victim and placing your arms around his waist. Then make a fist and place it so that the thumb is against the victim's abdomen, slightly above the navel and below the ribcage.

Grasp your fist with your other hand and then press your fist into the victim's abdomen with a quick upward thrust. This action forces air out of the victim's lungs and blows the object from the windpipe. Apply the maneuver carefully so that ribs are not broken.

As many as possible are urged to learn to perform the Heimlich maneuver by attending authorized first aid courses.