Heimlich Manoeuvre (Abdominal Thrusts)

Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Manoeuvre or Heimlich Maneuver) is a first aid procedure used to treat upper airways obstruction (choking) by foreign objects. The term Heimlich manoeuvre is named after Dr. Henry Heimlich, who first described it in 1974.  Its use in modern airway management is however controversial.

Procedure:

Performing abdominal thrusts involves a rescuer standing behind a patient and placing his fist on the bellybutton of the patient and grasping it with the other hand. The rescuer exerts pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm (similar to lifting a person from behind swiftly with a very great force). This compresses the lungs and exerts pressure on any object lodged in the trachea, hopefully expelling it.
This amounts to an artificial cough.

Con:

Due to the forceful nature of the procedure, even when done correctly, it can injure the person on whom it is performed. Bruising to the abdomen is highly likely and more serious injuries can occur, including fracture of the xiphoid process or ribs