Overview

Choking occurs when an object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking airflow. In adults, this often involves food. In children, small objects are common culprits. Choking is a life-threatening emergency that cuts off oxygen to the brain, so quick action is crucial.

Learning how to perform the Heimlich maneuver and CPR through certified first aid training can prepare you for emergencies.

When to Call Emergency Services

  • If you're alone: Give yourself first aid first, then call 911 or your local emergency number.

  • If another person is available: One person should call for help while the other provides first aid.

Signs of Choking

  • Hands clutched at the throat

  • Panic or distressed facial expression

  • Inability to speak

  • Noisy, strained, or squeaky breathing

  • Weak or forceful coughing

  • Blue or gray skin, lips, or nails

  • Loss of consciousness

First Aid by Age Group

Infants (Under 1 Year Old)

  1. Back Blows

    • Sit down and place the infant face-down along your forearm.

    • Support the head by holding the jaw, keeping it lower than the chest.

    • Deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

  2. Chest Compressions

    • If the object doesn’t come out, turn the baby face-up.

    • Use two fingers to press on the chest just below the nipple line.

    • Press about 1.5 inches deep, five times.

    • Alternate between back blows and chest compressions until breathing resumes or help arrives.

  3. If Breathing Stops but the Airway Clears

    • Begin infant CPR.

Children and Adults

Choking First Aid – Top 16 Do's & Don'ts | St John Vic

  1. Encourage Coughing

    • If the person can cough forcefully, let them continue. It may expel the object naturally.

  2. If They Can’t Breathe, Speak, or Cough

    • Start first aid immediately.

  3. Give 5 Back Blows

    • Stand slightly behind and to the side of the person.

    • Support their chest and lean them forward.

    • Use the heel of your hand to deliver 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades.

  4. Give 5 Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)

    • Stand behind them (kneel for a child), wrap your arms around the waist.

    • Make a fist and place it just above the navel.

    • Grab your fist with your other hand and give 5 quick, upward thrusts.

  5. Repeat

    • Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled.

If the Person Becomes Unconscious

  1. Lay Them Down

    • Place the person on their back on a firm surface.

  2. Check the Airway

    • Open their mouth and look. If you see the object, gently remove it. Do not do a blind finger sweep.

  3. Start CPR

    • Begin chest compressions.

    • After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.

    • Recheck the mouth frequently for the object.

Special Cases

Pregnant or Obese Individuals

  • Use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts:

    • Place your hands at the center of the chest (base of the breastbone).

    • Push hard and fast with quick upward thrusts.

If You're Choking Alone

  1. Call 911

    • Do this immediately, even if you can’t speak—emergency services may still be able to trace your location.

  2. Perform Self-Heimlich Maneuver

    • Make a fist and place it slightly above your navel.

    • Grasp the fist with your other hand.

    • Lean over a hard surface like a chair or countertop.

    • Thrust your fist inward and upward to force the object out.