Overview of Swallowed Objects

Swallowing a foreign object is a common accident, especially in children. Most swallowed objects pass through the digestive system without causing harm. However, some can get stuck in the esophagus—the tube connecting your throat to your stomach—or block the airway, which can lead to choking and requires immediate first aid.

Knowing how to respond quickly and safely can make a life-saving difference. It's important to be trained in the Heimlich maneuver and CPR to handle such emergencies effectively.

When To Seek Emergency Help

If someone is choking on a swallowed object:

  • If you're alone, give back blows and abdominal thrusts first, then call 911 or your local emergency number.

  • If someone else is present, have them call for help while you administer first aid.

If you are the one choking and alone:

  • Call 911 immediately if possible.

  • Then perform abdominal thrusts on yourself to try to dislodge the object.

See a healthcare provider right away if the swallowed object is:

  • Sharp or pointed (like glass or needles): Risk of tearing or puncturing the esophagus.

  • A button battery: Can burn tissue and cause life-threatening injuries within hours.

  • A magnet: Especially dangerous if more than one is swallowed—they can attract inside the intestines and cause holes or blockages.

Symptoms of an Object Stuck in the Esophagus

If a swallowed object is lodged in the esophagus, you may experience:

  • Pain in the throat, chest, or behind the breastbone.

  • Difficulty swallowing or food/liquid coming back up.

  • A feeling of something “stuck” that won’t go away.

First Aid for a Choking Person

If the Person Can Cough

Allow the person to keep coughing forcefully. This is the body’s natural way of trying to expel the object and may succeed without intervention.

If the Person Cannot Cough, Speak, or Breathe

Take immediate action using these Red Cross-recommended steps:

1. Give Five Back Blows

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

  • For children, kneel down to their level.

  • Support their chest with one arm and bend them forward.

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

2. Give Five Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)

  • Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.

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

  • Grab your fist with the other hand.

  • Perform five quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen.

3. Alternate Between the Two
Continue alternating five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.

If the Person Becomes Unconscious

  • Lower them gently to the ground, laying them flat on their back.

  • Check the mouth for visible objects. If you can see it, carefully sweep it out with your finger.
    Do not sweep blindly—you may push the object deeper into the airway.

  • Start CPR if they are not breathing:

    • Give chest compressions to help dislodge the object.

    • If the airway opens, give two rescue breaths per cycle.

    • Check the mouth frequently during CPR to see if the object becomes visible.

How To Perform Abdominal Thrusts on Someone Else

  • Stand behind the person or kneel if they’re a child.

  • Place one foot in front of the other for balance.

  • Wrap your arms around their waist.

  • Make a fist and position it just above the belly button.

  • Grab the fist with your other hand.

  • Deliver quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen.

  • Repeat until the object comes out or medical help arrives.

How To Help a Pregnant Person or Larger Adult

If you cannot get your arms around the person’s waist or they are pregnant:

  • Place your hands on their chest, specifically at the base of the breastbone.

  • Perform chest thrusts with strong, quick inward motions—similar to the Heimlich maneuver.

  • Repeat as necessary until the airway is clear.

How To Perform Abdominal Thrusts on Yourself

If you're alone and start choking:

  1. Call 911 immediately if possible.

  2. Perform abdominal thrusts on yourself:

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

    • Grasp your fist with your other hand.

    • Bend over a hard surface (like a table or chair back).

    • Push your fist inward and upward sharply to try to dislodge the object.

    • Repeat as needed until help arrives or the object is expelled.

Additional Notes

  • Some first-aid sources only teach the abdominal thrust. That’s okay—if you haven’t learned the back-blow technique, abdominal thrusts alone are still effective.

  • Always err on the side of caution: if there's pain, swallowing trouble, or suspicion of a dangerous object (like a battery or magnet), seek professional care immediately.