What Is Choking?

Choking occurs when a foreign body (food, an object) blocks the airway and prevents breathing. It can become life-threatening within minutes if not addressed immediately.

How to Recognize Choking

Key signs include:

The victim clutches their throat with their hands (the universal choking sign)
Inability to speak, cough, or breathe
Blue color on lips or face (cyanosis)
Silent attempts to breathe

Mild Choking (Partial Obstruction)

If the victim can cough or speak:

Encourage them to cough forcefully
Do not slap the back if they are coughing effectively
Stay by their side and monitor

Severe Choking (Complete Obstruction)

If the victim cannot cough, speak, or breathe:

Step 1: Back Blows

Lean the victim forward. Deliver 5 firm blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your palm.

Step 2: Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts)

If back blows don't help:

Stand behind the victim
Place your fist above the navel
Grasp your fist with your other hand
Perform 5 quick thrusts upward and inward

Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or help arrives.

Choking in Infants (Under 1 Year)

The technique is significantly different:

Hold the infant face-down on your forearm, supporting the head
Deliver 5 back blows between the shoulder blades
Turn the infant face-up and perform 5 chest thrusts with two fingers on the sternum
Do not perform abdominal thrusts on infants

When to Call 112

If the victim loses consciousness, call 112 immediately and begin CPR. Even if the object is expelled, it is important to be examined by a doctor as abdominal thrusts can cause internal injury.

Training Saves Lives

Hands-on practice with mannequins is the only way to properly learn these techniques. Pulse Guard teaches choking response in all first aid training programs.

Choking: Heimlich Maneuver Guide | PulseGuard