Choking Guide

Choking — Heimlich Maneuver

Emergency technique to dislodge an object blocking someone's airway.

Act Fast — Airway Blockage is Life-Threatening

If the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe, begin the Heimlich maneuver immediately. Call 911/112 if the object cannot be dislodged quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Assess the Situation

Ask "Are you choking?" If they can cough forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing. If they cannot cough, speak, or breathe — act immediately.

2

Give 5 Back Blows

Stand behind the person and slightly to one side. Support their chest with one hand and lean them forward. Give 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

3

Perform 5 Abdominal Thrusts

Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Place your fist just above the navel, cover it with your other hand, and pull sharply inward and upward 5 times.

4

Alternate Back Blows and Thrusts

Continue alternating between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person loses consciousness.

5

If Person Becomes Unconscious

Lower them to the ground gently. Call emergency services, begin CPR with 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths. Check the mouth for visible objects before each breath.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • Encourage coughing if the person can do so
  • Use back blows and abdominal thrusts alternately
  • Call emergency services if object won't dislodge
  • For pregnant or obese individuals, use chest thrusts instead

Don'ts

  • Don't perform abdominal thrusts on infants — use back blows and chest thrusts
  • Don't blindly sweep the mouth with your fingers
  • Don't give water while the person is still choking
  • Don't slap the person on the back while they're upright (lean them forward first)

Aftercare

After the object is dislodged, see a doctor if abdominal thrusts were performed — internal injuries are possible.
Monitor the person for difficulty breathing or persistent coughing after the episode.
Cut food into small pieces and chew thoroughly to prevent future incidents.