To stop someone from choking, check air flow, give firm back blows and abdominal or chest thrusts, and call emergency help if breathing or speech stops.
When a piece of food or a small object blocks the airway, every second counts. This guide shows clear, plain-English actions you can use right away. You’ll learn how to spot a full blockage, what to do for adults, children, and babies, and how to switch to CPR if the person goes unresponsive. Keep this page handy, and take a certified class when you can.
How to Stop Someone from Choking: Quick Sequence
Use this simple sequence for a conscious adult or child (over 1 year). If you’re alone, put your phone on speaker and call emergency services as you act.
- Check if it’s a full blockage. Ask, “Are you choking?” If they can’t talk, can’t breathe, or make only squeaky/no sound, treat it as a full blockage.
- Tell them you’re helping. Stand to the side and slightly behind. Get them leaning well forward so any object can fall out.
- Give up to 5 back blows. Hit firmly between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Check the mouth after each hit.
- If still blocked, give up to 5 thrusts. Use abdominal thrusts for most adults and kids; use chest thrusts for late pregnancy or if the person’s belly shape makes abdominal thrusts hard to place.
- Alternate 5 back blows and 5 thrusts. Repeat in cycles until the object comes out or the person collapses.
- If they become unresponsive, start CPR. Call emergency services if not already called. Begin chest compressions and look in the mouth during breaths; remove only objects you can clearly see.
Choking Signs And Actions At A Glance
This table puts the early “read and react” cues side by side. It’s designed for quick scanning during the first moments.
| What You See | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Forceful cough, can answer | Partial blockage | Encourage strong coughing; watch closely. |
| Silent cough, no sound | Likely full blockage | Start back blows at once. |
| Clutching throat, panic | Airflow failing | Back blows, then thrusts. |
| Blue/grey lips or skin | Oxygen dropping fast | Continue cycles; call for help. |
| Can’t speak or breathe | Complete obstruction | Back blows + thrusts, switch fast. |
| Sudden collapse | Unresponsive | Call emergency number; start CPR. |
| Object in mouth after a blow | Dislodged item | Remove carefully; recheck breathing. |
Back Blows And Abdominal Thrusts Explained
Back Blows (Adult Or Child Over 1)
- Stand behind and to the side; support the chest with your free hand.
- Lean the person well forward.
- Deliver up to five sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- After each blow, check the mouth for a visible object. Remove it if you can see it.
Abdominal Thrusts (Most Adults And Children Over 1)
- Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around the waist.
- Make a fist and place it just above the belly button, thumb side in.
- Grasp the fist with your other hand.
- Pull inward and upward in a quick motion up to five times.
- Alternate 5 back blows and 5 thrusts until breathing returns or help takes over.
For deeper study, see the AHA airway obstruction algorithm and the NHS child choking steps. These pages align with the sequence above and show when to switch from blows to thrusts and, if needed, to CPR.
When To Use Chest Thrusts Instead Of Abdominal Thrusts
Use chest thrusts when abdominal thrusts aren’t safe or practical:
- Late pregnancy: Place your fist mid-sternum on the lower half of the breastbone and pull straight back.
- Body shape makes belly landmark unclear: Use chest thrusts to avoid ineffective or misplaced force.
- Wheelchair users or seated people: If you can’t reach the belly spot, switch to chest thrusts from behind or from the front if access is better.
Keep the force sharp and controlled. Check the mouth between thrusts. Return to back blows as needed and keep cycling.
Infant Choking (Under 1 Year)
Babies need a different hand position and body support. Stay calm and move deliberately.
How To Position The Infant
- Support the head and jaw; keep the head lower than the chest.
- Lay the baby face-down along your forearm or thigh.
Infant Back Blows
- Deliver up to five firm blows between the shoulder blades.
- Check for a visible object after each blow.
Infant Chest Thrusts
- Turn the baby face-up on your forearm or a firm surface, head still lower than body.
- Place two fingers on the center of the chest just below the nipple line.
- Press down about one-third of chest depth, up to five times.
- Alternate five back blows and five chest thrusts until the airway clears or the baby becomes unresponsive.
Switching To CPR
If the person collapses or stops responding:
- Call emergency services (speakerphone helps if you’re alone).
- Start chest compressions at once.
- Open the mouth after each set of compressions. If you see an object you can grasp, remove it. Don’t do blind finger sweeps.
- Give rescue breaths if trained and willing. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition and try again after compressions.
- Continue CPR until the person breathes, a defibrillator is ready, or professionals take over.
Helping Yourself If You’re Choking Alone
Act quickly. Call emergency services on speaker if you can, then try to clear the airway:
- Self-thrusts: Place a clenched fist above your belly button, grab it with the other hand, and drive inward and upward.
- Use a firm edge: Press your upper belly hard against a chair back or countertop with a fast inward-upward motion.
- Keep trying in cycles until the object pops free or help arrives.
After The Object Comes Out
Breathing may feel sore for a while. Some people feel shaky or cough up mucus. That’s common after forceful blows or thrusts.
- Get checked the same day if any abdominal thrusts were used, if there’s chest pain, if swallowing still hurts, or if coughing blood appears. Soft-tissue bruising or small tears can happen.
- Watch for delayed swelling: Noisy breathing, drooling, or renewed trouble swallowing needs urgent care.
- For infants and children: Seek medical review even if they seem fine shortly after the event.
Special Situations
Dentures Or Loose Dental Work
If dentures pop loose, remove them if easy to do without digging blindly. A clear airway beats perfect chewing later.
Large Person Or Tight Space
Use chest thrusts if you can’t reach the belly landmark with good control. Keep your stance wide, and brace the person forward first.
Water And Choking
If a person coughs violently after a sip or while swimming, let them cough. If breathing fades and they can’t speak, treat as a full blockage and follow the sequence above.
When To Seek Medical Care
Use this quick filter to decide next steps after the immediate danger passes.
| Scenario | Why It Matters | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal thrusts were used | Possible internal bruising | Get a medical check today. |
| Persistent chest pain | Could be rib or sternum strain | Seek urgent care. |
| Voice still hoarse or weak | Swollen airway or irritation | Call a clinician promptly. |
| Blood in spit | Mucosal tear possible | Go to urgent care. |
| Infant involved | Higher risk, small airway | Get seen even if better. |
| Object not found | May be lodged deeper | Emergency evaluation. |
| Repeat choking events | Swallowing issue or dental fit | Schedule evaluation soon. |
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Don’t do blind finger sweeps. You can push the object deeper. Remove only what you can clearly see.
- Don’t wait for help if breathing stops. Start back blows and thrusts right away; switch to CPR if they collapse.
- Don’t give drinks during a full blockage. Liquids don’t move a lodged object and can be inhaled.
- Don’t smack the back if they’re coughing well. Let a strong cough finish the job.
- Don’t stand the person upright while thrusting without a forward lean. Forward lean reduces the chance of re-aspiration.
Prevention That Actually Works
- Cut food small and chew well. Meat, hot dogs, grapes, nuts, and hard candies are common culprits.
- Seat kids during meals. Running and eating is a bad mix.
- Keep tiny objects out of reach. Buttons, coins, beads, and pen caps are classic hazards.
- Review dentures and dental work. Poor fit can loosen while eating.
- Take a class. Skills stick better with hands-on practice.
Practice Plan You Can Use Today
Two-Minute Drill
- Say the sequence out loud: “Back blows, thrusts, call, CPR.”
- Point to the belly button landmark on yourself or a training manikin.
- Mime five firm back blows with good body stance and forward lean.
- Mime five thrusts with an up-and-in pull.
Home Setup
- Post emergency numbers by the phone.
- Teach older kids how to call for help and put the phone on speaker.
- Save a first-aid course page to your bookmarks for quick sign-up.
Where This Guidance Comes From
These steps line up with major first-aid providers and public guidance. When you’re ready, book a certified class to lock in the skills and get feedback on your technique. Knowing exactly how to stop someone from choking turns panic into action, and that action can restore air in seconds.
Final Word: Keep The Sequence Handy
Back blows. Thrusts. Call. CPR if needed. Print or save this page, practice the motions, and teach someone else tonight. If you ever need it, you’ll be glad the moves are memorized.