Emergency? Call 112 now. Dispatchers will guide you through these steps on the phone.
Choking happens when food or an object blocks the airway. A mild obstruction lets the person cough, speak and breathe; a severe obstruction means they cannot speak, cough effectively or breathe, and may clutch their throat or turn blue. Severe choking is a life-threatening emergency.
If they can cough
Encourage them to keep coughing — coughing is the most effective way to clear the airway. Stay with them and do not slap their back while they are coughing well.
If they cannot cough, speak or breathe (adult or child over 1)
- Ask “Are you choking?” If they nod and can't speak, act immediately. Tell someone to call your emergency number.
- Give up to 5 back blows. Stand to the side and slightly behind. Support their chest with one hand and lean them well forward. Strike firmly between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Check after each blow.
- Give up to 5 abdominal thrusts. Stand behind them, wrap your arms around their waist, make a fist just above the navel, grasp it with your other hand and pull sharply inwards and upwards.
- Repeat cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object comes out or the person becomes unresponsive.
- If they become unresponsive, lower them carefully to the ground, call your emergency number if not already done, and start CPR. Check the mouth for a visible object before breaths; never do blind finger sweeps.
Regional difference: some organisations (for example in North America) teach abdominal thrusts first, others teach back blows first. Both approaches are accepted — the key is to act fast and alternate techniques until the airway clears.
Pregnant or larger people
If you cannot reach around the abdomen, or the person is visibly pregnant, use chest thrusts instead: place your fist in the centre of the breastbone and pull straight back.
Infants under 1 year
Never use abdominal thrusts on a baby. Lay the infant face-down along your forearm, head lower than the body, and give up to 5 back blows; then turn them face-up and give up to 5 chest thrusts with two fingers on the centre of the chest. A certified infant first-aid course is the best preparation for parents and caregivers.
After the object is out
Anyone who received abdominal thrusts should be checked by a medical professional, because thrusts can cause internal injury. Seek care if a cough, pain or difficulty swallowing persists.
Watch: Choking: first aid steps
Video hosted on YouTube by its original publisher; embedded for education.
Last reviewed October 22, 2026 against current public guidance from national resuscitation councils and Red Cross / Red Crescent first-aid manuals. General education only — not a substitute for certified training or professional medical advice. Medical disclaimer · Suggest a correction