Chapter 10: Choking—Adult and Child

When an adult or child is choking, the first thing you might notice is the universal choking sign—hands clutched to the throat. It’s a silent signal that they can’t breathe and need immediate help.

Start by asking, “Are you choking?” If they nod or can’t speak or breathe, tell them you’re trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and that you’re going to help.

Here’s what to do:

• Stand or kneel behind them.
• Make a fist and place it just above the belly button.
• Grab your fist with your other hand.
• Give quick, upward abdominal thrusts.

Keep going until the object is forced out and the person can breathe or cough again, or until they lose consciousness.

If the person is pregnant or too large for abdominal thrusts, switch to chest thrusts instead.

If they become unresponsive, begin CPR immediately. Follow the steps for adult or child CPR as outlined in your Online CPR/AED Course.