Chapter 10: Choking Emergencies

Adult and Child

A common sign of choking is when someone grabs their neck with one or both hands. This is known as the universal choking sign.

Ask, “Are you choking?”

If they cannot speak, breathe, or cough forcefully:

• Stand behind them.
• Place a fist just above the belly button.
• Grasp your fist with your other hand.
• Give quick, upward abdominal thrusts.

Continue until the object comes out or they can breathe.

If the person becomes unconscious:

• Lower them to the ground.
• Begin CPR immediately.

For pregnant individuals or those you cannot reach around, use chest thrusts instead.

Infant Choking

If an infant cannot cry, cough, or breathe:

1. Hold the infant face down on your forearm, head lower than chest.
2. Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
3. Turn the infant face up.
4. Give 5 chest thrusts using the heel of one hand in the center of the chest.
5. Continue cycles of 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is removed or the infant becomes unresponsive.

If the infant becomes unconscious:

• Begin infant CPR immediately.