Choking

Choking happens when an object lodges in the throat or windpipe blocking the flow of air.

In adults, a piece of food is usually to blame. Young children often choke on small objects.

Choking is life-threatening because it cuts off oxygen to the brain.

Coughing

If a choking person can cough forcefully, let the person keep coughing.

Coughing might naturally remove the stuck object.

If a person can't cough, talk, cry or laugh forcefully, give first aid to the person.

Abdominal Thrusts

• Stand behind the person.
• Make a fist with one hand above the navel.
• Grasp the fist with the other hand.
• Press into the stomach with a quick, upward thrust 5 times — as if trying to lift the person up.

If you're alone

• Grasp the fist with the other hand.
• Bend over a hard surface (countertop or chair).

Big stomach

• Put your hands at the base of the breastbone.
• Press hard into the chest with a quick thrust.

Infant

• Sit and hold the infant facedown on your forearm.
• Thump the infant gently but firmly on the middle of the back 5 times.
• If breathing hasn't started, turn the infant faceup.
• Give gentle but firm chest compressions 5 times with your fingers.