Choking — What to Do
When someone can't cough, talk, or breathe.
Adult & child (over 1 year)
If they can cough effectively, encourage coughing and watch closely. If they cannot cough effectively, talk, or breathe, give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades, then 5 abdominal thrusts just above the belly button. Keep alternating 5 and 5 until it clears. Call 911.
Baby (under 1 year)
Lay the baby face-down along your forearm and give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades. Flip face-up and give 5 chest thrusts with the heel of 1 hand. Repeat. Never do abdominal thrusts on a baby.
If they go limp
Lower them to the floor, call 911, and start CPR beginning with compressions. Follow the dispatcher. Before breaths, remove an object only if you can see it — never sweep blindly. For an infant or child, give breaths if trained and willing.
Act the moment they can’t breathe — seconds count, and back blows and thrusts really do clear it.