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Sutton Health & Safety
In an emergency

Choking — What to Do

When someone can't cough, talk, or breathe.

Caregiver ready to respond to a choking child
1

Adult & child (over 1 year)

Ask "Are you choking?" If they can't cough, 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.

2

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 two fingers. Repeat. Never do abdominal thrusts on a baby.

!

If they go limp

Lower them to the floor, call 911, and start CPR — push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Act the moment they can’t breathe — seconds count, and back blows and thrusts really do clear it.

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