🚨 Signs of Severe Choking
- Can't speak, cry, or make noise
- Can't breathe or breathing is very noisy
- Can't cough effectively
- Clutching at throat
- Face turning red then blue
- Losing consciousness
If they can cough forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing — don't intervene yet.
🧑 Adults & Children Over 1 Year
- Give 5 back blows: Lean them forward, support chest with one hand, give 5 sharp blows between shoulder blades with heel of hand
- Check mouth: If object visible and loose, remove it (don't poke blindly)
- Give 5 abdominal thrusts: Stand behind them, place fist above belly button, pull sharply inwards and upwards
- Repeat: Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts
- Call 999 if object doesn't clear after 3 cycles, or if they become unconscious
Object Won't Clear? Call 999
If they become unconscious, lower them to the ground and start CPR. Call 999 immediately.
📞 Call 999👶 Babies Under 1 Year — Different Technique
- 5 back blows: Lay baby face-down along your forearm, supporting head. Give 5 firm back blows between shoulder blades
- Turn baby over: Support head, turn face-up on your forearm
- 5 chest thrusts: Use two-thumb encircling technique — place both thumbs on centre of chest, fingers around baby's back. Push down firmly 5 times (NOT abdominal thrusts)
- Repeat: Alternate until object clears or baby becomes unconscious
- Call 999 if not clearing
Never use abdominal thrusts on babies — use chest thrusts instead.
⚠️ If They Become Unconscious
- Lower them gently to the ground
- Call 999 (or get someone else to)
- Start CPR — the chest compressions may help dislodge the object
- Check mouth between compression cycles
- Continue until help arrives
😤 Mild Choking — Can Still Cough
- Encourage them to keep coughing — it's the best way to clear the blockage
- Stay with them and monitor
- Don't pat them on the back while they're coughing effectively
- If coughing becomes weak or they can't breathe, begin back blows
✅ After the Object Clears
- They should see a doctor if abdominal thrusts were used (risk of internal injury)
- Watch for persistent coughing, difficulty swallowing, or feeling like something is still stuck
- Babies and young children should always be checked by a doctor after choking
