Choking

Click here for Choking (for Infants).

• If the victim can speak or cough forcefully and is getting sufficient air, do not interfere with attempts to cough obstruction out of the airway.
• If the victim cannot speak or is not getting sufficient air, have someone call 911 while you perform abdominal thrusts as follows:
• Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around the waist (A)
• Make a fist with one of your hands and place it just above the victim's navel and below the ribs with the thumb and forefinger side toward you
• Grab this fist with the other hand and pull it quickly back and slightly upward
• Repeat until the victim breathes or becomes unconscious

If the Victim Becomes Unconscious

• Lay the victim on his or her back
• Check for object in the mouth. Try to sweep obstruction out of the victim's throat (C). If the victim is a child, sweep only if you can see it.
• Even if you are unsuccessful, tip the head back and attempt rescue breathing.
• If rescue breathing is not working due to obstruction, sit straddling the victim's thighs and give up to 5 abdominal thrusts (pushing into the victim with the heel of the hand just above the belly button).
• Repeat sequence as needed.