Choking

Act now but stay calm. Most choking is resolved in seconds when you do this correctly. Your hands are exactly what's needed.

For children:

Step 2 — 5 firm back blows: Infants under 1 year: lay face-down on your forearm, head below body. Give 5 back blows with 2 fingers only. Never use abdominal thrusts on infants.
Step 3 — 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich): For pregnant women or very obese individuals, use chest thrusts instead — hands on the centre of the chest.

Steps

1
Can they cough? Let them.
Ask clearly: 'Are you choking?' If they can cough forcefully, speak, or make sound — let them keep coughing. A strong cough is the body's most powerful way to clear an airway.
Important: If they CANNOT speak, cough effectively, or breathe — or are turning blue — act immediately. Every second matters.
2
5 firm back blows
Stand to their side and slightly behind. Lean them forward. Use the heel of your hand to deliver 5 firm blows between the shoulder blades.
3
5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich)
Stand behind them. Make a fist just above the navel. Grab fist with your other hand. Give 5 sharp inward-and-upward thrusts.
4
Alternate until the airway clears
Keep alternating: 5 back blows then 5 thrusts. Check the mouth between cycles. Remove a visible object only if you can clearly see it — no blind finger sweeps.
5
If unconscious — 911 and CPR
Lower them carefully to the floor. Call 911 immediately. Begin CPR. Before every rescue breath, look into the mouth and remove any visible object.
Important: Always see a doctor after any choking episode, even if resolved. Internal injury is common and needs assessment.

Kit

Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.