Choking • Core • 6 min
Choking Response
When someone can’t breathe or speak, quick action helps. Learn the back-blow and thrust rhythm.
What you’ll learn
Help a choking adult or child clear their airway.
Steps
- Confirm and call — Ask “Are you choking?” If they can’t breathe, cough, or speak, get help coming.
- Five back blows — Lean them forward and give five firm blows between the shoulder blades.
- Five abdominal thrusts — Then give five inward-and-upward thrusts above the navel. Alternate until it clears.
- If they collapse — If they go limp or stop responding, lower them to the floor, call 911 if it hasn’t been done, and start CPR.
Badge: Airway Helper