Choking is a sudden, frightening emergency that can become life-threatening within seconds. Knowing exactly what to do for adults, children, and infants can prevent serious injury or death.

These essential skills are a core part of CPR and first aid certification and emergency preparedness.

How Choking Happens

Choking occurs when a foreign object blocks the airway, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs. Common causes include:

  • Food lodged in the throat
  • Small toys or objects
  • Poor chewing or eating too fast

Without quick action, oxygen deprivation can lead to loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.

Signs of Choking

A person may be choking if they:

  • Cannot speak or breathe
  • Clutch their throat
  • Make high-pitched or no sounds
  • Turn blue around the lips or face

If coughing is ineffective, immediate first aid is required.

First Aid for Choking in Adults

Step-by-Step: Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)

  1. Stand behind the person
  2. Place your fist just above the navel
  3. Grasp your fist with the other hand
  4. Deliver quick upward thrusts

Repeat until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.

Training through CPR certification builds confidence in performing these steps correctly.

Get Your CPR Certification Today

First Aid for Choking in Children (Over 1 Year)

For conscious children:

  • Use abdominal thrusts, similar to adults
  • Apply less force
  • Monitor closely for breathing improvement

If the child becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and check the mouth for visible objects between cycles.

These pediatric guidelines are included in basic life support certification programs.

First Aid for Choking in Infants (Under 1 Year)

Infants require a different approach.

Step-by-Step: Back Blows and Chest Thrusts

  1. Place the infant face-down on your forearm
  2. Deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades
  3. Turn the infant over
  4. Give 5 chest thrusts using two fingers

Repeat until the object is removed or the infant becomes unresponsive.

Infant choking response is taught in online CPR certification courses.

What to Do If the Person Becomes Unresponsive

If the choking victim collapses:

  1. Call emergency services
  2. Begin CPR immediately
  3. Check the mouth for visible objects before breaths
  4. Use an AED if cardiac arrest occurs

CPR training ensures a smooth transition from choking response to resuscitation.

What NOT to Do During a Choking Emergency

  • Do not slap the back of a standing adult
  • Do not perform blind finger sweeps
  • Do not delay calling for help
  • Do not give food or drink

Incorrect actions can worsen the blockage.

Preventing Choking Emergencies

Prevention tips include:

  • Cutting food into small pieces
  • Supervising children during meals
  • Keeping small objects out of reach
  • Encouraging slow, thorough chewing

Final Thoughts: Fast Action Saves Lives

Choking emergencies demand immediate action. Knowing the right technique for adults, children, and infants can mean the difference between life and death.

Training empowers you to act without fear—and save a life.

Get Your CPR Certification Today