{"id":17629,"date":"2025-10-17T07:15:18","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T07:15:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onlinecprcertification.net\/blog\/?p=17629"},"modified":"2025-10-10T13:02:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T13:02:26","slug":"what-to-do-when-someone-is-choking-the-heimlich-maneuver-explained-for-adults-children-and-infants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onlinecprcertification.net\/blog\/what-to-do-when-someone-is-choking-the-heimlich-maneuver-explained-for-adults-children-and-infants\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do When Someone is Choking: The Heimlich Maneuver Explained for Adults, Children, and Infants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Choking can happen anytime, anywhere \u2014 during a family dinner, at a restaurant, or even when laughing mid-bite. One second, someone\u2019s enjoying a meal; the next, they\u2019re gasping for air, clutching their throat, and unable to speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>In these terrifying moments, <strong>knowing what to do \u2014 and acting quickly \u2014 can save a life<\/strong>. Every year, thousands of people die from choking-related incidents, most of which are preventable with prompt first aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where the <strong>Heimlich maneuver<\/strong> (also known as <strong>abdominal thrusts<\/strong>) comes in. This simple, effective technique, when performed correctly, can dislodge the object blocking the airway and restore normal breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about <strong>how to recognize choking and perform the Heimlich maneuver<\/strong> for <strong>adults, children, and infants<\/strong> \u2014 along with important safety precautions, aftercare, and real-life tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-choking\"><strong>What Is Choking?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Choking<\/strong> occurs when a foreign object \u2014 most often food \u2014 becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe (trachea), blocking airflow to the lungs. Without air, the brain begins to lose oxygen within <strong>seconds<\/strong>, and permanent brain damage or death can occur in <strong>under 5 minutes<\/strong> if the blockage isn\u2019t cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eating too quickly or talking while eating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swallowing large pieces of food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poorly chewed food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drinking alcohol while eating (reduces gag reflex)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small objects (especially in children)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recognizing-the-signs-of-choking\"><strong>Recognizing the Signs of Choking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step to saving a life is recognizing the emergency quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-mild-partial-airway-obstruction\"><strong>1. Mild (Partial) Airway Obstruction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the person <strong>can still talk, cough, or breathe<\/strong>, the airway is only partially blocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They may cough forcefully or make wheezing sounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage them to <strong>keep coughing<\/strong> to expel the object.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not interfere<\/strong> unless the situation worsens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-severe-complete-airway-obstruction\"><strong>2. Severe (Complete) Airway Obstruction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the person <strong>cannot speak, cough, or breathe<\/strong>, it\u2019s a life-threatening emergency.<br>Signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inability to talk or make sounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty breathing or silent coughing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clutching the throat (universal choking sign)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bluish lips or face (cyanosis)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of consciousness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When you see these signs, <strong>act immediately<\/strong> \u2014 call emergency services and perform the <strong>Heimlich maneuver<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-the-heimlich-maneuver\"><strong>Understanding the Heimlich Maneuver<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Heimlich maneuver<\/strong>, named after Dr. Henry Heimlich, is a first-aid technique designed to <strong>forcefully expel air from the lungs<\/strong>, creating enough pressure to push out the object blocking the airway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By applying <strong>upward abdominal thrusts<\/strong>, you mimic a <strong>natural cough<\/strong> \u2014 one of the body\u2019s strongest ways to clear the airway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This method can be safely and effectively performed on <strong>adults, children, and even yourself<\/strong>, with slight modifications for <strong>infants<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-by-step-how-to-perform-the-heimlich-maneuver-on-adults\"><strong>Step-by-Step: How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Adults<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When an adult is choking and <strong>cannot breathe, talk, or cough<\/strong>, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-confirm-choking\"><strong>Step 1: Confirm Choking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAre you choking?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If they <strong>nod yes<\/strong> and cannot speak, proceed immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-call-for-help\"><strong>Step 2: Call for Help<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If someone else is present, have them <strong>call emergency services (911 or local number)<\/strong>.<br>If you\u2019re alone, shout for help while you start the maneuver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-position-yourself\"><strong>Step 3: Position Yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stand <strong>behind<\/strong> the person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrap your arms around their <strong>waist<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lean them slightly <strong>forward<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-make-a-fist\"><strong>Step 4: Make a Fist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place your <strong>fist just above the navel (belly button)<\/strong> and below the breastbone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grasp your fist with your <strong>other hand<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-perform-abdominal-thrusts\"><strong>Step 5: Perform Abdominal Thrusts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deliver <strong>quick, upward thrusts<\/strong> into the abdomen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Imagine you are <strong>\u201cscooping up\u201d<\/strong> toward the chest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat thrusts <strong>until the object comes out<\/strong> or the person becomes unresponsive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the person <strong>becomes unconscious<\/strong>, gently lower them to the ground and begin <strong>CPR<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-if-you-re-alone-and-choking-self-heimlich-maneuver\"><strong>If You\u2019re Alone and Choking (Self-Heimlich Maneuver)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can save yourself if no one is around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-steps\"><strong>Steps:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make a <strong>fist<\/strong> and place it just above your navel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grasp your fist with your other hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perform <strong>quick upward thrusts<\/strong> into your abdomen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If that doesn\u2019t work, <strong>lean over a hard surface<\/strong> like a chair, countertop, or table edge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thrust your abdomen sharply against the edge to force air out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Repeat until the object is expelled or you can breathe again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-perform-the-heimlich-maneuver-on-children-ages-1-8\"><strong>How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Children (Ages 1\u20138)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Children are curious and often put things in their mouths, making choking a common hazard. Food like grapes, nuts, or hot dogs are especially dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-assess-the-situation\"><strong>Step 1: Assess the Situation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the child <strong>can cough or speak<\/strong>, encourage them to <strong>keep coughing<\/strong>.<br>If they <strong>can\u2019t breathe, speak, or are silent<\/strong>, act immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-call-for-help-0\"><strong>Step 2: Call for Help<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Call emergency services or have someone nearby do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-position-yourself-0\"><strong>Step 3: Position Yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kneel or stand <strong>behind the child<\/strong>, depending on their height.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrap your arms around their <strong>waist<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-hand-placement\"><strong>Step 4: Hand Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make a <strong>fist<\/strong> and place it just above the <strong>navel<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold your fist with the other hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-perform-abdominal-thrusts-0\"><strong>Step 5: Perform Abdominal Thrusts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deliver <strong>quick, inward and upward thrusts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat until the object is expelled or the child becomes unresponsive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the child loses consciousness, begin <strong>CPR<\/strong> immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-not-perform-the-heimlich-maneuver-on-infants-under-1-year-old\"><strong>Do NOT perform the Heimlich maneuver on infants under 1 year old.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Infants require a different approach \u2014 gentle back blows and chest thrusts \u2014 explained below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-help-a-choking-infant-under-1-year-old\"><strong>How to Help a Choking Infant (Under 1 Year Old)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choking in infants is often caused by small foods (like nuts, grapes, or bits of fruit), toys, or even milk\/formula if swallowed improperly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Infants are extremely fragile<\/strong>, so never perform abdominal thrusts as you would on adults or children. Instead, use a combination of <strong>back blows<\/strong> and <strong>chest thrusts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-check-for-responsiveness\"><strong>Step 1: Check for Responsiveness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the infant <strong>can cry or cough<\/strong>, let them try to clear the airway naturally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If silent, weak, or turning blue, act immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-call-for-help-1\"><strong>Step 2: Call for Help<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If alone, <strong>perform one round<\/strong> of back blows and chest thrusts, then call emergency services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-position-the-infant\"><strong>Step 3: Position the Infant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sit down and <strong>lay the baby face down<\/strong> along your forearm, resting on your thigh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support the <strong>head and neck<\/strong> with your hand, keeping the head lower than the chest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-give-5-firm-back-blows\"><strong>Step 4: Give 5 Firm Back Blows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use the heel of your hand to strike <strong>between the infant\u2019s shoulder blades<\/strong> five times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each blow should be firm but gentle enough not to cause injury.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-turn-the-infant-over\"><strong>Step 5: Turn the Infant Over<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carefully turn the baby <strong>face up<\/strong> while supporting the head and neck.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-6-give-5-chest-thrusts\"><strong>Step 6: Give 5 Chest Thrusts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place <strong>two fingers<\/strong> in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Press down about <strong>1.5 inches (4 cm)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give <strong>five quick thrusts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-7-alternate-back-blows-and-chest-thrusts\"><strong>Step 7: Alternate Back Blows and Chest Thrusts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue alternating <strong>5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts<\/strong> until:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The object comes out,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The infant starts breathing or crying, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional help arrives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the baby becomes unresponsive, begin <strong>infant CPR<\/strong> immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-to-stop-the-heimlich-maneuver\"><strong>When to Stop the Heimlich Maneuver<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Stop performing the maneuver when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The object is expelled and breathing returns to normal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The person starts coughing, speaking, or breathing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The person becomes unconscious \u2014 then start CPR.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Even after a successful rescue, always <strong>seek medical attention<\/strong> to ensure no internal injuries occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-performing-cpr-if-the-person-becomes-unresponsive\"><strong>Performing CPR If the Person Becomes Unresponsive<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If choking victim becomes unresponsive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-adults-amp-children\"><strong>For Adults &amp; Children:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gently lower them to the ground.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Call emergency services (if not done already).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Begin <strong>CPR<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>30 chest compressions at 100\u2013120 per minute<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open the mouth and look for the object \u2014 remove if visible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give 2 rescue breaths<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continue until help arrives or the person recovers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-infants\"><strong>For Infants:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use <strong>two fingers<\/strong> for chest compressions and <strong>gentle breaths<\/strong> covering both the mouth and nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-special-considerations\"><strong>Special Considerations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-pregnant-or-obese-victims\"><strong>1. Pregnant or Obese Victims<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not perform abdominal thrusts. Instead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use <strong>chest thrusts<\/strong> by placing your hands on the center of the chest at the base of the sternum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deliver quick inward thrusts until the object is expelled.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-wheelchair-users\"><strong>2. Wheelchair Users<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stay behind the chair and perform <strong>chest thrusts<\/strong> instead of abdominal thrusts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-multiple-rescuers\"><strong>3. Multiple Rescuers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One person should perform thrusts while another <strong>calls emergency services<\/strong> and <strong>prepares for CPR<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-mistakes-to-avoid\"><strong>Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hitting the back during severe choking:<\/strong> This can push the object deeper.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Performing Heimlich on a coughing person:<\/strong> Only intervene if they cannot breathe or cough.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Using too much force on infants or small children:<\/strong> Can cause injuries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stopping too soon:<\/strong> Continue until the airway is clear or professional help takes over.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-aftercare-what-to-do-after-the-object-is-expelled\"><strong>Aftercare: What to Do After the Object Is Expelled<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if the choking episode seems resolved:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Have the person checked by a doctor<\/strong>, especially after forceful thrusts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Look for lingering symptoms<\/strong> like sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or coughing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Infants and elderly<\/strong> should always be evaluated for airway trauma or bruising.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-preventing-choking-emergencies\"><strong>Preventing Choking Emergencies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prevention is the best first aid. Here\u2019s how you can reduce the risk of choking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-adults\"><strong>For Adults:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid talking or laughing with food in your mouth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cut tough or large foods (like meat) into small bites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid alcohol before or during meals if you have swallowing issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-children\"><strong>For Children:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always supervise meals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid giving nuts, hard candies, grapes, popcorn, or hot dogs to small children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teach children to sit while eating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-infants-0\"><strong>For Infants:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep small toys, coins, and buttons out of reach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Never leave a baby alone with food or bottles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduce solid foods gradually, in soft, small pieces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-science-behind-the-heimlich-maneuver\"><strong>The Science Behind the Heimlich Maneuver<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Heimlich works because the <strong>diaphragm<\/strong> is suddenly pushed upward during abdominal thrusts, compressing the lungs and forcing air out. This sudden airflow acts like a powerful \u201ccough,\u201d ejecting the obstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a beautiful example of <strong>simple physics saving lives<\/strong> \u2014 and it\u2019s why this method remains a cornerstone of first-aid training worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-real-life-stories-of-lives-saved\"><strong>Real-Life Stories of Lives Saved<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Restaurant Hero:<\/strong> A waiter in New York saved a customer choking on steak using quick Heimlich thrusts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parent Power:<\/strong> A mom in Texas saved her toddler after a grape lodged in her throat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Self-Saver:<\/strong> A man in California used the back of a chair to perform the Heimlich on himself \u2014 and survived.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of these stories highlights one message: <strong>Quick action and basic knowledge can make anyone a hero.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion-act-fast-stay-calm-save-a-life\"><strong>Conclusion: Act Fast, Stay Calm, Save a Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choking emergencies are terrifying but <strong>completely manageable<\/strong> if you know what to do. The Heimlich maneuver is a simple, powerful skill that can mean the difference between life and death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Recognize choking quickly.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encourage coughing if possible.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Perform the Heimlich or back blows as needed.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start CPR if the person becomes unresponsive.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Always get medical follow-up.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn it, teach it, and practice it \u2014 because the life you save could be your loved one\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-call-to-action\"><strong>Call to Action<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a certified <strong>First Aid and CPR training course<\/strong> today.<br>Encourage your family, workplace, or school to learn the Heimlich maneuver.<br>Being prepared doesn\u2019t just make you confident \u2014 it makes you a lifesaver.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Choking can happen anytime, anywhere \u2014 during a family dinner, at a restaurant, or even when laughing mid-bite. One second, someone\u2019s enjoying a meal; the next, they\u2019re gasping for air, clutching their throat, and unable to speak.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cpr"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.4 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What to Do When Someone is Choking: The Heimlich Maneuver Explained for Adults, Children, and Infants<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"CPR blog for What to Do When Someone is Choking: The Heimlich Maneuver Explained for Adults, Children, and Infants\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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