Choking

Choking occurs when any foreign object (often food, but any small object) becomes lodged in the upper airway (throat) and obstructs the flow of air to the lungs. It can be extremely distressing and if not cleared quickly can result in unconsciousness.

Signs & Symptoms

A person who is choking will usually have their hands in front of their throat and will be unable to speak. If choking is mild the person will still be able to speak or cough. If choking is severe there may be a weak cough but the person will have difficulty breathing.

Treatment - Adult and child

For adults and children over one year old:

Encourage the casualty to cough to clear the blockage.
If the cough is ineffective and the blockage remains call 999/112 and ask for an ambulance. Put your phone in speakerphone if you are on your own.
Give up to 5 back blows – lean the casualty forward and support them. Apply enough force with your hand, between the shoulder blades, to clear the blockage.
If the obstruction is still not cleared, perform 5 abdominal thrusts. Stand behind the person, make a fist with your hand and place it above the belly button. Grasp your fist with your other hand and thrust upwards and inwards sharply.
If the obstruction still does not clear, repeat back blows and abdominal thrusts. Ensure professional emergency help is on the way.
If the casualty becomes unconscious, commence CPR.

Infant choking

The treatment for a baby or child under one year old follows the same principals as for an adult or older child but – importantly – abdominal thrusts are replaced with chest thrusts.

Do not perform abdominal thrusts on a child or baby under 12 months old.

Treatment

Can the baby cough or cry? If the baby is coughing, they may be able to dislodge the obstruction themselves.
If there is no coughing, or it is clearly not effective, shout for someone to call 999/112 or dial yourself and use speakerphone.
Sit or kneel down and lay the baby face down over your forearm, head downwards and lower than the feet. Support the head and rest your forearm on your leg.
Give up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades.
If the obstruction does not clear, turn the baby over and lay them on your knees.
Using the encircling technique with one thumb on top of the other, as in infant CPR and give 5 chest thrusts. DO NOT use abdominal thrusts.
Keep repeating these steps.
If the child becomes unconscious, commence CPR.