How to Help Someone Who Is Choking

Steps to Assist a Person Who Is Choking

How to Help Someone Who Is Choking is important to know because choking can quickly become life-threatening. When a person is choking, air cannot pass through the throat, so they need immediate help to clear the blockage.

First, ask the person loudly, “Are you choking?” If they can cough, speak, or breathe, encourage them to keep coughing to try to clear the object by themselves. Do not hit their back at this stage.

Recognising Severe Choking

• Cannot speak, cough, or breathe
• Grabbing the throat with one or both hands
• Skin, lips, or nails turning blue or pale
• Becoming unconscious

If the person shows these signs, act immediately by performing the Heimlich manoeuvre (abdominal thrusts).

Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the abdomen, just above the navel but below the ribs. Grasp your fist with the other hand and give quick, upward thrusts. Repeat until the object is dislodged or the person can breathe or cough.

If the person becomes unconscious, lower them slowly to the floor. Call for emergency medical help immediately. Start basic CPR if you are trained, checking the mouth for any visible object to remove.

Remember, always call for help if choking does not quickly improve. Knowing how to help someone who is choking can save a life.