First Aid for a Choking Adult or Child

If the choking is mild this should clear the obstruction and the casualty will be able to speak. remove any obvious obstruction from the mouth. DO NOT poke blindly for an obstruction at the back of the mouth as this may push the object down further.

• Encourage them to carry on coughing and don’t leave them
• If coughing is not effective, eg if it’s silent or they can’t breathe in properly, shout for help immediately

If the obstruction is not cleared:

• Lean the casualty forwards
• Give up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the palm of your hand
• Check between each blow and stop if you clear the obstruction

If the obstruction is still not cleared:

• Kneel or stand behind the casualty
• Place both your arms around their waist
• Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the belly button (below the ribs) with your thumb inwards
• Grasp this fist with the other hand
• Thrust sharply inwards and upwards
• Try this up to 5 times, checking between thrusts to see if you've cleared the obstruction - if so, stop!

If the obstruction is not cleared:

• If the treatment is not working, shout for help
• Ask someone to call 999/112 for emergency help
• Do not interrupt the cycle of back blows and abdominal thrusts whilst the casualty is still conscious

Important: If the casualty becomes unconscious, start CPR