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Choking

by Dr Howard Lee
Choking usually occurs if there is a foreign object stuck at the back of the throat, blocking the windpipe. This is often inadequately chewed food or, in the case of children, accidentally swallowed objects, such as small toys.

If you think that someone is choking, ask them to talk. Genuine choking will prevent this, and they will usually only be able to signal to you with their hands, either grasping or pointing to their throat.

They will certainly need your help.

The best way to treat a choking subject is to use a method described by Heimlich – an abdominal thrust:

  • Ask the person to cough, but don’t waste time.
  • Give up to five sharp slaps between the shoulder blades with the flat of your hand.
If choking persists:
  • Stand behind the person who is choking, place your arms around their waist, and bend them forward.
  • Clench your fist and place thumb inwards between above the person's belly button and the bottom of their breastbone.
  • Place your other hand on top, then thrust both hands inwards and upwards into the stomach with a hard movement up to five times.
  • Check their mouth. If the obstruction is still not cleared, repeat the back slaps and thrusts up to three times, checking their mouth after each step until the object which is stuck is expelled from their mouth. If the obstruction has still not cleared, DIAL 999 FOR AN AMBULANCE. Continue with your efforts until help arrives or the person becomes unconscious. Then give mouth to mouth resuscitation, as the throat may relx enough for some breaths to get through. If you cannot get air in, give chest cmpressions to try to release the obstruction quickly.
  • You can also perform this manoeuvre on yourself by placing a clenched fist above your belly button with the other hand on top, and thrusting your fist hard into your stomach.

Choking in a baby or child

  • For a baby – lay it face down along your forearm, keeping the head low, for the back slaps.
  • Turn the baby face up on your arm and remove any obvious obstruction.
  • If back slaps have failed, place two fingertips on the lower half of the baby's breastbone.
  • Give up to five thrusts into the chest.
  • Check the mouth again.
  • Repeat the entire sequence if necessary.
  • For a child – proceed as for an adult, but you may have to kneel rather than stand.

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Created: 30/10/2001  Updated: 03/10/2007

This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult your family's health provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. For the full Disclaimer, click here.
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