First Aid for Choking

Choking occurs when a person can’t breathe because a piece of food or other object becomes lodged in the throat, partially or completely blocking airflow.

Choking is life-threatening and requires immediate action. Without oxygen, permanent brain damage can occur in as little as four minutes, the American Red Cross says.

Causes

Choking can be caused by food or, in the case of young children, by small toys or household items. Some foods that are more likely to cause choking include hot dogs; nuts; chunks of meat, cheese, or peanut butter; whole grapes; hard candy; popcorn; and raw carrots.

Here's how to prevent choking:

• Chew food thoroughly.

• Eat slowly.

• Don’t drink too much alcohol; people who become intoxicated can fall asleep and choke on their vomit.

• Avoid talking and laughing while eating.

• Don’t walk or run with food or objects in your mouth.

• Keep small toys and household items away from infants and children.

Partial obstruction

If the person can speak, cough loudly, or breathe and has a normal skin color, this means air is still passing through the airway and the obstruction is partial.

In such a case, try to keep the victim calm. As long as some air is moving through the airway, encourage him or her to cough.

Don’t pat the victim’s back or interfere in any way unless the airway becomes completely blocked.

Complete obstruction

If a choking situation worsens—the victim can no longer cough, speak, or breathe—it requires immediate action.

For a conscious choking victim with complete obstruction, you should first call 911, then perform the Heimlich maneuver.

Here's how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on an adult or child older than 1 year:

• Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around the person’s waist.

• Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist just above the person’s navel, well below the breastbone.

• Grasp the fist with your other hand.

• Make quick, upward and inward thrusts with your fist.

• Continue these thrusts until the object is dislodged or emergency help arrives.

If you’re alone and are choking, clasp one hand in a fist, place your other hand over it, then repeatedly thrust upward and back.

The Heimlich maneuver can cause injury if done improperly, so it’s best to be trained to do it properly.

Anyone who has been treated with the Heimlich maneuver should be seen by a health care provider afterward.