Emergency

Choking (Adult or Child)

If someone is choking and cannot speak, cough or breathe, give firm back blows then abdominal thrusts, and call 999 if it does not clear.

When to call 999. Call 999 if the blockage does not clear after back blows and abdominal thrusts, if the person becomes unresponsive, or at any point you are worried. If they stop breathing, start CPR.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Ask "Are you choking?" If they can cough, speak or breathe, encourage them to keep coughing to clear it themselves — do not interfere.
  2. If they cannot cough, speak or breathe, lean them forwards and give up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
  3. Check the mouth between each blow and remove any obvious obstruction — but do not do a blind finger sweep.
  4. If back blows do not work, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts: stand behind them, put a fist just above the navel, grasp it with your other hand and pull sharply inwards and upwards.
  5. Repeat cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts. Call 999 if the blockage has not cleared.
  6. If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally, lower them to the floor and start CPR.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not perform abdominal thrusts on a baby under 1 year, a pregnant woman or a very large person (use chest thrusts instead), and do not do blind finger sweeps in the mouth, as these can push the object deeper.

Afterwards and while you wait

Anyone who has been given abdominal thrusts should be checked by a doctor, as thrusts can cause internal injury. Seek medical advice if the person has a persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, or a feeling that something is still stuck.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Choking (Adult or Child): frequently asked questions

Should I do abdominal thrusts straight away?

No. Start with encouraging coughing if they can, then back blows. Abdominal thrusts come only if back blows fail, and are not used on babies, pregnant women or very large people.

Do I need to see a doctor after choking clears?

If abdominal thrusts were used, yes, get checked as they can rarely cause internal injury. Also seek advice if a cough, discomfort or a stuck feeling persists.

Related

Other emergency first aid

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • Resuscitation Council UK
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance

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