Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing. This can happen with food, small toys, liquids, or other foreign objects.
Common signs include inability to speak, difficulty breathing, clutching the throat, silent coughing, wheezing, bluish lips or skin, and loss of consciousness.
If the person cannot cough or speak, call 911 and begin abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.
For children over age 1, use abdominal thrusts if they cannot breathe, cough, or speak. Be firm but careful, and call emergency services if needed.
For infants under 1 year old, use 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts. Never perform abdominal thrusts on an infant.
If the airway is only partially blocked, the person may still breathe or cough. Encourage them to keep coughing to try to clear the obstruction.
No. Giving water can make the blockage worse. Focus on clearing the airway first.
Hot dogs, grapes, popcorn, nuts, hard candy, chunks of meat, marshmallows, and peanut butter are common choking hazards.
Yes. Children often choke on small foods or toys, while adults may choke due to eating too quickly, dentures, or medical conditions affecting swallowing.
Cut food into small pieces, supervise meals, keep small objects out of reach, and teach children to chew thoroughly.
Seniors should eat slowly, sit upright, chew carefully, and discuss swallowing concerns with a healthcare provider.
The universal sign is clutching the throat with one or both hands.
If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR immediately and call 911.
Yes. Chest compressions can create pressure that may help dislodge the object in an unresponsive choking victim.
Use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts for pregnant or significantly obese individuals.
Yes. This can occur due to vomiting, saliva, or certain medical conditions. Sleeping positions and health issues may increase risk.
Call 911 if possible and perform self-abdominal thrusts using your hands or by pressing your upper abdomen against a firm object like a chair.
Not always. If the person can cough forcefully, encourage continued coughing. Severe choking usually involves silent distress and inability to speak.
Without oxygen, brain damage can occur within minutes. Immediate action is critical.
Knowing how to respond to choking emergencies can save lives and improve confidence in handling critical situations.
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”The trainers at Chicago CPR Academy Northshore were TOP NOTCH — deliberate, understandable, relatable, patient, and provided simplistic but precise tactics to use in case of emergency. I am so pleased and so much more confident in my
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