How to Treat a Conscious Choking Adult or Child

Confirm that choking is the cause of the person's distress., Deliver 5 blows on the back with the heel of your hand., Give 5 abdominal thrusts using the Heimlich maneuver., Continue giving 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the victim begins...

4 Steps 1 min read Easy

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Confirm that choking is the cause of the person's distress.

    The person may have his hands at his throat, which is the universal sign for choking.

    Ask the person to nod if he is choking.

    If the person is panicking or not responding, look for other telltale signs of choking, such as failed attempts to speak or cough, or bluish lips.
  2. Step 2: Deliver 5 blows on the back with the heel of your hand.

    Your hand should land right between the shoulder blades. , Stand behind the choking victim and wrap your arms around her waist.

    Make a fist with 1 hand and hold the fist with the other hand.

    Place the thumb-side of your fist right above the victim's navel.

    Lean the victim slightly forward and press into her abdomen with a hard, upward thrust. ,
  3. Step 3: Give 5 abdominal thrusts using the Heimlich maneuver.

  4. Step 4: Continue giving 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the victim begins coughing or the object is dislodged.

Detailed Guide

The person may have his hands at his throat, which is the universal sign for choking.

Ask the person to nod if he is choking.

If the person is panicking or not responding, look for other telltale signs of choking, such as failed attempts to speak or cough, or bluish lips.

Your hand should land right between the shoulder blades. , Stand behind the choking victim and wrap your arms around her waist.

Make a fist with 1 hand and hold the fist with the other hand.

Place the thumb-side of your fist right above the victim's navel.

Lean the victim slightly forward and press into her abdomen with a hard, upward thrust. ,

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Betty Hughes

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