When an Adult Starts Choking
Choking can become serious within seconds. If the person can speak or cough strongly, ask them to keep coughing. Stay nearby and watch for any change.
A weak cough is more worrying. The person may hold their throat, struggle to speak, or make no sound at all. Their color may change, and they may appear confused. These signs show that the airway is severely blocked. Call 911 ASAP.
How to Help a Responsive Adult
The latest American Heart Association choking guidance uses a simple five-and-five sequence. Give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Follow them with five abdominal thrusts. Repeat these two actions until the object comes out or the person stops responding.
For someone in late pregnancy, use chest thrusts instead. Chest thrusts are also used when you cannot reach around the person’s abdomen.
What To Do If the Person Becomes Unresponsive
Gently lower the person onto their back on a firm, flat surface. Begin CPR with chest compressions and continue until emergency responders arrive. Before giving breaths, quickly check the mouth for a visible object. Remove an object only when you can see it clearly. Never sweep the mouth blindly with your finger. The American Red Cross also provides clear instructions for responding to choking.
Knowing the steps is useful. Practicing them with an instructor is even more important. Our combined CPR and First Aid classes in Vancouver, WA allow students to learn emergency skills through guided practice.
You may also find our CPR emergency response flowchart helpful. It explains what to do when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Before enrolling, read who needs CPR and First Aid certification in Washington. Current certificate holders can check our CPR renewal guide.
Keep the infographic below as a quick reminder. In a real emergency, call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
