Do This Right Now
Check if they can cough
If they are coughing forcefully, let them cough. Do NOT interfere. Stay close and watch.
Call 911 if they cannot breathe
If they cannot cough, cry, or breathe — or if coughing is weak and silent — call 911 immediately.
For babies under 1 year: 5 back blows + 5 chest thrusts
Hold baby face-down on your forearm, head lower than body. Give 5 firm back blows between shoulder blades with heel of hand. Flip over and give 5 chest thrusts with 2 fingers on breastbone. Repeat until object comes out or baby becomes unconscious.
Do NOT do the Heimlich manoeuvre on infants. Use back blows and chest thrusts only.
For children over 1 year: Heimlich manoeuvre
Stand behind the child. Make a fist and place it just above their belly button. Grab your fist with your other hand. Give quick upward thrusts. Repeat until object comes out or child becomes unconscious.
Do NOT do blind finger sweeps — you may push the object deeper.
If they become unconscious: start CPR
Lay them flat on their back. Begin CPR: 30 chest compressions then 2 rescue breaths. Before each set of breaths, look in the mouth — if you can SEE the object, remove it. Continue until help arrives.
Signs of True Choking - Act Immediately
Call 911 if you see any of these signs
- Cannot cough, cry, or make sound
- Silent coughing — mouth open, no air moving
- Skin turning blue or pale
- Grabbing at throat
- Panicked look, wide eyes
- Losing consciousness
Signs of Gagging (Not Choking)
Usually resolves on its own - stay close and monitor
- Loud coughing, gagging, or sputtering
- Can cry or make noise
- Face may be red but not blue
- Eyes watering
- Retching or vomiting
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put my finger in their mouth to get the object?
Only if you can clearly see the object. Blind finger sweeps can push the object deeper into the airway and make things worse.
What if my child is coughing? Should I do back blows?
No. If they are coughing forcefully, their body is doing the right thing. Stay close, encourage them, and do not interfere. Only act if the cough becomes silent or they stop breathing.
Do I still need to go to the ER if the object came out?
If back blows or the Heimlich were needed, yes. See a doctor to check for throat injury. If they coughed it out on their own and seem completely fine, call your doctor for guidance.
What are the most common choking hazards?
Hot dogs (cut into coins), grapes, popcorn, nuts, hard candy, small toys, coins, button batteries, and balloons. Cut round foods lengthwise, not into circles.
At what age does choking risk decrease?
The highest risk is under age 4 because of small airways and the tendency to put things in their mouth. Risk decreases as children learn to chew thoroughly, but choking can happen at any age.
This guide is for quick reference and does not replace professional medical advice. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or go to the ER.