Choking (for CONSCIOUS adult or child over 1 year)

Alternative names:

The first aid procedure for choking is also referred to as the Heimlich maneuver or abdominal thrusts.

First aid:

1. Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around their waist (or around their chest if obese or pregnant).
   
   
2. Make a fist. Place the thumb-side of your fist in the middle of the victim's abdomen, just above the navel and well below the tip of their breastbone (or on the middle of the victim's breastbone if the victim is pregnant or obese).
   
   
3. Grasp the fist with your other hand.
   
   
4. Keep your elbows out and press your fist into the victim's abdomen inward and upward with quick, distinct thrusts.
   
   
5. Continue these abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged, help arrives, or the victim loses consciousness.
   
   
6. If the victim loses consciousness, give first aid for an unconscious victim.
   
   
7. If the victim starts having convulsions or seizures, give first aid for this problem (see convulsion, first aid).

Do not:

• DO NOT interfere if the victim is coughing forcefully and is able to breathe in and out. However, be ready to act instantly if the victim's air exchange worsens.



• DO NOT pinch or poke an object that is lodged in the victim's throat. This might push it farther down the airway.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• The victim can't respond to a question about whether they are choking.

Updated Date: 02/09/00

Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial