What To Do

If Someone Is Choking

Key Takeaway: If someone is choking and cannot speak, cough, or breathe, treat it as a medical emergency. Call 000, give 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts, and repeat until the airway clears or the person becomes unconscious. If they collapse, start CPR immediately.

🚨 Quick Action Guide

Situation You SeeImmediate Action
Person coughing or able to speakEncourage coughing, stay with them
Cannot speak, cough, or breatheCall 000, lean forward, give 5 back blows
Object not expelledGive 5 chest thrusts
Still chokingContinue 5 back blows → 5 chest thrusts
Person becomes limp or unconsciousCall 000, start CPR, get AED

⏱ Your First Steps

When someone suddenly grabs their throat, struggles to breathe, or cannot speak, choking may be occurring.

1. Ask if they are choking
If they can respond verbally, air is still moving.

2. Encourage coughing if effective
Coughing is the body’s strongest way to clear the airway.

3. Watch closely for worsening signs
Act immediately if they cannot speak, cough, or breathe.

🔴 Unable to Speak or Breathe (Severe Choking)

This is a life-threatening emergency.

  • Call 000
  • Lean the person forward
  • Give up to 5 firm back blows
  • If unsuccessful, give 5 chest thrusts
  • Repeat until clear or they collapse
a man gives a choking person backblows
a man is given chest thrusts

🟠 Choking but Conscious

  • Encourage strong coughing
  • Stay with them
  • Be ready to act if breathing worsens
  • Call 000 if not improving

🟢 If They Start Breathing or Talking Again

Keep them calm and seated, monitor breathing, and seek medical assessment if symptoms persist.

a man has recovered from choking

⚠️ If the Person Becomes Unconscious

  • Lower them to the ground
  • Call 000
  • Check breathing
  • If not breathing normally, start CPR
  • Send someone for an AED

❌ What NOT To Do

  • Don’t give food or drink
  • Don’t put your hand in their mouth — you can push the object deeper
  • Don’t hit the back if they are coughing effectively
  • Don’t delay calling for help

🎓 Why First Aid Training Matters

first aid training

Without oxygen, brain injury can begin within minutes. Rapid recognition and correct first aid can prevent cardiac arrest and save a life.

Choking emergencies are frightening, and many people hesitate because they are unsure what to do. First aid training provides a clear, practised response so you can act quickly and confidently.

In a nationally recognised course such as HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, participants learn how to manage choking using techniques aligned with Australian guidelines.

FAQs

Can someone choke even if they are still coughing?

Yes. Coughing means air is still moving and the airway is only partially blocked. Encourage strong coughing and monitor closely, as a partial obstruction can suddenly become complete.

What are the signs of severe choking?

Signs include inability to speak, silent attempts to cough, difficulty breathing, panic, clutching the throat, and little or no airflow. These signs require immediate emergency action.

Should I try to pull the object out with my fingers?

No. Putting your fingers into the mouth can push the object deeper or cause injury. Only remove something if it is clearly visible and easy to grasp.

What if the person becomes unconscious?

Lower them carefully to the ground, call 000, and begin CPR if they are not breathing normally. Send someone to get an AED if available.

🚨 Quick Summary

If someone is choking and cannot speak, cough, or breathe, call 000 immediately and begin first aid. Deliver 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts, repeating until the obstruction clears or the person becomes unconscious. If they collapse, start CPR and use an AED if available.

Fast action can save a life.

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